Types Of Softwood Lumber In Westchester, NY For Woodworking

If you are interested in woodworking, you probably already know that there is a huge variety of types of lumber in Westchester, NY that you can choose to work with.  But which one is best suited for your purposes?  This article will discuss the attributes of a variety of lumber cut from softwood. 

The name softwood can be a little deceiving.  This type of lumber in Westchester, NY is not necessarily weaker than hardwoods, but it comes from coniferous trees.  Softwood can be cheaper than hardwoods because coniferous trees tend to grow faster.  They tend to have a yellow or red hue.  Softwoods can be obtained from tree farms, so you can feel good about not contributing to deforestation.

Cedar is a common source of softwood lumber.  Its reddish color and aromatic smell are attractive features.  It is one of the softer woods and features a straight grain.  A variety of cedar that is commonly used in outdoor furniture and decks is Western Red Cedar.  This is because cedar holds up well against the elements without warping or rotting.  It is also a popular choice for hope chests, or cedar chests. 

Another type of softwood lumber in Westchester, NY is fir, or Douglas Fir.  This wood is very common and generally inexpensive.  It is usually reddish brown and features a straight grain.  It is one of the hardest of the softwoods, scoring a 4 on the hardness scale of 1 to 4.  Because of this it is a popular choice for construction projects, but it is also used in furniture building.  It does not accept stain very well, so you will probably want to paint your finished project instead.

Pine is a type of softwood that is available in a variety of types such as Ponderosa Pine and White Pine.  This type of wood is popular for furniture building.  It can be cut up and used in dimensional lumber.  Some wood workers even prefer to use the whole log in their building projects.  This can lend the piece a more rustic and natural feel that is popular in some areas of the country.  Pine is usually relatively soft, so it is a popular choice among carvers.

Like Cedar, Redwood is a popular choice when building projects for outdoor use.  It is generally water resistant and can hold up well against wet weather.  It features a beautiful reddish tint and a straight grain.  Depending on where you live, it can be an affordable choice of lumber for your building projects.