Advantage Lumber

There is a 10% upcharge for lengths over 7 feet.

Rough Lumber vs S4S Lumber

Rough lumber and surfaced on 4 sides (S4S) lumber are two forms of wood commonly used in construction and woodworking. Here's an explanation of each and why they are used:

Rough Lumber

• Rough lumber refers to wood that has been cut directly from a log and typically has not undergone any additional processing beyond sawing.
• It retains its natural, rough texture and may have irregular edges, saw marks, and varying thicknesses.
• Rough lumber can be used in woodworking projects where the rustic appearance is desired or where the wood will be further shaped and refined by the woodworker.
• Because rough lumber is unfinished, it tends to be less expensive than surfaced lumber since it requires less processing. But keep in mind finishing lumber can be very time consuming so buying lumber in the rough is not always ideal if completing a project in a timely manner is important.

Surfaced on 4 Sides (S4S) Lumber

• S4S lumber, on the other hand, has been processed to create a smooth, uniform surface on all four sides.
• The S4S process typically involves planing both faces of the rough lumber to achieve a consistent smooth surface on both faces of the lumber. The lumber is then ripped on both edges to remove the rough edges. Final joinery work may still be required for edge glueing and similar projects.
• S4S lumber is commonly used in applications where precise dimensions and a smooth finish are required, such as for furniture making, cabinetry, trim work, and other finish carpentry projects.
• The smooth surfaces of S4S lumber make it easier to work with and provide a clean, polished appearance in finished projects. S4S lumber can speed up a project because the lumber arrives in a finished state and requires less work on site.
• Keep in mind even with S4S lumber there will still need to be final trimming, sanding, sealing. etc. on the jobsite.

Surfacing results in a 10–15% loss of material. Therefore, please account for an extra 10–15% waste factor when ordering surfaced material.