Weyerhaeuser Starts Straight and Stays Straight

Weyerhaeuser’s Framer Series lumber prides itself on its ability to “Start Straight and Stay Straight.” However, what does that mean for homeowners and contractors, and what benefit does this produce in the long-term? We talked with some of our lumber specialists at our Madison and Crozet stores to find out why it’s important to start straight and stay straight.

Problems with Uneven Surfaces

The real benefit of this Framer Series product is that it provides a warranty against warping. Over time with your lumber, when exposed to the elements, a piece of the board can get wet and dry faster than other parts of your lumber. This drying changes the shape of the board and causes shrinkage, which changes the wood’s shape. This change in shape affects the stress load over time.

We wanted to dig a little deeper into how Weyerhaeuser avoids these problems:

Strength

Weyerhaeuser’s Framer Series is a #2 graded lumber. This #2 grade is usually not as strong of a product; however, their machine grading process strengthens the lumber to be used in situations requiring more stress. As the base for the home, this structural property is important to ensure that the house’s frame can stand the test of time and still perform years from now.

Machine Grading

Framer Series is unique in that they use a machine-stress-rated (MSR) and machine-elevated lumber (MEL). These processes ensure that every piece is tested to verify its design properties for the grade and application. Each piece is precision tested for fiber strength and density, and computerized grading eliminates warp. The wood is also tested for wane and warp before it comes to our store, making it a better planting surface for trusses.
Through this grading process, Weyerhaeuser’s mechanical, electronic, laser, and optical sensors collect fiber attributes on every piece and calculate the future likelihood that the piece will warp. Their grading also ensures it meets appearance requirements. This process provides a much more accurate evaluation than traditional processes, where elements are not looked at closely and with enough detail to test the lumber piece.

Weyerhaeuser Framer Series - Start Straight and Stay Straight

Crowning

When installing framing lumber, the crown of that piece of wood is the upward arching curvature when looking down its narrowest dimensional edge. Crowns are essential for framing lumber, as they can determine the shape of your wall over time. Over time, moisture can affect your boards’ shape, meaning the lumber may be more visible through your walls, or you can see a wave-like appearance when looking down at your wall. Weyerhaeuser provides clear marking, making it faster to install. This crowning causes floors, walls, and ceilings to stay flat and even, reducing the likelihood of drywall cracks.

How does this help contractors?

Due to these properties, Framer Series helps contractors on the job site. The markings on the board cut guesswork, and contractors can install this lumber with ease. It reduces the need for them to come back to the site, as most of the lumber is ready to go up, and there is no need to worry about moisture. It reduces job site waste from discarding bad pieces of wood, and its mold inhibitor helps the material stay clean and bright.

Weyerhaeuser Framer Series lumber can be used in wall framing, floor joists, rafters, and any other type of framing applications.

Have questions about Framer Series? Our sales teams in Madison and Crozet specialize in Weyerhaeuser products and can find the right solution to your home. Additionally, our Madison store has software from Weyerhaeuser to design engineered floor plans for your home. Learn more about Weyerhaeuser, shop online, or contact one of our stores.