Raw Lumber

Select a species based on appearance, hardness, and stability (e.g., hardwoods for furniture, softwoods for framing), then choose a grade that matches the visible defects tolerance: higher grades have fewer knots and defects for fine finish work, while lower grades are acceptable for structural or rustic uses

Lumber is sold as boards, planks, dimensional lumber, and slabs with typical thicknesses and widths; measure your project, account for saw and planing loss, and choose stock slightly larger than final dimensions so you can mill to exact size

Check moisture content with a meter or ask for kiln-dried vs. green stock; kiln-dried lumber (typically 6–12% MC for indoor use) should be acclimated to your shop for several days to weeks to reduce movement and avoid warping or joint gaps after installation

Prices vary by species, grade, and form; budget options can be under $50 per board for common softwoods, while exotic or high-grade hardwoods rise substantially; expect higher costs for wider, thicker, and premium-grade pieces

Store lumber flat on a level, supported surface with stickers between layers to allow air circulation, keep it off the ground and covered from direct weather, and maintain a stable indoor humidity to minimize cupping, warping, and mold

Hardwoods and oily exotics may require different cutters, slower feed rates, and specific finishes; test-planing, sanding, and finishing on a scrap piece to check tearout, stain response, and glue compatibility helps avoid surprises

Look for species listed by credible sustainability programs or ask for documentation of legal harvest and chain-of-custody; reclaimed and domestically sourced woods generally have lower transport impact, while certified options indicate managed harvesting practices