Hardwoods

Oak, cherry, maple and poplar are readily available in pre-machined board sizes (1x4, 1x6, 1x8, 1x10 and 1x12). The most common thickness will be 4/4, netting out to approximately ¾”, 5/4 thickness is approx 1-1/8” thick, 6/4 is 1-3/8” and 8/4 is 1-3/4”. Many other species are available as follows:

S2S (Surfaced 2 Sides): Individual boards that have been planed down to the net 13/16” thickness (other thicknesses available). This enables you to view the entire board for appearance. If requested, the wood can be additionally machined. Remember that each additional machining step will add expense for the milling completed and the “lost” wood to further refine the board(s). Put another way – you’re paying for the work to create a beautiful board and the scraps that you’ll never see.

SLR (Straight Line Ripped): One of the plank's edges has been cut straight so that you can place that edge against your saw fence and rip to whatever exact width you need. Keep in mind that the boards can be of varying width from one end to the other.

Rough Sawn: These are boards that have been rough sawn by the mill and shipped. If you order 1” thickness, that’s what you receive. Although this is the most economical way to buy hardwoods since there hasn’t been additional milling done to the boards; the roughness of the boards can hide both the beauties and the beasts. Obviously you maximize yield off the wood but end up doing most of the work (planning, straight line ripping, etc).

S4S (Surfaced 4 Sides): S4S boards are perfectly machined boards (i.e. 1x6 nominal, net measurement is 5½"). This is the MOST expensive way to purchase hardwoods because you’re indirectly paying for all the work and waste that goes into making that “perfect” board.

Types Of Wood

When deciding what type of wood to use, consider the following:

Availability

Many types of wood are highly desirable; however may only be available in short lengths, narrow pieces, select grades, etc. We suggest that you always buy more than what you believe you’ll need to insure enough of the batch to complete your project. You can always make a small toy, box or picture frame from your remainders.

Moldings

If you’ll want matching pre-made moldings for your project, this may severely restrict your selection to pine, fir, oak, maple, cherry, poplar, knotty alder and walnut. Most hardwoods molding will only be available in shorter lengths – 6’ to 10’.  The same thinking will apply to plywoods, only a relative few species are available in plywoods – note that most hardwood plywoods are now made with a MDF core. MDF fiberboard (particle board) machines like a dream but does create a lot of dust, is heavy and any exposed edges obviously are not for stain –grade appearance.

Workability

Some hardwoods are notorious for their tool dulling aspects and splitting, chipping or hardness. Many will leave clean sharp machined edges and corners, some more fuzzy. A few woods will cause dermatitis in certain individuals or create excessive dust that creates a hazard. Along with other safety equipment, dust masks/control should be used.

Grade

Generally, Front Range Lumber will only offer “FAS” grade – “first and second”. This grade maximizes the value you receive while holding the costs to a minimum. Beware of other grades as they may allow more defects (knots, splits, etc.) that interfere with the layout of your project.

Species Stocked

• Alder
• Ash
• Basswood
• Birch
• Bubinga
• Cedar - Aromatic
• Cedar - Spanish
• Cypress
• Hickory/Pecan
• Mahogany
• Padauk 
• Purpleheart
• Walnut
• Wenge
• White Oak
• Zebrawood

Size Chart

Sizes listed are most readily available and not meant as a guarantee of stock. Boards are generally available in random lengths. Specified lengths will be available in very short lead times.

Rev. 12/10