Selecting Framing Lumber - Green Wood
When framing your rehab project or house flip, you may think to yourself, ”I’ll just go to the lumber warehouse and pick out some 2 x 4’s”. The new house flipper may not be aware that there is more than meets the untrained eye, when it comes to selecting the best lumber for your project. Fortunately there are stamps on the lumber that tell you things like lumber grade, moisture content, and species.
Green Wood
The good news is moisture content is simple to recognize without the need to read the grade stamp. “Green” lumber or pressure treated lumber is just that…GREEN. It’s usually off in it’s own section. This lumber is typically used in areas where moisture is or can develop. Inside the home, green wood is normally only used in the basement or below grade. The building code in many areas still requires that it be used on the bottom plate when framing your walls, although it is increasingly being banned by some. Other items that typically use green wood are decks, balconies and other exterior framing projects. Green wood contains a fungicide that keeps the boards from rotting and these ingredients can be harmful if swallowed or even inhaled while sawing. Remember to where a mask and make sure not to place your food down on it.
