Top 5 Most Popular Types of Lumber (And When to Use Each One)
Whether you’re framing a house, building a deck, or doing interior trim, choosing the right type of lumber can make or break your project. With prices and supply chain fluctuations still impacting the industry in 2025, it’s more important than ever to understand your options — and pick the right one the first time.
Here are the five most commonly used types of lumber in construction and remodeling, and how to know when each is the right choice.
✅ Best For:
🪵 Why It’s Popular:
Douglas Fir is a strong, straight-grained softwood that holds nails and screws well, making it ideal for framing. It’s widely available across the western U.S. and is one of the most cost-effective structural lumber options.
⚠️ Things to Know:
Not naturally rot-resistant — avoid direct contact with moisture unless pressure-treated.
✅ Best For:
🪵 Why It’s Popular:
Southern Yellow Pine is often used for treated lumber because of how well it absorbs preservatives. It’s stronger than most softwoods and ideal for outdoor or ground-contact use when treated.
⚠️ Things to Know:
Heavier than other softwoods. Not ideal for trim or fine finish work due to its density and grain.
✅ Best For:
🪵 Why It’s Popular:
Naturally rot- and insect-resistant, cedar is a go-to for exterior projects where appearance matters. It has a great smell, works easily, and weathers beautifully if left untreated.
⚠️ Things to Know:
More expensive than common framing lumber. Save it for projects where appearance or rot resistance is a priority.
✅ Best For:
🪵 Why It’s Popular:
A mix of Western Hemlock and fir species, Hem-Fir is affordable and lightweight. It’s used in a lot of light framing applications and is easy to cut and work with.
⚠️ Things to Know:
Slightly less strong than Douglas Fir. Not ideal for structural beams or outdoor use unless treated.
✅ Best For:
🪵 Why It’s Popular:
Redwood is highly durable, beautiful, and naturally resistant to decay and insects. It’s often used where visual appeal and longevity are both important — think luxury decks or planter boxes.
⚠️ Things to Know:
Typically more expensive. Supply can vary widely by region, and some areas limit its availability due to environmental regulations.
Choosing the right lumber is about strength, appearance, exposure, and budget. Don’t waste time or money using premium lumber where standard framing will do — and don’t risk durability by underbuilding a deck with the wrong materials.
Need help sourcing the right type of lumber — or getting it delivered to your site fast? Ruck can help with quotes, pickup, and delivery so you can keep building.
