Lumber — Dimensional, Hardwood, Plywood & More
Our lumber yard stocks a comprehensive inventory of framing lumber, dimensional lumber, engineered wood products, sheathing, plywood, and specialty hardwoods. Whether you are building a new home, framing an addition, or crafting custom furniture, we carry the species and grades you need. All of our lumber is carefully stored and handled to ensure straight, dry, and defect-free boards that meet or exceed Chicago building code requirements. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the right species, grade, and treatment for your specific application and budget.
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Dimensional & Framing Lumber
Dimensional lumber is the backbone of residential and light commercial construction. We stock kiln-dried SPF (Spruce-Pine-Fir) and Douglas Fir framing lumber in every standard size from 2x2 through 2x12, as well as 4x4, 4x6, and 6x6 posts. All of our framing lumber is kiln-dried to below 19% moisture content, which reduces shrinkage, warping, and nail pops after installation.
Our dimensional lumber inventory covers the full range of grades commonly specified on Chicago-area job plans. #2 and Better SPF is our most popular grade for wall, floor, and roof framing, while Stud Grade 2x4s and 2x6s are the economical workhorse for standard wall construction. We also carry Select Structural and #1 grade lumber for applications where higher bending strength or fewer defects are specified by the engineer of record.
Douglas Fir is available when projects call for stronger, denser framing stock. It is frequently specified for beams, ridge boards, and long-span headers where its superior structural values allow smaller member sizes or longer spans compared to SPF. Our Douglas Fir inventory includes #2 and Better grades in 2x6 through 2x12 dimensions and lengths up to 20 feet.
Hardwood Lumber
Our hardwood lumber department serves woodworkers, cabinet shops, and finish carpenters throughout the Chicagoland area. We carry domestic hardwoods including Red Oak, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Poplar, and Ash in 4/4 through 8/4 thicknesses. Boards are available rough-sawn for those who prefer to surface their own stock, or surfaced four sides (S4S) for projects where convenience is a priority.
Hardwood lumber is graded under the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) system. FAS (First and Seconds) is the highest grade, yielding long, wide, clear-face cuttings ideal for furniture panels and tabletops. #1 Common provides an excellent balance of clear wood and value, well-suited for cabinet parts, shelving, and millwork. We sell hardwoods by the board foot and are happy to hand-pick boards to your specifications for critical projects.
For woodworkers and fine furniture makers, we keep a rotating selection of figured and specialty woods including quartersawn White Oak, curly Maple, and live-edge Walnut slabs. Stop by the yard to browse our current stock, as these unique pieces go quickly.
Plywood & Panels
We stock a broad selection of plywood and panel products for structural, cabinetry, and specialty applications. Our structural panel inventory includes CDX plywood for roof and wall sheathing, fire-retardant treated plywood for commercial fire-rated assemblies, and marine-grade plywood for applications requiring maximum moisture resistance. OSB (Oriented Strand Board) sheathing and subflooring panels are also available in standard 4x8 sheets and 4x8 tongue-and-groove subflooring.
For interior projects, our cabinet-grade plywood lineup includes Birch, Maple, Oak, and Walnut veneered panels in 1/4-inch through 3/4-inch thicknesses. We carry both pre-finished and unfinished options, including sheets with a hardwood face on one or both sides. Baltic Birch plywood with its void-free multi-ply construction is available for drawer boxes, jig-making, and projects that require exceptional edge quality.
Specialty panels such as MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), hardboard, and melamine-coated particleboard round out our selection. MDF machines cleanly and takes paint beautifully, making it the standard choice for painted cabinet doors, raised panels, and decorative applications.
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is essential for any outdoor or ground-contact application in the Chicago area. Our treated lumber inventory includes Southern Yellow Pine in all standard dimensional sizes, treated to either UC3B (above-ground) or UC4A (ground-contact) retention levels. Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles and wet spring conditions make proper treatment selection critical to the longevity of decks, fences, retaining walls, and landscape structures.
We stock treated lumber from 2x4 through 2x12 in lengths up to 16 feet, along with 4x4, 4x6, and 6x6 treated posts for deck foundations, fence posts, and structural supports. Our pressure-treated decking boards include both standard 5/4x6 radius-edge deck boards and 2x6 flat stock. All treated lumber in our yard uses MCA (Micronized Copper Azole) or ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) preservative systems that are approved for residential use and compatible with standard and stainless steel fasteners.
Engineered Wood Products
Engineered wood products deliver superior strength, consistency, and span capabilities compared to solid sawn lumber. We stock LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams in standard depths from 9-1/4 inches through 18 inches and thicknesses of 1-3/4 inches and 3-1/2 inches. LVL beams are the go-to solution for garage door headers, load-bearing wall headers, and structural beams where long spans and heavy loads need to be carried without intermediate support.
I-joists are available in a range of depths for floor and roof framing. Their lightweight design makes them easy to handle, while their manufactured precision eliminates the crowning, twisting, and dimensional inconsistency that can occur with solid sawn joists. The result is a flatter, quieter floor system that goes up faster on the jobsite.
We also carry glulam beams for exposed architectural applications where the warmth of real wood is desired along with engineered performance, as well as engineered rim boards and structural headers. Our staff can assist with product selection and connect you with manufacturer engineering support for complex structural applications.
Popular Lumber Products
Below is a sample of our most frequently ordered lumber products. Visit our yard or contact us for current availability and pricing.
2x4 SPF Stud Grade 8ft
Kiln-dried spruce-pine-fir studs, the backbone of residential and light commercial framing.
2x6 #2 Douglas Fir
Premium Douglas Fir dimensional lumber for structural framing, floor joists, and rafters.
2x10 #2 SPF
Structural-grade dimensional lumber for floor joists, headers, and beams in residential construction.
2x12 #2 SPF
Heavy-duty dimensional lumber for ridge boards, long-span headers, and engineered applications.
4x4 Pressure-Treated Post
Ground-contact rated posts for decks, fences, pergolas, and structural support applications.
6x6 Pressure-Treated Post
Heavy-duty structural posts for deck foundations, pergola supports, and commercial applications.
3/4" CDX Plywood
Exterior-grade plywood for roof sheathing, wall sheathing, and general construction use.
7/16" OSB Sheathing
Oriented strand board for wall and roof sheathing, meeting structural panel requirements.
3/4" Birch Plywood
Cabinet-grade birch plywood with a smooth, paintable face for cabinetry and built-ins.
LVL Beam 1-3/4" x 11-7/8"
Laminated veneer lumber for long-span headers, beams, and load-bearing applications.
Red Oak 1x6 S4S
Surfaced four sides red oak board for trim, shelving, furniture, and millwork projects.
Western Red Cedar 1x6
Naturally rot-resistant cedar boards ideal for closet lining, siding, and outdoor trim.
5/4x6 Pressure-Treated Decking
Radius-edged decking board treated for above-ground use on residential deck projects.
Walnut 4/4 Rough Sawn
Premium American black walnut lumber for furniture, cabinetry, and high-end woodworking.
Hard Maple 4/4 Rough Sawn
Dense, durable hard maple for butcher blocks, countertops, and fine woodworking.
Why Buy Lumber From Chicago Lumber & Building Materials?
- ✓Kiln-dried SPF and Douglas Fir framing lumber in all standard dimensions
- ✓Pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact and above-ground applications
- ✓Premium hardwoods including red oak, white oak, maple, cherry, and walnut
- ✓Engineered wood products: LVL beams, I-joists, and glulam headers
- ✓CDX, ACX, and marine-grade plywood in multiple thicknesses
- ✓OSB sheathing and subflooring panels
- ✓Cedar and redwood boards for outdoor and decorative applications
- ✓Custom lengths and specialty cuts available through our milling service
- ✓Volume pricing for contractors and large projects
- ✓All lumber meets or exceeds Chicago building code specifications
Dimensional Lumber Size Chart
One of the most common sources of confusion for homeowners and first-time builders is that dimensional lumber is sold by its nominal size, which is larger than its actual size. The nominal size reflects the rough-sawn dimensions before the board is kiln-dried and planed smooth. After drying and surfacing, each board is smaller than its stated size. The chart below shows the actual dimensions you will receive for each common nominal size.
| Nominal Size | Actual Size (inches) | Actual Size (mm) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2x4 | 1.5" x 3.5" | 38 x 89 | Wall studs, blocking, light framing |
| 2x6 | 1.5" x 5.5" | 38 x 140 | Exterior wall studs, rafters, floor joists |
| 2x8 | 1.5" x 7.25" | 38 x 184 | Floor joists, rafters, headers |
| 2x10 | 1.5" x 9.25" | 38 x 235 | Floor joists, stair stringers, headers |
| 2x12 | 1.5" x 11.25" | 38 x 286 | Long-span joists, ridge boards, large headers |
| 4x4 | 3.5" x 3.5" | 89 x 89 | Fence posts, deck posts, porch columns |
| 6x6 | 5.5" x 5.5" | 140 x 140 | Heavy deck posts, beams, structural columns |
Pro Tip: When planning your project, always use actual dimensions for layout calculations. A wall framed with 2x4 studs is actually 3.5 inches deep, not 4 inches. This matters for door jamb extensions, electrical box depths, and drywall returns.
How Board Feet Work
Board feet is the standard unit of measure for purchasing hardwood lumber and some specialty softwood products. Understanding the formula allows you to accurately estimate costs and communicate with lumber suppliers. One board foot equals a volume of wood that is 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long — equivalent to 144 cubic inches of wood.
The Board Foot Formula
Board Feet = (Thickness in inches × Width in inches × Length in feet) ÷ 12
Or equivalently: (Thickness × Width × Length in inches) ÷ 144
Example Calculations
Example 1: 4/4 Red Oak board, 6" wide, 8 feet long
Board Feet = (1 × 6 × 8) ÷ 12 = 4 board feet
At $6.50/BF, this board would cost $26.00.
Example 2: 8/4 (2-inch) Walnut board, 10" wide, 6 feet long
Board Feet = (2 × 10 × 6) ÷ 12 = 10 board feet
At $14.00/BF, this board would cost $140.00.
Example 3: 6/4 (1.5-inch) Hard Maple board, 8" wide, 10 feet long
Board Feet = (1.5 × 8 × 10) ÷ 12 = 10 board feet
At $8.75/BF, this board would cost $87.50.
When ordering hardwood, keep in mind that board foot pricing reflects the rough-sawn dimensions before surfacing. If you order S4S (surfaced four sides) lumber, you pay for the pre-surfacing board footage but receive a board that is slightly thinner and narrower after planing. A 4/4 board surfaced to 13/16-inch is still billed as 4/4 (one inch). Our team is always happy to help you calculate board footage and project costs.
Chicago Code Requirements for Structural Lumber
The City of Chicago adopts the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) with local amendments. Structural lumber used in load-bearing applications must meet minimum grade and species requirements based on its function. Selecting the wrong grade can result in a failed inspection and costly rework. Here are the key requirements Chicago-area contractors and homeowners need to know.
| Application | Minimum Grade | Typical Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Studs | Stud Grade or #2 | 2x4 or 2x6 | Stud Grade is graded for vertical loads only |
| Floor Joists | #2 and Better | 2x8, 2x10, 2x12 | Size per span table; max span varies by species |
| Ceiling Joists | #2 and Better | 2x6, 2x8 | Uninhabitable attics: 10 psf live load |
| Rafters | #2 and Better | 2x6, 2x8, 2x10 | Must account for 25 psf ground snow load |
| Headers & Beams | #1 or Select Structural | Doubled 2x8 to 2x12, or LVL | Engineered alternative: LVL beam per engineer's design |
| Sill Plates | #2 PT (ground contact) | 2x6 | Pressure-treated, anchored to foundation per code |
Span Tables: The IRC includes span tables (Tables R502.3.1 and R802.4) that specify the maximum allowable span for each lumber size, grade, and species at a given spacing (12", 16", or 24" on center). Always consult the appropriate span table when selecting joist and rafter sizes. Our staff can help you read span tables and select the correct lumber for your project.
Species Comparison for Common Projects
Choosing the right wood species for a project is just as important as choosing the right grade and size. Different species have distinct structural properties, workability characteristics, and cost profiles. Here is a quick reference to help you select the best species for your application.
SPF (Spruce-Pine-Fir)
Best for: General framing
The workhorse of residential construction. Lightweight, economical, and meets code for wall studs, floor joists, and roof rafters at standard spans. Kiln-dried SPF is straight, consistent, and easy to nail. This is the species behind most 2x4 and 2x6 framing lumber.
Douglas Fir
Best for: Beams & heavy structural
Denser and stronger than SPF, with higher allowable bending stress and stiffness values. Choose Doug Fir for long-span headers, ridge boards, structural beams, and applications where you need to carry heavy loads or span farther between supports. Costs 15-25% more than SPF but delivers measurably better performance.
Pressure-Treated SYP
Best for: Ground contact & outdoor
Southern Yellow Pine treated with MCA or ACQ preservatives is required by code for sill plates, deck substructures, fence posts, retaining walls, and any wood in direct contact with soil or concrete. Choose UC4A rating for ground contact, UC3B for above ground. SYP's open cellular structure absorbs preservatives deeply and uniformly.
Western Red Cedar
Best for: Outdoor & appearance
Naturally rot- and insect-resistant without chemical treatment. Ideal for deck surfaces, fencing, siding, outdoor furniture, and any visible outdoor application where a warm, natural appearance is desired. Lightweight, dimensionally stable, and takes stain beautifully. Higher cost but lower maintenance than untreated alternatives.
Red Oak & White Oak
Best for: Flooring & fine woodwork
Red Oak is the most popular hardwood flooring species in Chicago homes, offering excellent hardness (Janka 1,290), prominent grain pattern, and good stain acceptance. White Oak is harder (Janka 1,360), more water-resistant, and ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and exterior applications. Both take stain and finish beautifully.
Poplar
Best for: Paint-grade trim & millwork
A domestic hardwood that machines cleanly, resists warping, and takes paint exceptionally well. More dimensionally stable than pine, making it ideal for wide trim boards, built-in cabinetry, and millwork that will be painted. More affordable than oak or maple while offering superior stability compared to softwoods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lumber
Ready to Order Lumber?
Visit our Chicago lumber yard to hand-pick your materials, or contact us online for pricing and availability. Contractor accounts with volume pricing are available.