Use and Care Guide

How to buy the best home-center lumber

What kinds of boards can I buy?

Construction lumber

Pine and Whitewood

Home centers have several aisles ﬁlled with stacks of wall studs and other “2-by” boards up to 12” wide. These boards

are made for building homes and other structures. Since they’re usually hidden inside walls or under ﬂoors, construction

boards don’t have to be pretty. They’re rated for strength and size — not for appearance.

Usually made from pine, or one of several similar species grouped as “whitewood,” 2-by dimensional boards can still be

useful for DIY projects. They’re readily available, relatively inexpensive, and easy to work with.

The key to success with construction lumber is taking extra time to sort through the stacks and ﬁnd the best-looking

boards with the fewest defects. (More on common wood defects later.)

Common Sizes 2x2, 2x3, 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10, 2x12

Softwood/Hardwood

Softwood

Color Light off-white to yellow

Appearance

Semi-smooth surfaces, rounded edges, has knots and imperfections, may have

gouges, grading stamps

Common DIY Uses Structures, farmhouse- and rustic-style furniture, storage & utility projects

Workability Easy to cut, drill, and glue; holds coarse-thread screws and nails

Cost $$$$$