Lumber grade stamps are placed on lumber before it leaves the mill but few people understand the purpose of these stamps or how to read them. The most important piece of information on a grade stamp is the grade itself, but much more is included. Did you know that lumber that has been harvested sustainably or treated with fire-suppressant chemicals can be identified by markings on their stamp? Take a look at our new article on lumber grade stamps to find out more.

Most homes are built using green lumber, which is just another term for wood that is still wet. The problem is that when wet wood dries it’s going to shrink, and when parts of your house shrink it can mean trouble. Nail pops are sometimes caused by wood shrinkage, although this isn’t a serious problem. Mold, however, can easily grow on green lumber and infest the wood before it’s even used in construction. For more information, take a look at our new article on green lumber.