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.
