Pine to Cedar: How to Choose the Best Wood for Construction?

Wood is one of the primary materials used in all kinds of construction projects. This is because wood is a strong, stable and durable material that can be produced both naturally and in a factory. Naturally produced wood, also called solid wood, is generally stronger and more durable but may not be as easily available at a low price in all locations, which is why different types of manufactured wood are used, which can be equally strong but inexpensively priced.

If you are starting a construction project, solid wood is your best option if you can access and afford it. There are many species of wood, each with its own unique advantages and features. To make sure that you’re using the right type of wood in your construction project, read here all about the best types of wood for construction.

Before we talk about the top species of construction wood, let’s first learn about the two most common types of wood – softwood and hardwood.

Softwood is produced from trees that have cones in place of leaves. Pine, for example. These are generally called conifer trees. Hardwoods are obtained from leaf-bearing trees such as walnut and teak. When compared to each other, hardwoods are generally heavier, harder, denser and more durable, which makes them suitable for heavy-duty applications and projects where durability is a concern. Softwoods are less strong, lightweight and less durable. They are, however, very easy to work with because of their low density. Softwoods are often preferred for interior applications, including the construction of doors, windows, furniture, etc.

It is not as easy to select between hardwood and softwood as it might sound because each species of hardwood or softwood has distinct characteristics and you may need to do a lot more research in order to find out the best wood for your construction project. Start with this list of the best construction woods.

Pine

Pine is a softwood. Despite being softwood, pine is a woodworker-favourite for construction projects. This is because it is lightweight, moderately durable and fairly easy to work with. Pine wood is not naturally-resistant to insects and decay but can be made more durable with external treatment.

Pine is a whitish-yellow softwood with a straight grain and medium texture. Besides being easy to work with, pine is also easy to stain and shape (bend). Pinewood is also favoured for its resistance to shrinking, swelling and warping of wood due to weather and other external forces. It is used in the construction of doors, frames, building structures, furniture, plyboard, & more.

Southern Yellow Pine

This type of wood is known for its strength and durability. It is commonly used for framing, flooring, and decking in both residential and commercial construction. Southern yellow pine is a softwood that comes from the southern regions of the United States. It is known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for framing, flooring, and decking. It is also a popular choice for construction projects that require a wood that is resistant to decay and rot.

Oak

Oak is another wood commonly used in the construction industry. It is a strong and durable hardwood that is favoured for the structure of buildings. Oak is naturally hard and very durable. It is resistant to both moisture and decay due to insect attacks. The high quality of oak is backed by its incredible appearance, which includes a brownish-red hue and often darker-coloured streaks.

Oak is naturally resistant to insects and pests and can withstand moisture even without any treatment, which is why it is preferred for exterior applications such as outdoor furniture, boatbuilding and cladding. Oak is, though, not easily available in all locations and can be moderate to very expensive

Cedarwood

Cedar is a softwood that is resistant to insects and decay. It is also fairly easy to work with and bends easily. Despite being very soft, cedar is suitable for many outdoor applications because of its decent durability. It should not be, however, used for flooring because it might catch dents easily. Cedar has a straight and uniform texture. It is red-brown coloured with lighter lines on its sawn surfaces. It is used for making boxes, drawers, wardrobes and other low-end furniture pieces.

Western Red Cedar, which is a stronger and more durable option, is often used for the construction of houses. It has a low shrinkage ratio and is also resistant to decay and insects.

Spruce

Spruce softwood is light and soft but has high durability in terms of decay resistance. The wood is also resistant to cracking, which means it doesn’t crack easily, which is why it is used in construction. As a softwood, spruce is often used for light construction and applications such as framing. It is a white-coloured wood that can maintain its natural colour for a long time.

Teak

Teak is considered a gold standard for construction. It is a very strong and durable hardwood and has a natural resistance to moisture, insects and decay. It is used for a wide range of applications, from interior uses including furniture, window frames, beds, etc. to outdoor furniture, decking, cladding, boatbuilding, plywood, and others.

Teak looks fantastic in its natural light golden brownish hue that becomes darker with age or constant exposure to sunlight.

Douglas Fir

Though Douglas Fir is a softwood, it is a common choice for construction projects because of its high-grade qualities, easy availability and low price. The wood has outstanding structural strength, which makes it suitable for the construction of building frames, furniture and other things. It is mainly used for the construction of small residential and commercial buildings.

The light reddish-brown colour of Douglas Fir makes it suitable for all construction scenarios. It is also naturally resistant to decay and can be used in outdoor areas of the building. Other than that, this wood is also used for building flooring, cabinetry, and bridges.

Hemlock

Hemlock is a less-known but equally good type of construction timber. It is a softwood with a light cream heartwood and darker streaks across its surface. Hemlock is strong, lightweight, moderately durable, and easy to work with. It is also easily available. Common uses include the construction of subflooring, lumber, interior woodworking, mouldings, false ceilings, doors, window frames, ladders, etc.

Redwood

This type of wood is known for its natural resistance to rot and decay. It is often used for outdoor construction, such as decks, fences, and siding. Redwood is a softwood that comes from the Pacific coast of North America. It is known for its natural resistance to rot and decay, making it a popular choice for outdoor construction projects, such as decks, fences, and siding. It is also a popular choice for construction projects that require a wood that is resistant to decay and rot.

It’s worth mentioning that all wood species have different grades and qualities, and that’s why it’s important to know the origin, the age, and the way it was harvested, dried and treated before using it on construction projects.

Where to buy the Best-Quality construction wood in the UK?

Wondering about the best place to buy top-quality construction wood at the right price in the UK? Contact White Knight Consulting Ltd. a UK Based Timber Wood Supplier, Exporter and Manufacturer for all your timber requirements. We deal in sustainable, premium-quality, construction-grade timber in more than 40 varieties. We can provide any of the top species of timber in your preferred size and dimensions with doorstep delivery anywhere in the country. Contact us to know more.