Choosing the Best Interior Framing Wood

You’ll need to make a lot of decisions along the way to building your own home, and one of the most important is which type of wood to use for the interior framing. You want something strong and sturdy that will last for many years to come. To help you get started, we’re going to go over some thoughts on interior framing wood and give you a little advice on what attributes you should look for.

Best Wood to Use for Interior Framing

When we say “best,” we’re not referring to one type of wood that beats all others. The truth is that there are several different types of lumber that are great for indoor framing purposes. Some homeowners may decide to go with oak or red cedar while others like the idea of pine or spruce.

One popular type of wood used for indoor framing is Douglas fir, which is divided into two lumber species depending on the region – fir-larch in the west and hem-fir in the east. Depending on the custom home you’re building, you may need to use more than one type of wood.

Characteristics for Interior Framing Wood

If you’re in the market for interior framing wood because you’re custom-building your own home, then there are a few things you should know. Here are the primary characteristics of wood that you’ll want to consider for framing and other projects:

Density

The first thing you should probably look at when choosing the right type of framing wood is its density. This refers to both the strength and the weight. You obviously want it to durable enough for the home.

Texture

The texture will really only matter if any of the framing wood is going to be visible. If so, you’ll want the wood to have an attractive texture. This will also determine which finish you use, so just be sure to choose accordingly.

Color

This one is self-explanatory. The color of the wood will obviously determine a big part of its appearance. There are a wide range of colors to choose from going from white pine to red and everything in-between. You really only need to worry about the color in areas where the framing will be visible.

Wood Grain

The grain pattern and direction differ wildly and will partially determine density and strength. For interior framing, you want to go with a tight, straight grain pattern. In most cases, this will be the strongest and densest type of lumber.

Softwood Lumber

Softwoods include pine, spruce, and Douglas fir whereas examples of hardwood would be oak, maple, and walnut. With framing, softwoods have an advantage because they typically have a tighter grain, which makes them a stronger lumber.

Grade

The grade refers to the quality of the wood as and is determined by the number of defects. For the use of interior framing, you should always go with wood that’s rated grade 2 or higher.

Moisture Content

You always want your wood’s moisture content to be low, so choosing a type of dry wood is always best for interior framing. More specifically, choose wood that’s labeled KD-HT, which refers to kiln-dried and heat-treated. This process helps prevent pests and improves durability.

The Common Use of Engineered Dimensional Lumber

Even though we’ve seen a lot of advances in building technology over the years, the truth is that good ol’ sawn lumber is still the dominant material for the skeletal framework of a home. Dimensional lumber is the least expensive framing material, is very durable, and makes excellent studs. Most dimensional lumber is made from softwoods, which is then kiln-dried for stability.

The Use of Pressure-Treated Wood for Interior Framing

Many homeowners have turned to the use of pressure-treated wood for framing and other uses. This is less expensive than other lumber options and is highly resistant to moisture/water, bugs, and rot. The process used to create the lumber involves using high pressure to inject a preservative into the wood. This extends the longevity of the wood, adding decades to its usability.

Contact Peninsular Lumber to Find the Best Interior Framing Wood 

Peninsular Lumber is the leading lumber company in Tampa and can help you on your next custom home-building project. If you have any questions about interior framing wood or any other house-building needs, reach out to us by calling our team at (813) 875-8805 today. Feel free to visit our lumber yard!