DIYers come in various levels of experience, and for those who are new to the world of DIY, understanding the basics of lumber is essential. This article aims to provide an overview of different types of lumber, ranging from tropical/exotic hardwoods like Meranti and Ipe, to cedar and pine.
We will explore their characteristics, applications, qualities, where they can be found, and the major differences between each type of wood and give you an understanding of what building material is best for deck and house siding.
Tropical & Exotic Hardwoods
Meranti is a versatile hardwood with a reddish-brown color and a straight grain. It is moderately dense and offers excellent resistance to rot and decay. Meranti wood trees are grown naturally in southeast Asia, in such countries as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Meranti is commonly used for exterior applications such as doors, windows, and outdoor furniture. Meranti has mostly straight grain, with some variation, and beautiful rich hues. Our customers love using Meranti to make furniture! See our Meranti tabletop video below:
Ipe is extremely dense and features a rich dark brown color with a fine texture. Ipe is known for being a dense material, making it more challenging to work with, but is also more durable. Ipe originates from the forests of South America, most notably, Brazil.
Ipe is often chosen for outdoor decking, house siding, and high-end furniture due to its exceptional durability. Ipe can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor projects. Ipe does require annual oiling to keep it in tip-top shape. Ipe can be very tough on tools and equipment double check that your tools are up to the task.
Whether you prefer Ipe or meranti for your project, Warehouse ’71 offers both types of exotic hardwood lumber options at a discounted rate.
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Cedar / Western Red Cedar
Inland Red Cedar
Cedar is widely used for exterior projects such as exterior siding, decking, fences, and outdoor furniture. It is also favored for indoor projects like paneling, trim, and closets due to its natural resistance to moisture and insects. View cedar products from Warehouse ’71 that includes deck boards, shingle siding and paneling.
Cedar is a popular softwood known for its natural beauty, pleasant aroma, and versatility. Inland Red cedar is a common version of cedar that is used in DIY projects. Inland Red Cedar is primarily found in the central and eastern regions of North America, including parts of the United States and Canada.
Cedar possesses natural oils that act as preservatives, making it resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. It is also able to remain unaffected by changes in humidity or temperature.
Western Red Cedar is found in west coastal regions of North America, mainly in British Columbia, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Western Red Cedar is generally considered to be durable and is vibrant. This type of cedar is more widely available on the market.
Both Inland Red Cedar and Western Red Cedar have a reddish-brown appearance with a fine, straight grain. Over time, cedar can develop a beautiful patina, which adds character and charm to the wood.
Many DIYers have selected these woods for both outside and inside applications – including deck, siding and indoor projects around the home because of the versatility of the wood.
Pine
Easter White Pine
Pine is commonly used for interior applications such as cabinetry, furniture, trim, and paneling. It is also used for structural purposes in construction, including framing and flooring. Pine is a common softwood known for its affordability and versatility, making it a popular choice for a wide range of DIY projects. Pine overall has a lightweight nature and has a lighter color.
Eastern White Pine is light in color with a straight gain and is primarily found in the northeastern regions of North America, including the United States and Canada.
Pine is relatively easy to work with due to its softer nature. It can be easily stained or painted to achieve the desired finish. While it is less resistant to decay and insects compared to hardwoods and cedar, proper treatment can enhance its overall durability. Keep an eye on our website for new Eastern White Pine products coming soon!
Southern Yellow Pine
Southern Yellow Pine has a yellowish hue with a distinctive grain pattern. Southern Yellow Pine, as the name suggests, is native to the southeastern United States.
Southern yellow pine is a popular type of wood that is commonly pressure treated for use outdoors because of its strength. One such application is decking, because of its soft yellow color that looks good in any environment. Southern yellow pine also makes beautiful indoor flooring with its warm hues and durability. This type of pine flooring is in stock and ready to ship, straight from Warehouse ’71.
Understanding the basics of the different types of lumber is essential for DIY enthusiasts. Whether you choose tropical hardwoods, cedar varieties, or pine options, each type of wood offers unique characteristics, applications, and qualities. By considering these factors and understanding their differences, you can make informed decisions when selecting lumber for your DIY projects.
TimberTech products offer each of these types of woods as well as composite decking made from PVC materials for your projects, and Warehouse ’71 has the products needed to complete your DIY project, from deck to siding and more.
TimberTech products offer each of these types of woods as
well as composite decking made from PVC materials for your projects, and
Warehouse ’71 has the products needed to complete your DIY project, from deck
to siding and more.
About Warehouse ’71
Warehouse ‘71’s lumber department is growing tremendously. We are expanding our lumber collection for all different applications. We have cedar, decking lumber, exotic hardwoods and more! We currently have plenty of items at a volume discount. Check out our store here.
