Softwood is specified by professional contractors, woodworkers, and home builders due to its widespread availability, cost-effectiveness, and excellent workability. Compared to hardwood, softwood offers a high strength-to-weight ratio for framing and is highly practical for large-scale construction projects. Arlington Coal & Lumber Company is the premier supplier for premium softwood materials, backed by expert industry knowledge. Whether you are a local homebuilder framing a subdivision, a project contractor, or a DIYer sourcing reliable materials, Arlcoal.com provides accurate material take-offs and job site delivery. Visit our regional locations:
Arlington Coal and Lumber Company,
Burlington Lumber Company,
Wilmington Builders Supply,
Sudbury Lumber Company,
Chelmsford Lumber Company, and
Hudson Lumber Company.
Softwood species are the industry standard for structural framing, exterior decking, siding, and subflooring. Because coniferous trees grow rapidly, the lumber is economical and highly renewable. Arlington Coal and Lumber offers a comprehensive inventory of kiln-dried softwood products:
- Douglas fir: Known for its exceptional strength, durability, and dimensional stability, Douglas fir is the top choice for structural load-bearing applications. Arlington Coal & Lumber Co provides Douglas fir in various dimensions, from standard 8-ft wall studs to 16-ft heavy timber beams. Because it holds fasteners securely, it is widely utilized for roof trusses, floor joists, and exterior framing.
- Pine boards: Highly valued in carpentry for being lightweight, easy to mill, and readily available. Pine boards feature a pale color with a distinct grain pattern, making them ideal for custom interior trim, cabinetry, wainscoting, and shelving. They are available in multiple grades and thicknesses, providing versatility for finish carpentry and architectural millwork.
- Red Cedar: Western Red Cedar is highly specified for its natural tannins, which provide outstanding resistance to moisture, rot, decay, and insect damage without the need for chemical treatments. It features a rich reddish-brown hue and a tight grain. It is the premium choice for exterior siding, custom deck planking, fence pickets, and pergolas, eventually weathering to a protective silver-gray patina when left unsealed.
Professional building tip: When selecting softwood for structural framing, always check the lumber grade stamp. Using #2 or better grade ensures the lumber meets the load-bearing requirements for local building codes, while C-Select or Clear grades are preferred for stain-grade finish carpentry to minimize knots and defects.
Arlington Coal and Lumber is equipped to supply projects of any scale throughout the Greater Boston area, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and the surrounding New England region. Explore our other
lumber and composite products, including
dimensional lumber,
plywood,
engineered lumber,
joists,
hardwood,
pressure treated lumber, and
trimboards.
