Edensaw Woods is your
top supplier for quality surfaced woods in Seattle-Port Townsend in Washington state, catering to home builders, woodworkers, and remodelers. We offer a wide selection of high-quality surfaced wood products, including fir surfaced wood (CMG), fir surfaced wood (CVG), hemlock surfaced wood (CVG), and pine surfaced wood.
What are surfaced woods? Surfaced woods are lumber that has been milled or planed on at least two sides (such as S2S or S4S) to create a smooth, even surface. This planing process makes the wood much easier to work with, provides uniform thickness, and gives it a clean, finished appearance ready for immediate use in fine finishing and joinery.
Understanding Surfacing Grades and Dimensions - Lumber surfacing is defined by how many sides have been planed smooth:
- S4S (Surfaced Four Sides): The board is planed on all four faces (two sides and two edges). This produces lumber with uniform width and thickness, making it ideal for immediate use as trim, exposed beams, or in cabinetry. Most CVG and CMG is sold S4S.
- S2S (Surfaced Two Sides): The board is planed only on the two main faces. This is common for rougher grades of lumber or thick stock where the edges need to be left wide for later custom milling.
- Nominal vs. Actual Size: Lumber dimensions are often stated in nominal size (e.g., 2 x 4). The actual size after surfacing is smaller (e.g., a 1-in x 6-in board is typically surfaced to 3/4-in x 5-1/2-in).
Grain Type: CVG vs. CMG vs. Flat Grain? The way the log is cut (quartersawn vs. plainsawn) dictates the grain pattern and structural stability:
- Clear Vertical Grain (CVG): Produced by quartersawing, the grain lines run parallel to the face of the board. This is the most dimensionally stable and least prone to cupping or shrinking, making it essential for millwork, doors, and window casings where tight joints and stability are required. CVG provides an elegant, straight-line aesthetic.
- Clear Mixed Grain (CMG): Includes a mix of vertical, flat, and medium grain. It offers a more rustic appearance and is generally a more economical choice than CVG while retaining a clear (knot-free) grade. It is suitable for non-structural trim and siding where stability is less critical.
- Flat Grain (FG): Produced by plainsawing, the grain displays a distinct "cathedral arch" pattern. FG is the least stable cut but is the most cost-effective and provides the highest yield, commonly used for wide paneling and less demanding applications.
- Clear mixed grain (CMG) fir surfaced wood: CMG fir surfaced wood has a mix of tight, straight, and wavy grains. The wood has a smooth surface with minimal knots, providing a clean and versatile look. It is ideal for various interior and exterior applications, such as cabinetry, furniture, siding, and trim. The mixed grain adds visual interest and character.
- Clear vertical grain (CVG) fir surfaced wood: CVG fir surfaced wood showcases tight, parallel vertical grain lines, creating a consistent and elegant appearance. The surface is virtually free from knots and irregularities, lending a refined and classic look. CVG fir is often used for high-end woodworking projects, including doors, windows, moldings, and exposed beams, where its vertical grain enhances stability and longevity.
- Hemlock surfaced wood, clear vertical grain (CVG): Hemlock surfaced wood, CVG, displays straight, uniform vertical grains with a smooth texture. The wood's clean surface and consistent grain pattern make it suitable for a variety of interior projects like paneling, trim work, and cabinetry, as well as exterior siding and fascia. Its uniformity makes it easy to work with, and the vertical grain provides superior stability.
- Pine surfaced wood: Pine surfaced wood is known for its light color, visible knots, and varied grain patterns. The wood's rustic appearance adds charm to both indoor and outdoor projects. Pine is versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications, such as framing, furniture, flooring, and decorative items. The wood is cost-effective, easy to find, and its unique character adds a natural touch to any project.
Fir vs. Hemlock: PNW Softwood Comparison - Fir and Hemlock are both excellent PNW softwoods, but they have subtle differences for fine finishing:
- Douglas Fir: Known for high strength and excellent stiffness. It has a pronounced grain pattern that shows well under clear finishes. Fir is structurally preferred for long spans and beams.
- Hemlock: Generally softer than Fir with a slightly more subtle, uniform grain structure. Hemlock is often preferred for interior paneling, trim, and applications where a uniform finish and color are desired, as it takes paint and clear coats very evenly.
- Working Properties: Hemlock is typically easier to nail and screw without splitting, while Fir's hardness provides better dent resistance in high-traffic areas.
As your local rough sawn & surfaced lumber supplier and local domestic & exotic supplier,
Edensaw Woods (
Edensaw.com) offers a wide selection of top-quality
surfaced lumber and woods that are milled and ready for immediate use in fine cabinetry, millwork, and furniture projects. From our locations in Port Townsend-Tacoma, Washington, USA, we provide professionals and hobbyists in Seattle-Port Townsend-Tacoma and the nearby Pacific Northwest region with premium, consistently milled boards. Browse our selection, featuring popular lumber types like
CMG fir lumber and woods, clear-grade
CVG fir lumber and woods, clear
CVG hemlock lumber, and versatile
pine lumber, among many more options. We also offer a wide array of
products and
services, including local marine & cabinet grade plywood supplier options; please
contact us for assistance with your material needs.
