Home renovation and DIY projects have long had a presence in Pittsburgh, and there may be a boom in the coming year as residents reinvest in their aging housing stock. To make these projects successful, quality materials like lumber are essential.
Pittsburgh’s properties have unique needs due to the climate’s impact on wood performance. It’s essential to identify the most suitable lumber sources tailored to your specific project requirements.
Understanding Lumber Quality Basics
Some of the common lumber types needed for your Pittsburgh project are framing lumber, hardwood and pressure-treated. Their overall lumber grade can vary based on:
- Straightness: Straight wood signals durability and simplicity during processing. Bent or crooked boards are less viable and tend to create waste.
- Moisture content: Wood should ideally be as dry as possible, as wood tends to warp and swell when exposed to moisture.
- Knot formation: Knots usually indicate a structural weakness in lumber. They can also affect the overall finishing and aesthetic appeal.
Lumber quality matters, especially since humidity levels and temperatures tend to fluctuate in the Pittsburgh climate. Investing in high-quality materials from the outset can help avoid the costs associated with warping and other issues that may arise later on.
Thankfully, there doesn’t seem to be a lumber shortage forecasted for the near future, which suggests an ample supply of premium-quality materials. The last shortage occurred back in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Is the Best Place to Buy Quality Lumber in Pittsburgh?
When it comes to quality lumber providers, you’ll find several options out in the market.
1. Best Overall Place to Buy Quality Lumber — Busy Beaver Building Centers
Busy Beaver Building Centers is your neighborhood home improvement center that provides some of the best lumber in Pittsburgh. Choose between specialty lumber, SPF lumber and treated lumber that are in stock and reasonably priced. You can also look forward to practical solutions and reliable support throughout your project.
Key features of Busy Beaver Building Centers:
- Offers individualized attention through excellent customer service
- Delivers a price match guarantee
- Provides a loyalty program for customers
According to the company, “Aside from the decision to make your home look better while spending less, getting the right tools is also essential to achieving your goals. At Busy Beaver Building Centers, we are passionate about helping DIYers and professionals with tools to help them build something meaningful with just their hands. Since 1962, we have grown to 25 locations throughout the United States, giving builders the best tools.”
2. Best for Commercial or Large-Scale Projects — 84 Lumber
84 Lumber was founded in 1956 with the mission of becoming the largest privately held supplier of building materials. It has 320 facilities that collectively contribute to delivering quality lumber in Pittsburgh and beyond. Check out their extensive inventory of lumber and plywood, which also includes treated lumber.
Key features of 84 Lumber:
- Provides load scheduling and delivery services
- Offers same-day delivery depending on availability
- Gives a Lifetime limited warranty to treated lumber
According to 84 Lumber, “Our 320 facilities nationwide include stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops and engineered wood product centers in 34 states. 84 Lumber is an industry leader in building supplies, manufactured components, and services for single- and multifamily residences and commercial buildings.”
3. Best for Premium Hardwoods — Allegheny Millwork & Lumber
Allegheny Millwork & Lumber has been Pittsburgh’s hardwood supplier since the mid-1970s, thanks to its quality woodwork. It specializes in both custom hardwood and engineered mouldings to help enhance the architectural interest of a room.
Key features of Allegheny Millwork & Lumber:
- Provides both physical and virtual showrooms
- Matches existing millwork to complete historical renovation
- Helps designers, contractors and architects
According to the company, “At Allegheny Millwork & Lumber, we know every project tells a story — of craftsmanship, precision, and pride. That’s why we don’t just sell lumber; we deliver the premium materials, design-grade expertise, and reliable service that keep Pittsburgh’s best builders, architects, and homeowners ahead of the curve.”
4. Best for Contractor Support — Brookside Lumber
Brookside Lumber has been providing construction lumber in Pittsburgh since 1926. You can get framing lumber, treated lumber, boards and other panel products depending on your project needs. It can also accommodate larger orders, as the same family that owns Brookside operates another independent retail lumber yard, H.P. Starr Lumber.
Key features of Brookside Lumber:
- Provides delivery services to jobsites and homes
- Offers installation services for its products
- Accepts in-house credit applications
According to the company, “Lumber and plywood are the core of what we do. From top quality framing lumber, to hard to find hardwood boards and plywood, we have what you need and the trained professionals to help you select it. And if we don’t have it in stock, most likely we can order it for you.”
5. Best for DIY-Friendly Service — Ambridge Lumber
Ambridge Lumber is a family-owned lumber and hardware business that’s known for delivering pressure-treated lumber in Pittsburgh. It offers premium Wolmanized decking boards, along with other lumber products such as fir studs and Southern Yellow Pine joists.
Key features of Ambridge Lumber:
- Offers delivery services
- Ensures competitive pricing
- Delivers cabinet-grade items.
According to the company, “We make sure to stay up to date on the latest supplies to better serve you. If you are not sure about what you are needing for your project, one of our knowledgeable team members is ready to assist.”
Seasonal Lumber Buying Guide for Pittsburgh
Knowing where to buy the best lumber is just the first step. You also need to determine the best times to buy, as lumber prices fluctuate seasonally. Fall and early winter are ideal times to seek lower prices and reduced demand. However, you must be mindful of the wood’s storage considerations during this time.
If you’re planning spring and summer projects, be selective with your lumber selection, since it’s in higher demand. Ideally, you should prioritize better lumber strength, as humidity levels during these seasons can affect wood stability.
How to Select Quality Lumber
Selecting quality lumber can pose a challenge, but it’s essential to be analytical when making your choice. Visually inspect the lumber for its straightness, moisture content and knots. Try to use the grain patterns to differentiate between stronger and weaker woods.
Expert tools, such as moisture meters and resistance drills, can help with analyzing lumber. However, to keep things simple, just communicate with a reputable provider regarding your material needs and purchase from them.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, consider the following frequently asked questions when getting quality lumber.
What’s the Price Difference Between Construction-Grade and Premium Lumber?
Premium lumber is more expensive than construction-grade lumber due to fewer defects and better appearance. Its improved structural integrity suits complex framing needs.
Do Pittsburgh Lumber Yards Offer Delivery Services?
Numerous Pittsburgh lumber providers offer delivery services. However, in-store or curbside pickup is encouraged to assess the quality of the wood first.
How Far in Advance Should I Purchase Lumber for a Project?
It’s best to purchase lumber a few days, if not weeks, in advance. You should let the wood acclimate to the project area to avoid sudden warps or cracks.
How Do I Properly Store Lumber in Pittsburgh’s Climate?
The biggest concern with lumber storage in Pittsburgh is moisture. Avoid direct contact with rain and snow. Additionally, you must maintain dryness and airflow to avoid mold and mildew.
What Are the Benefits of Buying From a Local Lumber Yard vs. A Big Box Store?
Local lumber yards typically offer a wider selection of species and cuts at lower prices. You can also request more customized services, such as custom cutting and milling.
Get the Best Lumber in Pittsburgh
Numerous quality lumber providers serve the Pittsburgh area. Just be mindful of when you’re getting these materials and what kind is suitable for your project needs. By making informed decisions, you can set up your project for success
Disclaimer: This article is paid content. Pittsburgh City Paper does not endorse the services described, and the content was provided by the sponsor.
