Key considerations before purchasing cedar lumber — grades, dimensions, moisture content, and project planning.
What To Know Before Buying Cedar Lumber
Before purchasing cedar lumber, consider these key factors to ensure you get the right material for your project.
Grade
Cedar is available in Clear, Select Tight Knot (STK), Cottage Grade, and Rough Cut. Choose based on visibility and budget — Clear for high-end visible work, STK for general use, Cottage for utility projects.
Dimensions
Cedar lumber is sold in nominal dimensions (e.g., 2x6) which are smaller than the actual size. Know your actual dimensions before planning your project. Common sizes range from 1x4 to 2x12.
Moisture Content
Cedar is typically sold at a moisture content suited to exterior use. Allow boards to acclimate to your job site conditions before installation to minimize movement.
Quantity
Calculate your material needs carefully, including a waste factor of 5-10%. For large projects, we can help you plan quantities and arrange pickup at our Saskatoon yard.
Grade Selection
- Clear Cedar — visible, high-end applications
- STK — general-purpose, good value
- Cottage Grade — utility and budget projects
Browse our cedar lumber and cedar inventory, or request a quote for your project.
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