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Hardwood

Hardwood Lumber

Hardwoods are high-quality woods that typically come from oak, poplar, maple, walnut, hickory, and cherry trees. They are higher in density and therefore stronger than most other wood choices, especially softwoods. It has a more complex grain arrangement and is harder to cut but that is what also makes it last for years when you use hardwood in your projects.

Benefits of Hardwood Lumber

Hardwood is used for projects that are meant to last a very long time. Its genetic make-up allows it to withstand wear and tear over the years which makes it a great option for projects that will see everyday use. Here are some of the benefits to choosing hardwood for your next home project.

  • Aesthetic – Hardwoods are beautiful. They will make any project look great whether left showing their natural color, stained, or painted. Hardwood’s look, and pricing, will add value to your home. Potential buyers are more likely to purchase a home that shows hardwood installed as flooring, doors, and walls, than they are when they see the alternatives such as carpeting. No matter your home’s decor, hardwood will elevate the look and add a high-quality design that will truly show itself off to guests.
  • Low maintenance – Hardwoods do not scratch or dent easily. They also do not collect dust the way softwoods do, so an easy sweep and mop are all it takes to keep it looking new. Because of its natural density, hardwood also traps heat better than nearly any other type of wood, and stays naturally warmer. This is great when walking on your hardwood floor in the winter time!
  • Value – Hardwood is a high-value, long-lasting quality wood that raises the worth of whatever project you use it for. If you want a wood that has the strength to last generations and look beautiful the whole time, this is the wood for you.

Common Projects Using Hardwood Lumber

Hardwoods are typically used for indoor applications but certainly not limited to interior projects. Here are some of the most common uses for hardwoods.

  • Flooring – Probably the number one use of hardwood is for flooring. There’s just no beating the look, feel, and low-maintenance that hardwood flooring gives you. You may find yourself staring at your floor in admiration from time to time over the years because it will astonish you as to how beautiful it looks, no matter how much it’s walked upon or for how long.
  • Furniture – Though hardwood furniture will be a little heavier than softwood furniture, it will also have the ability to withstand the daily use that furniture requires. Chairs, tables, couches, bed frames, and more are all brought to a new height of elegance when made from hardwoods, and you can bet they’ll last an extremely long time.
  • Cutting boards and islands – Hardwoods are the best wood choice for cutting boards and kitchen islands because of their density and strength. The durability of hardwoods allows for it to be cut upon for years. You can truly maneuver around your kitchen island, cutting and dropping materials onto it, for years before you ever need to consider buffing out cut marks or dents. In fact, you may find you’ll need to sharpen your knives several times over long before you need to worry about the cutting surface!
  • Doors – Doors made from hardwoods are strong, durable, long lasting doors that can take pounding, slamming, kicking, and more, and you would probably hardly know it. Not only will they withstand the elements on the outside and the wear and tear of use, but doors made from hardwoods will give guests entering your home a sense of beauty, style, and sophistication. They will also give you a sense of pride, security, and reliability.

Handling, Safety Tips, and Maintenance

  • Sawdust & debris – Clean all remnants of your construction and dispose of them properly. For any leftover pieces of raw lumber, contact a wood-waste dealer or your local waste disposal provider for details on recycling or repurposing.
  • Protective gear – Wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting any lumber.
  • Painting & staining – When staining or painting hardwoods, there’s a few tricks to do first. Sand the surface so your project has an even look and feel to it. Wipe down the entire surface with a damp cloth to remove all loose sawdust debris. Apply the stain of your choosing evenly throughout the project. After that has dried, apply your finish for protection. If painting your hardwood instead of staining, follow the first two steps before applying your new color.

Hardwood Lumber Dimensions and Current Stock

View the charts below to see what we currently have in stock:

Oak

Poplar

Maple

Cherry

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