Top 5 Must-Have Lumber Products For All Contractors
As a contractor, you know that “time is money” isn’t just a frivolous saying. By offering prompt services, you end up saving time, improving your workflow and keeping your clients happy. That’s a win-win-win!
However, it’s only possible when you have a couple of specific lumber products with you at all times. While it’s true every project will have its own requirements, the products we’re about to recommend are versatile enough to be applicable for tons of different tasks.
So if the last thing you want is to halt your job, we suggest keeping these lumber products on hand, whether you’re renovating, repairing, or building something new.
1. Cedar Wood
A perennial contractor favorite, cedar is perfect for all kinds of decorative and outdoor projects. Naturally resistant to pesky issues such as insects, rot, and moisture, cedar products do not need chemical treatments to last long, which makes them a safe choice. Easy to cut while being lightweight and stable, having cedar wood ready will help you deliver clean and durable results that satisfy your customers.
Ideal use cases for cedar are:
- Garden structures
- Decking and fencing
- Interior accent walls or closets
- Sidings and soffits
Pro Tip: Maintain a variety of profiles and sizes to cater to various jobs. From 1x6 boards to tongue-and-groove panels - this sheer range will help you implement design-forward structures.
2. Pressure-Treated Lumber
If the majority of your work involves outdoor spaces, you must keep a stack of pressure treated lumber on-hand, just in case. Infused with preservatives that extend its shelf-life and keep decay, fungal growth and termites at bay, pressure treated lumber can be safely used for ground-contact or load bearing projects.
That said, it’s ideal use cases include:
- Deck posts and frames
- Retaining walls and fence rails
- Landscaping structures and stair stringers
Pro Tip: if your project involves contact with soil or damp conditions, it’s best to choose lumber that has been specifically treated for ground contact. That way planter boxes, retaining walls and footings you build will last long.
3. Plywood and OSB Sheathing
OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board, and the reason why you need it along with plywood is because they are critical for structural sheathing in roofs, walls and floors. Each of these structures need strength and rigidity to maintain their integrity, which plywood and OSB sheathing can guarantee.
They can be ideally used to build:
- Roof decks and subfloors
- Wall sheathing
- Temporary work spaces or enclosures
Pro Tip: To cater to various structural demands, have 3/4" and 1/2" sheets on standby. Make sure the plywood you have is exterior grade too as it’s more versatile and long-lasting.
4. Engineered Wood Products
Whether it’s laminated veneer lumber (LVL) or i-joists, engineered wood’s superior strength and stability make it suitable for structural applications. Resistant to warping and shrinking, they are capable of carrying heavy loads for a long span.
Engineered wood is perfect for:
- Floor systems for residential projects
- Load-bearing headers
- Replacement for existing basement beams
- Supporting the second story of a project
Pro Tip: For faster installation of floor systems, it is best to pair LVL beams with i-joists. This also helps in reducing the instances of squeaking over time.
5. Building Products and Accessories
Apart from keeping a small selection of must-have lumber, you should also keep associated building products and accessories to assist you with various construction needs, such as:
- Moldings to finish interiors
- Door-related hardware for quick fixes
- Connectors and fasteners to ensure structural integrity
- Wood siding to enhance the aesthetics of exteriors
Pro Tip: Stocking up on the above accessories will ensure a professional finish while reducing downtime.
Conclusion
When you have all the necessary lumber products, you don’t have to visit your local yard frequently, thus reducing project delays. Moreover, the faster you finish your work, the happier your clients will be.
If you want to stock up on the highest quality of lumber products, visit Fonthill Lumber Inc. Our wide range covers everything - from cedar to pressure-treated wood, LVL beams, accessories, and beyond. Contact us today to get all of the lumber items you need for your next construction project.
