Composite lumber is a material made by combining wood fibers with plastic binders. It's designed to mimic the appearance of natural wood while offering enhanced durability and lower maintenance. Commonly used in decking and outdoor structures, it resists rot, insects, and weathering better than traditional wood.
Brown treated lumber is wood that has been infused with preservatives and a brown dye, enhancing its durability and resistance to decay, insects, and weather. This treatment extends its lifespan, making it ideal for outdoor projects like decks and fences. The brown color provides a finished look without needing paint or stain.
A 4x4 wood refers to a piece of lumber nominally measured at 4 inches by 4 inches in cross-section. However, its actual dimensions are typically 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches due to the planing process. It's commonly used in construction for structural support, such as in framing or building posts.
A 2x6 board is a piece of lumber nominally measuring 2 inches thick by 6 inches wide. Commonly used in construction, its actual dimensions are typically 1.5 inches by 5.5 inches due to the planing process. It's versatile for framing, structural supports, and other building applications.
Rough cut lumber refers to wood that has been sawn from logs but not yet planed or sanded, leaving a coarse, unfinished surface. It retains its original thickness and width, often used for rustic projects or as a cost-effective material that allows for custom sizing and finishing by the user.
Beech wood features a pale cream color, often with a pink or brown hue. It has a fine, straight grain and smooth texture. The wood surface is typically uniform, making it ideal for furniture and flooring. Beech also displays a subtle, attractive figure when quarter-sawn, enhancing its visual appeal.
Ash wood features a light to medium brown color, often with a straight grain and uniform texture. It may exhibit a pale white to light brown hue in the sapwood, contrasting slightly with the heartwood. Ash is also known for its prominent growth rings, giving it a distinctive, attractive appearance.
Quarter sawn wood refers to lumber produced by cutting a log radially into quarters, then slicing each quarter at a 90-degree angle to the tree's growth rings. This technique enhances wood stability, reduces warping, showcases a distinctive grain pattern, and highlights the wood's natural figure, particularly in oak.
Incised timber refers to wood that has been mechanically etched with small cuts on its surface. This process is primarily used to enhance the penetration and effectiveness of preservatives, improving the timber's resistance to decay and extending its durability, especially in outdoor or exposed environments.
In lumber terminology, "8/4" (read as "eight-quarter") refers to the thickness of the wood, which is two inches. The "quarter" system measures lumber thickness in quarter-inch increments, so 8/4 indicates eight quarters, or two inches. This measurement is typically used before the wood is planed or finished.
In lumber, "6/4" (read as "six-quarter") refers to the thickness of the wood, which is 1.5 inches. This nominal measurement is used before the wood is planed or finished, so the actual thickness might be slightly less. It's commonly used in woodworking and carpentry for various building projects.
In lumber, 5/4 (read as "five-quarter") refers to the thickness of the wood, which is 1.25 inches. This nominal measurement is used before the lumber is planed and finished, so the actual thickness might be slightly less. It's commonly used for decking and other outdoor projects.
In lumber, "4/4" (pronounced "four-quarter") refers to the thickness of the wood, which is one inch. It's a traditional measurement used in sawmills, indicating that the rough board started at approximately one inch thick before any planing or finishing. This notation helps standardize wood sizes for various woodworking projects.
To treat lumber, various methods are used including pressure treatment with chemicals like chromated copper arsenate (CCA) to prevent rot and insect damage, fire retardants for enhanced fire resistance, and water repellents. Surface coatings such as paint or stain are also applied to protect and enhance the wood's appearance.
To get lumber at Menards, visit your local store or browse their website. Select the type and quantity of lumber you need. Purchase in-store or online with options for delivery or in-store pickup. For assistance, consult Menards team members who can help with selections and provide project advice.
