What Trees are Used for Lumber?
When it comes to the world of lumber, different types of trees serve varying purposes across various regions. In the Western USA, one of the dominant trees used for lumber is the Douglas-Fir. Moving down to the southeastern USA, the yellow pine, loblolly pine, and longleaf pine are also highly sought after. These trees, among others, play a crucial role in the commercial timber industry. If you're interested in learning more about which commercial trees are used in different parts of the country and internationally, a quick internet search can provide you with detailed information.
Common Types of Lumber Trees
One very common species used for lumber is the southern yellow pine. This type of pine is widely used in construction for creating framing materials such as 2x4s, 2x6s, and 2x8s. The lumber from these trees is typically kiln-dried to a moisture content of about 17%, which is suitable for structural uses.
For specialized woodworking, a wide variety of wood species can be utilized. From North America, popular choices include white oak, red oak, poplar, maple, walnut, cherry, and fir. Each species has its unique characteristics and applications in woodworking. While I often favor walnut, cherry, maple, and white oak for their superior wood quality and aesthetics, there are countless other species that can be used depending on the project's requirements. At my sawmill, I produce lumber from locally harvested trees, with a particular specialty in quarter-sawn white oak.
Quarter-Sawn White Oak: A Specialty Wood
Quarter-sawn white oak is a particularly sought-after species in woodworking due to its unique beauty and stability. By sawing the log in a specific manner, the growth rings are perpendicular to the surface of the board, resulting in highly figured patterns. This type of oak is favored by many furniture makers for its aesthetic quality. Additionally, quarter-sawn oak tends to be less prone to cupping and warping, making it a more stable choice as it dries.
A notable project involved selling quarter-sawn red oak to a client who specializes in repairing and restoring Shaker furniture in Kentucky. The high-quality and stability of the lumber made it ideal for this application, ensuring that the restored furniture would maintain its integrity.
Conclusion
The world of lumber is vast, with various trees and wood species serving different needs and purposes. From the dominant commercial trees in different regions to the specialized woods used in woodworking, understanding the types of trees used for lumber can help in making informed decisions. Whether you're a professional in the timber industry or an enthusiast exploring the world of wood, there's always something new to learn about these incredible resources.