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Windsor Plywood has been a trusted source for specialty lumber and hardwoods across western Canada for decades. Our specialty lumber selection goes well beyond standard framing grades, offering premium domestic and imported hardwood species suited for fine furniture making, custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and decorative woodworking projects of all scales. Species available include hard maple, red oak, white oak, walnut, cherry, birch, alder, poplar, and a rotating selection of exotic and figured hardwoods depending on current inventory. In addition to solid hardwood lumber, we carry live edge slabs, figured wood for tabletops and accent pieces, and hardwood plywood in species to match. Windsor Plywood staff are knowledgeable about the properties and working characteristics of each species and can help you select the right material for your specific application. Visit your local Windsor Plywood to browse current specialty lumber stock and discuss your project with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What softwood lumber does Windsor Plywood carry?
Windsor Plywood carries a broad range of softwood lumber including Douglas fir, western hemlock, SPF (spruce-pine-fir), western red cedar, and pressure-treated varieties. Softwoods are available in standard dimensional sizes for framing, structural applications, exterior work, interior millwork, and trim.
What is the difference between softwood and hardwood?
Softwood and hardwood refer to the botanical classification of trees rather than the actual hardness of the wood. Softwoods come from coniferous (cone-bearing) trees including pine, fir, spruce, cedar, and hemlock. Hardwoods come from deciduous (broad-leaved) trees including oak, maple, walnut, and birch. Some softwoods such as Douglas fir are harder than some hardwoods such as poplar or basswood.
Which softwood species is best for framing?
SPF (spruce-pine-fir) and Douglas fir are the standard framing species in Canadian construction. SPF is the dominant framing lumber in most of Canada due to its broad availability and consistent structural properties. Douglas fir is stronger and stiffer than average SPF and is preferred for applications requiring higher load capacity such as beams, headers, and long-span framing.
What softwood is best for exterior applications?
Western red cedar is the preferred softwood for exterior applications requiring natural decay resistance, including siding, decking, fencing, and trim. For structural exterior applications in ground or concrete contact, pressure-treated SPF or Douglas fir rated for the specific exposure condition is the appropriate choice.
Can softwood be used for furniture?
Yes. Pine, cedar, fir, and other softwoods are used for furniture, particularly in rustic, farmhouse, and utilitarian styles. Softwood furniture dents and scratches more easily than hardwood furniture under daily use. Clear pine, select Douglas fir, and western red cedar are the most practical softwood choices for furniture that will be painted or finished with a penetrating oil.