Timbers are inspected and graded by our staff. We are very picky about the wood we use. Ask our timber suppliers! We can supply timbers that are rough sawn, planed on 4 sides, or hand hewn. (Hand hewn available in white pine only.)
Eastern White Pine (pinus strobes)
One of the largest conifers in the eastern United States, it is lightweight and reasonably strong. If handled correctly, white pine is a great choice for its cost factor.
Douglas Fir (pseudotsuga menziesii)
Moderately hard and heavy. Combines the best qualities of oak and pine. If timbers are cut “free of heart center” and with no pith they can be quite stable with little checking or twisting. The cost is moderately high, but well worth the investment. Colors range from yellowish brown to a deep reddish brown.
Long Leaf Yellow Pine (pinus palustris)
Long Leaf Pine is moderately hard, heavy and very strong. It is, however, prone to twisting and checking. Long Leaf Pine is a good choice when both strength and cost are a factor. Colors range from yellow brown to orange or reddish brown and looks great with any stain choice.
Bald Cypress or Cypress (taxopium distichum)
This is Jeff’s personal favorite. It is a true delight to work with, medium soft and medium light when dry or seasoned, it seems to be very stable. Care in grading must be taken to look for wind-shake from hurricanes. Color can range from a dark yellow brown to medium reddish brown.
White Oak (quercus alba)
The classic eastern oak, very heavy, strong, dense and rot resistant. This is a classic wood to build a timber frame with. Great care in the selection for wood and the timing of cutting and the season are a must to get the best results. White oak has the tendency to twist and shake, but don’t we all! The cost is high and the wood is hard to work with.
Cherry Bark Oak (quercus pagodifolia)
Cherry Bark Oak rivals Northern Red Oak in color and strength. The cost is less and it is a great alternative if Northern Red Oak cannot be used due to its cost.
Western red cedar (Thuja plicata)
Can be used for exterior work. The heart wood is very rot resistant but it is not very strong. The soft red-brown timber has a tight, straight grain and few knots.*
Black Walnut (juglans nigra)
Moderately hard and heavy. The color is deep chocolate brown, occasionally with a purple tinge in the heartwood. Costs are high and good logs can be hard to come by.
Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)
The wood is light yet has great strength and is rot resistance. Port orford cedar has very straight grain and looks good inside and outside of homes.
Northern Red Oak (quercus rubra)
Northern Red Oak is a great choice for beauty and strength. Hard and heavy, its color is light reddish brown often with a pinkish or flesh color tinge. Costs are high, plus difficulty in joining and handling because of the sheer weight of the timbers.