clonestocker
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I just got a quote for the lumber package for our garage. All the framing members are "Premium KD S4S Whitewood". Is this the go to lumber these days? thx matt
Framing Materials
- Thread starter clonestocker
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matt_i
Well-known member
First, I'd get multiple quotes to help you decide.
I personally don't have time to mess with bad, waned, bowed lumber and so I puchased the 'premium' framing timber from the lumber yard. I'm supplying free labor and have less hours to work on it than a contractor and I probably work slower than they do because I'm not trying to make a profit on my own job.
I personally don't have time to mess with bad, waned, bowed lumber and so I puchased the 'premium' framing timber from the lumber yard. I'm supplying free labor and have less hours to work on it than a contractor and I probably work slower than they do because I'm not trying to make a profit on my own job.
ard
Well-known member
what is 'whitewood'????????
never heard of that as a graded lumber type. IMO someone is being purposefully vague about the lumber they are actually supplying.
never heard of that as a graded lumber type. IMO someone is being purposefully vague about the lumber they are actually supplying.
rust in the eye
Well-known member
"white wood" could be pine, spruce, fir or others. Guaranteed to be fast grown and light weight.
I've sorted through lots of bunks of "premium" lumber looking for "good" lumber.
Douglas fir is better but more expensive and not always available in all the sizes you'll need.
If apples to apples lumber prices ought to be pretty close between vendors, it's a competitive business. A real lumber yard may be no or little more than those who'd prefer to sell dog beds and holiday decorations.
I've sorted through lots of bunks of "premium" lumber looking for "good" lumber.
Douglas fir is better but more expensive and not always available in all the sizes you'll need.
If apples to apples lumber prices ought to be pretty close between vendors, it's a competitive business. A real lumber yard may be no or little more than those who'd prefer to sell dog beds and holiday decorations.
bmwpowere36m3
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Agree, depends on what your looking for. For my garage build I quoted kiln-dried (KD) douglas fir (DF) for the studs, sills and some headers (overhead doors where LVLs). At least around me, KD DF gets you premium grade material that #2 or better.
As far as price, on a ~$3000 quote two lumber yards where within $50-100 and the third was much higher, but I expected it due to market.
TurnipTruck
Well-known member
In my experience, Depot uses “white wood” to differentiate from pressure treated wood.
shelteredV
Well-known member
Interesting thread. I use 90% engineered lumber all the way through my builds. From timberstrand stud material to LVL header, rafter, and joists, to TJI joists where necessary. We avoid farm raised lumber as much as possible, it shrinks and moves unacceptable amounts.
DFB
Well-known member
Just calling it out as White Wood hey...that's a new one on me
Pretty much encompasses anything SPF, SYF SYP
Pretty much encompasses anything SPF, SYF SYP
Southern yellow pine (SYP) is the densest softwood for framing that's available. That's the stuff I'd ask for quotes on. It's heavier but it holds nails better, and stronger overall and a good material to work with, if maybe a bit more splintery than other framing woods.
Whitewood as I've seen is as light as balsa wood. If I was just picking up a couple 2-4's I wouldn't care, but a major project I would.
Whitewood as I've seen is as light as balsa wood. If I was just picking up a couple 2-4's I wouldn't care, but a major project I would.
OP
clonestocker
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I did get a little more info. It's premium grade #1 White fir. I got the name of the company from a builder and he uses them because of the quality of the lumber.
Dagny
Well-known member
Of all the woods mentioned I would choose the doug fir. The strength is equal or better than the others and it's easier to work with than yellow pine.
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
Don't go to a box store for your lumber. Go to a lumberyard. They seem to carry better lumber. Anything I have ever bought from HD, Lowes....will warp like crazy in a day or two.
Skiff Builder
Well-known member
I used White Fir 2x10 on a building jig. Straight grained,clean plenty strong enough. Have only found it in Southern NJ. North NJ is Doug Fir or SPF.
Pic below. Nicer than SPF I see sold here.
Attachments
ard
Well-known member
Just to be clear...
"whitewood" is not a lumber grade. Could be a lot of things, but it could also be ****.
There is a reason we have lumber grading...that way everyone from the builder, buyer, designer, inspector knows what they are getting.
OP- dont get confused by people telling you about their lumber and projects- doenst matter a bit. TO YOU. What matters is what they actually will ship under the useless term of 'whitewood'
"whitewood" is not a lumber grade. Could be a lot of things, but it could also be ****.
There is a reason we have lumber grading...that way everyone from the builder, buyer, designer, inspector knows what they are getting.
OP- dont get confused by people telling you about their lumber and projects- doenst matter a bit. TO YOU. What matters is what they actually will ship under the useless term of 'whitewood'
Skiff Builder
Well-known member
firebirdparts
Well-known member
I guess to answer the original question, that is not the go to lumber these days. Sounds like it might be pretty good, though.
vavet
Well-known member
Forgive the ignorant question - why would it need to be S4S? That means sanded 4 sides, right? You don't need that for rough framing lumber, do you?
AZ Pete
Well-known member
S4S stands for Surfaced Four Sides (planed) which gives consistent dimensions
Lynden
Well-known member
If you live in a part of the country where termites or other destructive insects are a problem, BluWood or one of the borate-treated lumber options should be considered.
https://www.conradfp.com/building-products-bluwood.php
https://www.conradfp.com/building-products-bluwood.php
ard
Well-known member
totally my bad- i missed his post #`12
However you will note that what they told him: "premium grade #1 White fir" is NOT a lumber grade from your excerpt. ie white fir is B& Better select or C select or D select. Right? not "Premium grade #1".
Unless they are using a different grading system, other than WWPA.
S4S is 'surfaced' 4 sides. You want this for ALL framing lumber for stick built stuff. S2S is usually rough sawn on the narrow edges. (ie where sheetrock and siding is nailed) Fine for some things, but IMO not a framed, closed building. Also, the dimensions of s4s (in terms of 2x4, 2x6, etc) are all well known and stack up in a known and controlled manner.
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Skiff Builder
Well-known member
Ard, it's very flattering, but don't just go by my little excerpt, as a knowledge base of W.Fir grading by WWPA
. I don't have time to provide full research! Check deeper, the WWPA say they have 5 grades for common White Fir- 1,2,3.........I'll leave it at that, there's some more to it.
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