Sustainably Sourced New Lumber for When Reclaimed Is Not the Right Fit
We are a reclaimed lumber company first. But when your project requires new wood, we source it from FSC-certified and sustainably managed forests. Same eco-conscious values, fresh-cut material.
When New Lumber Makes Sense
Reclaimed lumber is our specialty and our passion. But we recognize that some applications legitimately require new lumber. Rather than sending you to a big-box store, we provide sustainably sourced new wood so your entire project stays aligned with your environmental values.
Structural Engineering Specs
Some building codes and structural engineers require graded, stamped new lumber for specific load-bearing applications. When the spec calls for it, we supply it.
Uniform Appearance Needed
Projects requiring absolute consistency in color, grain, and dimension may call for new lumber — especially for painted trim, moldings, and built-in cabinetry.
Large Volume, Tight Timeline
Major framing packages with strict delivery schedules may exceed our reclaimed inventory. We fill the gap with sustainably sourced new stock to keep your project moving.
Complementary Framing
Many projects use reclaimed wood for visible surfaces and new lumber for hidden framing. Our new lumber pairs seamlessly with reclaimed products from the same order.
When to Choose New vs. Reclaimed: A Detailed Guide
This guide helps you make the right material choice for every component of your project. The best projects often use both — reclaimed for visible surfaces and sustainably sourced new lumber for hidden structure.
Load-Bearing Walls and Headers
New LumberMost building codes require machine-graded, grade-stamped lumber for primary structural framing. New #2 or better SPF is the most code-compliant and cost-effective choice for hidden wall framing.
Floor Joists and Rafters
New Lumber (or engineered)Uniform dimensions and consistent structural properties are critical for floor systems. New dimensional lumber or engineered I-joists provide the predictability that floor systems demand.
Visible Flooring
ReclaimedReclaimed hardwood flooring is denser, more characterful, and more environmentally beneficial than new hardwood. There is no practical reason to choose new flooring if reclaimed is available in your species.
Interior Accent Walls and Paneling
ReclaimedThis is where reclaimed wood shines brightest. The patina, character marks, and history of reclaimed siding are impossible to replicate with new material.
Painted Interior Trim
New LumberWhen trim will be painted, the character of reclaimed wood is hidden. New clear pine or poplar provides the smooth, uniform surface that painted trim requires at a lower cost than reclaimed.
Outdoor Decking
New (Cedar or Pressure-Treated)Decking takes extreme weather punishment. New pressure-treated pine or FSC cedar is purpose-built for this application. Reclaimed wood can work for decking but requires careful species selection and more frequent maintenance.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
ReclaimedA reclaimed beam has irreplaceable character that no new timber can match. Even if the beam is purely decorative, the visual impact of century-old timber is worth the investment.
Furniture and Cabinetry
Either — depends on aestheticReclaimed lumber creates furniture with unmatched character and story. New hardwoods offer consistent color and grain for formal or contemporary furniture styles. Many pieces combine both.
Available Species
Detailed profiles of every new lumber species we stock, with hardness ratings, best uses, and relative pricing.
SPF (Spruce/Pine/Fir)
The standard framing lumber in North America. SPF is a grouping of spruce, pine, and fir species that share similar structural properties. Lightweight, workable, and cost-effective for framing walls, floors, and roofs.
Douglas Fir
The strongest and stiffest softwood commonly available. Douglas fir has a straight grain, warm reddish-brown color, and excellent structural properties. It takes stain well and is attractive enough for exposed applications.
Southern Yellow Pine
The densest and hardest of the common softwoods. Southern yellow pine accepts pressure treatment exceptionally well, making it the standard for ground-contact and outdoor structural applications.
Western Red Cedar
Naturally rot-resistant and insect-resistant without chemical treatment. Aromatic, lightweight, and dimensionally stable. The premium choice for outdoor applications where chemical treatment is undesirable.
Clear Pine (Eastern White Pine)
Knot-free boards milled from the best grades of eastern white pine. Smooth, even grain with a creamy white color. Excellent for painted applications and fine woodworking.
Poplar
A widely available hardwood that is softer than oak or maple but harder than pine. Greenish-tinged heartwood that paints beautifully. The go-to choice for painted trim and cabinetry.
Red Oak
The most common domestic hardwood. Strong, stiff, and takes stain well. Pronounced grain pattern with open pores. Available in a wide range of grades and dimensions.
Hard Maple
One of the hardest domestic hardwoods. Dense, fine-grained, and light in color. Resists denting and wear. The standard for butcher blocks, workbenches, and high-wear surfaces.
New Lumber Products
We stock a focused selection of new lumber that complements our reclaimed inventory. Every product is available with sustainability certification.
Dimensional Lumber
2x4 through 2x12
SPF (Spruce/Pine/Fir), Douglas Fir, Southern Yellow Pine
FSC & SFI available
Structural Timbers
4x4 through 6x6
Douglas Fir, Southern Yellow Pine
FSC available
Finish Lumber
1x4 through 1x12
Clear Pine, Poplar, Red Oak, Hard Maple
FSC available
Decking
5/4x6
Western Red Cedar, Pressure-Treated Pine
FSC Cedar available
Trim & Molding
Standard profiles
Clear Pine, Poplar, MDF (FSC)
FSC available
Plywood & Sheet Goods
4x8 sheets, 1/4" through 3/4"
Birch, Maple, Oak veneer; CDX sheathing
FSC available on select products
Wood Treatment & Preservation
Different applications require different levels of wood preservation. Here are the treatment options we offer for new lumber.
Untreated
Natural wood with no chemical preservatives. The standard for interior applications and any project where chemical treatment is unnecessary or undesirable.
Interior framing, finish lumber, trim, furniture, cabinetry
Not suitable for ground contact or prolonged moisture exposure outdoors.
Pressure-Treated (ACQ)
Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) preservative is forced into the wood under high pressure. Provides long-term protection against rot, decay, and insect damage. The current standard replacement for CCA-treated lumber.
Decks, fences, retaining walls, structural posts in contact with soil, sill plates
Allow 2-4 weeks of drying before staining or painting. Use stainless steel or ACQ-rated fasteners (ACQ is corrosive to standard zinc-plated hardware).
Pressure-Treated (MCA)
Micronized Copper Azole (MCA) preservative. Similar protection to ACQ but less corrosive to metal fasteners. Often sold under brand names like MicroPro or Wolmanized.
Same as ACQ — decks, fences, ground-contact applications
Less corrosive than ACQ. Standard galvanized fasteners are generally acceptable (check manufacturer specs).
Fire-Retardant Treated (FRT)
Pressure-impregnated with fire-retardant chemicals that significantly slow flame spread. Required by code in certain commercial, multi-family, and institutional applications.
Commercial framing where fire codes require FRT lumber, attic framing in multi-family residential
FRT lumber has reduced structural values (typically 10-25% reduction in bending strength). Factor this into engineering calculations. Do not field-cut FRT lumber without reapplying treatment to cut ends.
Borate-Treated
Diffusion treatment with sodium borate compounds. Provides excellent protection against termites, carpenter ants, and decay fungi. Low toxicity and safe for interior use.
Interior framing in termite-prone areas, sill plates, rim joists, crawl spaces
Borate treatment is water-soluble and not suitable for ground contact or exterior applications exposed to rain. Best for enclosed interior or protected applications.
Understanding Lumber Grades
New lumber is machine-graded and stamped according to rules established by grading agencies. Understanding grades helps you specify the right lumber for your application without overspending.
Select Structural
The highest structural grade. Virtually free of defects. Tight, even grain with minimal knots, wane, or other characteristics. Used where the highest structural values are required and where appearance matters.
#1 Grade
High quality structural lumber with slightly more character than Select. Small tight knots are permitted. Very good strength values and clean appearance.
#2 Grade
The most common grade for residential construction. Sound lumber with moderate knots and minor defects. Meets all structural requirements for standard residential framing at the most economical price point.
Construction / Standard / Utility
Economy grades used for non-structural and light-duty applications. More knots, wane, and character. Not suitable for load-bearing applications but fine for blocking, bracing, and temporary construction.
Certified Sustainable Forestry Explained
Beyond FSC and SFI, there is a third major certification body that plays a critical role in global sustainable forestry. Understanding all three helps you specify the right certification for your project requirements.
PEFC (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification)
The world's largest forest certification system, operating as an international umbrella organization that endorses national certification systems. PEFC works through mutual recognition — if a national scheme meets PEFC's sustainability benchmarks, products certified under that scheme can carry the PEFC label.
- Endorses 30+ national forest certification systems worldwide
- Covers over 300 million hectares of certified forest
- Mutual recognition framework enables global supply chain tracking
- Particularly strong in Europe, where it certifies more forest than any other system
FSC
Best for LEED projects
The most recognized certification globally. Required for many green building credits. Strictest standards but smallest certified forest area.
SFI
Best for North American projects
Largest certification program in North America. Strong focus on biodiversity, water quality, and community engagement. Widely available in domestic lumber supply chains.
PEFC
Best for international sourcing
Covers the most certified forest globally. Umbrella system that endorses national programs. Best option when sourcing specialty species from global markets.
Specialty Species Deep Dive
For projects demanding extreme durability or chemical-free outdoor performance, these specialty products represent the cutting edge of sustainable wood technology.
Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
40-75 years outdoors without treatment. The most durable commercially available decking material.
Source only from FSC-certified operations. Slow-growing tropical hardwood — responsible sourcing is critical.
Thermally Modified Wood
25-30 years outdoors. Heat treatment permanently changes cell structure for decay resistance.
Domestic species (ash, poplar, pine) modified with heat only — no chemicals. Fully recyclable and biodegradable. One of the most sustainable high-durability options available.
When to Choose New Over Reclaimed
We will always recommend reclaimed first. But there are legitimate scenarios where new lumber is the better choice. Here is an honest assessment of when new makes more sense.
Structural framing to code
New lumber recommendedBuilding codes typically require machine-graded, grade-stamped lumber for primary structural framing. A structural engineer may approve reclaimed for specific applications, but new lumber is the straightforward code-compliant option.
Pressure-treated ground contact
New lumber requiredReclaimed lumber cannot be pressure-treated after salvage. Any ground-contact application (deck posts, sill plates, retaining walls) requires new pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact (UC4A or UC4B).
Large quantity of common sizes
New lumber more economicalFor large framing packages (5,000+ BF of standard 2x4, 2x6, 2x10), new lumber is typically more cost-effective than reclaimed. Our reclaimed inventory is best suited for feature applications where character and density matter.
Uniform appearance required
New lumber better suitedPainted trim, matching moldings, and built-in cabinetry require consistent color, grain, and dimension. New clear pine or poplar provides the uniform surface these applications demand.
Specific certification needed
New FSC-certified lumberSome green building programs and institutional projects require chain-of-custody documentation that only FSC or SFI certified new lumber can provide. Reclaimed wood qualifies for different credits.
Tight deadline with specific dimensions
New lumber fasterWhile we stock many reclaimed dimensions, unusual sizes or very large quantities of a specific species may not be immediately available. New lumber can be sourced to exact specifications on a predictable timeline.
Premium & Specialty New Lumber
For projects that demand the highest performance outdoor wood, we stock and special-order premium species and advanced wood products.
FSC Western Red Cedar Decking
Naturally rot-resistant decking that weathers to a beautiful silver-gray without chemical treatment. FSC-certified cedar comes from sustainably managed forests in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.
Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
One of the hardest and most durable woods on earth. Janka hardness of 3,680 lbf — more than 3x harder than oak. Naturally resists rot, insects, and fire. Expected outdoor lifespan of 40-75 years without treatment.
Thermally Modified Wood
Domestic softwoods (ash, poplar, or pine) heated to 400+ degrees F in a controlled kiln process that permanently changes the wood cell structure. The result is dramatically improved rot resistance, dimensional stability, and a rich brown color — all without chemicals.
Accoya (Acetylated Wood)
Radiata pine treated with a non-toxic acetylation process that makes it as durable as tropical hardwoods. 50-year warranty above ground, 25 years in-ground. The most sustainably produced high-durability wood available.
Third-Party Verified Sustainability
We do not just say our new lumber is sustainable — we prove it. Every new product we stock carries one or both of these internationally recognized certifications.
Forest Stewardship Council
The gold standard in sustainable forestry certification. FSC-certified wood comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
- No deforestation of natural forests
- Protection of endangered species habitat
- Fair wages and safe conditions for workers
- Indigenous peoples' rights respected
- Regular third-party audits and chain-of-custody tracking
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
North America's largest forest certification program. SFI standards promote biodiversity, water quality, and responsible fiber sourcing across the continent.
- Science-based forest management practices
- Protection of water quality and biodiversity
- Replanting and forest regeneration requirements
- Community engagement and education programs
- Annual independent audits of compliance
Hybrid Project Examples
Most of our best projects combine reclaimed and new lumber strategically. Here are real examples showing how our customers use both materials to maximize sustainability, beauty, and budget efficiency.
Modern Farmhouse New Build
Heart pine flooring throughout main level, barn board accent wall in great room, 8x10 hand-hewn mantel beam
FSC SPF framing package (2x4, 2x6, 2x10, 2x12), FSC clear pine for all interior trim and casing
70% new / 30% reclaimed by volume, but the reclaimed materials are on all visible surfaces
LEED Gold Office Renovation
Reclaimed oak shiplap on all client-facing walls, salvaged beam table in conference room
FSC-certified drywall framing, FSC plywood for built-in cabinetry, SFI-certified door frames
60% new / 40% reclaimed — achieved MR Credit for material sourcing optimization
Lake Cabin Renovation
Reclaimed cedar siding on exterior, reclaimed flooring in living spaces, reclaimed beam ceiling details
Pressure-treated pine for dock and deck structure, FSC SPF for wall reframing, new cedar for bathroom trim
50/50 split — reclaimed for character, new for structural and moisture-exposed applications
Restaurant Buildout
Reclaimed barn board on all dining room walls and ceiling, salvaged industrial beams throughout, reclaimed oak bar top
Code-required FRT framing for commercial space, FSC plywood for kitchen cabinetry, new structural LVLs for open floor plan
55% new / 45% reclaimed — 100% of customer-visible surfaces are reclaimed
Reclaimed vs. Sustainably Sourced New
Both options are eco-responsible choices. Here is how they compare across the factors that matter most.
| Factor | Reclaimed Lumber | FSC New Lumber |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Footprint | Carbon-negative (prevents landfill + avoids harvest) | Low (managed forests, replanting offsets) |
| Grain Density | Very high (old-growth, tight rings) | Standard (plantation-grown, wider rings) |
| Character & Patina | Exceptional (nail holes, weathering, saw marks) | Clean and uniform |
| Dimensional Consistency | Slight variation board-to-board | Highly consistent |
| Grading & Stamps | Visual grading; engineer stamps on request | Machine-graded and stamped per code |
| Cost | Varies by species and rarity | Market-competitive pricing |
| LEED Contribution | Multiple credit categories | FSC credit eligible |
Even Our New Lumber Fights Deforestation
We will always recommend reclaimed first. When new is necessary, we ensure every board comes from forests that are growing faster than they are harvested — forests that are managed as permanent, productive ecosystems rather than disposable cropland.
planted for every 1 tree harvested in FSC forests
chain-of-custody tracking from forest to your site
old-growth or primary forest harvesting
Need FSC-Certified New Wood?
Tell us what you need — species, grade, quantity, and delivery date — and we will source certified new lumber at competitive pricing. We can also put together a mixed order combining reclaimed and new for maximum value and sustainability.
Consider Reclaimed Instead?
Before ordering new, explore our reclaimed options. You might find that salvaged lumber meets your needs with even greater environmental savings.