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Lumber Information
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Performance Characteristics of Construction Lumber:
| Wood Type | Total Performance | Freedom from Shrinking | Freedom from Warping | Decay Resistance (Heartwood) | Paint Holding | Freedom from Pitch (Resin) | Workability | Nail Holding | Bending Strength | Stiffness | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Redwood | 26 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Douglas Fir-larch | 23 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Western Cedar | 22 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Southern Pine | 22 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Eastern Hemlock | 21 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Hem-fir | 19 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Idaho White Pine | 19 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Spruce-Pine-Fir (Canada) | 17 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Englemann Spruce-Lodgepole Pine | 15 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
3 = Among woods relatively high in the characteristic listed
2 = Among woods intermediate in the characteristic listed
1 = Among woods low in the characteristic listed
NOTE: Three other characteristics to consider not listed in the chart are price, maintenance level and treatment (pressure treated). The chart is simply a guideline and some characteristics such as nail holding ability do not apply to Plan-it Play kits. Our kits use screws instead of nails that can work loose over time. Check with your local home center or lumber yard for availability and recommendations on wood best suited to your climate or region of the country.