Southern Forest Products Association’s Post

Lumber mills typically saw logs into certain actual dimensions but, as the timber is processed, the width and thickness of the end product is consistently less. So why is a 2”x4”, for example, not actually sized 2”x4” 👉 https://ow.ly/wPZQ50UtHFO #southernpine #pine #lumber #dimensionallumber #wood #woodmanufacturing #lumbermanufacturing #buildwithwood

Have you ever wondered why a 2×4 doesn’t actually measure exactly 2 inches by 4 inches? U.S. lumber sizes come in four categories: boards (1-inch thick) dimension lumber (2-4 inches thick) timbers (greater than 5-inches thick), and radius edge decking (5/4 inches-thick with curved edges) The table above shows the difference between actual dimensions and what’s called nominal dimensions. But why is a 2″x4″, for example, not actually sized 2″x4″? Lumber mills typically saw logs into the above-mentioned actual dimensions but, as the timber is processed, the width and thickness of the end product is consistently less. Newly-sawn lumber, such as a 2×4, is soaking wet before kiln drying. It then shrinks as it’s dried and is further reduced in size after being planed from “rough” to “surfaced” lumber. As to lengths, an 8″, 10″, 12″ etc. foot length always measures as stated. Importantly, regardless of the moniker, the end product is consistently the same dimensions as required by U.S. grading rules. Fun fact: There were no standards on uniform lumber sizes in the U.S. in the 19th Century. Mills produced dimensions at their will, greatly confusing buyers and builders. Congress and the lumber industry settled on standardized sizes beginning in the 1920s, which we now see today.

Ripping lumber is when lumber dealers will “rip” – or split in two – a piece of lumber to yield two boards from one. That may be a money-saving option, but it is recommended not to use “ripped” lumber structurally. Learn more about this process and why it's not recommended 👇 #lumber #wood #southerpine #pine #forestproducts #rippinglumber #stability #construction

🚨 Don't let low-quality lumber cost you more than you expect! Dive into the hidden dangers of buying subpar wood—from structural weaknesses to higher long-term costs. Learn how investing in quality lumber can save you time, money, and customer frustrations. #hardwood #lumber

Softwood lumber prices are nearing lows not seen since pre-covid, and the question on many mill-operators minds remains; Will there be an out-of-season price rally in 2H24? That answer depends on the mix of end-products a mill is producing, and thus exposure to repair / remodel vs. new construction: Wholesale pricing for softwood 2-by lumber, the backbone of construction framing, was down -10% YOY in June 2024 after out-of-season price deceleration in 2Q24. The initial price dip in May 2024 lines up with a dip in single-family starts (down -0.5% in May 2024 vs May 2023). Softwood lumber less than 2-inches, more exposed to repair/remodel given it's usage in trim/molding, paneling, and siding did not see the same price deceleration as it is less exposed to single-family new construction. Additionally, we think repair/remodel is starting to 'turn a corner' (still not positive YOY, but nearing a positive mark). Alternative wood products (trusses, LVL, engineered wood) are also benefitting from a return to stability in R/R, but did not see the same level of price declines as less-than-2-inch lumber did during the steep R/R downturn in 2023. *Indices #jbrec #buildingproducts #lumber #timber #sawmill #woodproducts #2by4 #trusses #engineeredwood #veneer #repairandremodel #remodeling

Unlike visually graded lumber, E-grades are machine-graded based on their Modulus of Elasticity (E), which measures stiffness. This ensures consistent performance—perfect for applications like laminated beams or engineered wood products, where stiffness is key. Curious about all the Southern Pine grades? Learn more about nearly 95 grades and how they suit various applications. https://buff.ly/3BMg3xz #SouthernPine #Lumber #WoodEngineering #BuildWithWood #ConstructionPro #LumberGrades

Did you know? The ductility of a material impacts the success of burnishing! High-ductility metals allow for smoother finishes, while low-ductility materials may require finer starting surfaces. Read more here🔗 https://zurl.co/2pI8 #ABMABoiler #ABMABoilerWeeklyNewsletter

Unlike visually graded lumber, E-grades are machine-graded based on their Modulus of Elasticity (E), which measures stiffness. This ensures consistent performance—perfect for applications like laminated beams or engineered wood products, where stiffness is key. Curious about all the Southern Pine grades? Learn more about nearly 95 grades and how they suit various applications. https://buff.ly/3BMg3xz #SouthernPine #Lumber #WoodEngineering #BuildWithWood #ConstructionPro #LumberGrades

Last month we talked about sawing patterns and if you read that blog, you might have some questions about lumber surfaces and their properties. We tackle that here. #hardwoodlumber #hardwoods #lumberexperts

Product Size It’s all around us – product downsizing, additional fees and lower service levels. Lumber is one of the few remaining categories used commonly where the product has not been “down-sized”. For example, a 2x4 has measured 1-1/2” x 3-1/2” for many decades. And it still needs to be 8’ or other length as specified. Any changes to down-sizing would mean changing building codes, building practices, the hardware used in conjunction, and so on. Recently, we noticed even premium toilet paper is being downsized. Sure…. it’s still extra absorbent, two ply and so on. However, the width of the roll is now over ½” narrower. Think of the billions of rolls sold over a year and how much that ½” saves a manufacturer. Remember this when evaluating the price of wood products. Stop in / Give us a call / Visit our website: LAKEWOOD: 1741 S. Wadsworth Blvd.📞 303-988-5980 FORT LUPTON: 805 14th Street 📞 720-683-7162 🌐 https://buff.ly/3DiQILH