Hardwood Lumber 101 Archives - AdvantageLumber Blog

What is S4S Lumber and Where to Buy It

July 25, 2025 by Advantage Lumber

When it comes to woodworking, cabinetry, or fine carpentry, choosing the right lumber can make a big difference in the ease of your project and the quality of the final result. One term you’ll often encounter is S4S lumber. But what exactly does that mean, and why should you care? What Does S4S Lumber Mean? …

4 Common Questions About Purpleheart Wood – Answered

February 16, 2026June 26, 2025 by Advantage Lumber

At AdvantageLumber.com, we get a lot of questions from customers curious about exotic hardwoods, and one of the most intriguing is Purpleheart wood. Known for its bold color and exceptional strength, Purpleheart is a favorite for both decorative and structural applications. Below we answer the four most common questions we receive about this unique tropical …

What is 4/4 Lumber?

April 15, 2024 by Advantage Lumber

When stepping into a lumberyard or browsing wood for a project, you might come across terms like 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, and 8/4 lumber. We often get people that are confused on these measurements or criticize us for not knowing proper fractional measurements. These numbers, which may seem cryptic or wrong at first, are essential in …

What’s the Difference between Nominal and Actual Dimensions?

March 5, 2026December 13, 2023 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

One of the greatest sources of confusion in the lumber industry is the difference between a board’s nominal dimensions and its actual dimensions. When dealing with wood, understanding nominal and actual dimensions is essential. Nominal Dimensions: The Standard Naming Convention Nominal dimensions are the measurements you’re probably used to seeing. They are the names by …

What Are Board and Lineal Feet?

February 17, 2026December 13, 2023 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

Woodworking and construction projects require a precise understanding of the fundamental units of measurement in the lumber world: board feet and lineal feet. These units play pivotal roles in estimating and acquiring the right amount of lumber for diverse projects. Board Feet: A Measure of Volume A board foot is a unit of measurement for …

Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring Color Change

June 6, 2024June 12, 2023 by Advantage Lumber

Brazilian Cherry, also known as Jatoba, is a popular choice for hardwood flooring due to its durability and exotic beauty. The wood’s color can range from a reddish-brown to a rich, dark brown, often with hints of gold or deep red. The wood is also characterized by distinctive grain patterns that add to its appeal. …

Woodworkers, This Is The Cocobolo For You!

October 5, 2015September 30, 2015 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

Our large shipment of Cocobolo included some of the largest logs we’ve ever received! It’s exciting to see such variety in our supply because we can expand our product lines for you.