Green Lumber: An Affordable Lumber Option

When it comes to sourcing lumber for your next big project, you probably know exactly what you want. A lot of thought goes into planning a big woodworking endeavor and you have probably made all kinds of considerations as to the materials you want to use. That is why it is important to work with a local hardwood lumber company that has a wide variety of products and can find exactly the material you need -- from classic hardwood options to green lumber and more.

At St. Charles Hardwoods, not only will you find traditional options like dry cedar, cherry, and poplar, but you will also find green versions of many of these too. While not all applications are right for green lumber, it can add a lot to the right project, and we are excited to now offer green wood options in addition to our usual hardwood fare. To learn more or make a purchase for your next project, come by our St. Charles store or contact us online or by phone. All green lumber sales are cut to order.

What is Green Lumber?

Most lumber, especially that sold for structural uses, is "dry" rather than "green". What this means is that the lumber has been dried after cutting to reduce the moisture content to below 19%. This is achieved either by air-drying or a more intensive, but quick kiln-drying process. Removing the moisture from lumber prevents warping or cracking later on as the wood dries naturally. Green lumber on the other hand retains moisture above 20% and often much higher. This gives the wood a softer and more flexible feel, which can be easier to work with in certain applications.

3 Benefits of Green Lumber

Previously associated with corner-cutting and structural issues, green lumber is making a comeback as talented woodworkers can use the material�s flexibility to create fresh designs and standout patterns. Green lumber is especially useful for testing skills and tools, as well as prototyping new ideas. Since it is cheaper and easier to work with, it is the perfect lumber for test-pieces.

Here are the main benefits associated with green lumber:

• Since there is no drying process, it is typically cheaper than traditional hardwood lumber.
• For people learning to work with wood, it is an easier material to drive nails into, cut, and more, and it is more resistant to splitting and breaking. This also makes it good for detailed work or ornamentation.
• Finally, as the wood does dry, it will warp a bit and change which gives the surface a very unique look. This is one way to get a fashionable "distressed" look on a wood surface -- just be sure the lumber is not going to cause structural issues by warping.

Find a Variety of Wood & Lumber Styles at St. Charles Hardwoods

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons to use green lumber, and for the right project, it can be the perfect choice. So, if you are looking for that special look or want something to work in detail, take a look at St. Charles Hardwoods� collection of green lumber. We offer a wide variety of woods and styles and you are sure to find what you need.

In fact, as a leading hardwood lumber company in the St. Louis area, we pride ourselves on providing all the lumber and finishing pieces you might need. Get in touch with us online, come by, or give us a call at (636) 926-2000 to learn more.