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Your complete lumber and building materials resource -- plywood, decking, insulation, drywall, and treated lumber guides. Price comparisons, project tutorials, and supplier reviews.

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Guides

All Lumber & Materials Articles

Expert-written guides covering lumber, decking, insulation, and building materials.

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FAQ

Common Lumber & Materials Questions

Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) costs more upfront ($30-$60/sq ft vs $15-$25 for wood) but lasts 25-50 years with zero maintenance. Wood decks need staining every 2-3 years. Over 20 years, composite costs less due to zero maintenance.
CDX plywood for subfloors and roofing. Sanded plywood for cabinets and furniture. Marine plywood for outdoor projects. Baltic birch for workshop projects. MDF for painted surfaces. OSB is cheaper than plywood for sheathing but doesn't handle moisture as well.
A standard 2x4x8 costs $3-$6 depending on grade and region. Pressure-treated costs 30-50% more. Plywood sheets (4x8 3/4-inch) run $35-$60. Prices are down from 2021-2022 peaks but remain 20-30% above pre-pandemic levels.
Use pressure-treated lumber for any wood that contacts soil, is within 6 inches of the ground, or is exposed to weather. This includes deck framing, fence posts, retaining walls, and sill plates. Never use untreated wood for ground-contact applications.
OSB is cheaper ($20-$30/sheet vs $35-$60 for plywood) and equally strong for wall and roof sheathing. However, plywood handles moisture better. Use plywood in high-moisture areas and OSB where it stays dry. Both are code-approved for structural sheathing.
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