Are you on the lookout for engaging, creative projects that can transform your space? Look no further than Stratton LFrom the 2 × 4 framing your favorite room to the white‑oak mantel that steals the show, every piece of lumber has a job to do—and picking the wrong species, grade, or treatment can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. As Central Kentucky’s trusted supplier of wood for home construction and renovations, Stratton Lumber delivers more than board‑feet; we deliver know‑how.
Below you’ll find a fresh, comprehensive roadmap—designed for general contractors, DIY remodelers, and architects who want their projects to look great and last for decades.
Framing Fundamentals: The Backbone of Any Structure
Lumber grades & stamps
Most structural lumber at Stratton Lumber carries an SPIB or WWPA stamp that lists:
- Species group (SPF, DF, SYP, etc.)
- Moisture content at surfacing (KD‑19 is kiln‑dried to 19 % or lower)
- Grade (No. 2 is standard for studs; Select Structural for high‑load beams)
Tip: For tall basement walls or long window headers, upgrade to No. 1 / Select Structural to minimize knots and maximize modulus of elasticity.
Studs vs. plates
- Studs: 2 × 4 or 2 × 6— kiln‑dried to control shrinkage
- Plates: Pressure‑treated 2 × for sill plates sitting on concrete (code‑mandated)
Engineered alternatives
If your open‑concept design calls for 20‑foot spans, consider LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams in stock lengths up to 48 ft. They resist warping better than solid sawn beams, saving drywall from future cracks.
Subfloors & Sheathing: Getting the Base Right
| Application | Best Option | Why It Matters |
| Subfloor | 23/32‑inch T&G OSB AdvanTech® or plywood | Higher density reduces floor bounce and squeaks |
| Wall sheathing | 7/16‑inch OSB with radiant barrier | Meets wind‑load codes and reflects summer heat |
| Roof decking | 5/8‑inch plywood | Resists sag between trusses on 24‑inch centers |
Stratton Lumber rips and delivers full bunk quantities or split loads, so framers can sequence installs without onsite clutter.
Moisture & Rot Resistance: Pressure‑Treated Choices
Kentucky’s freeze‑thaw cycles wreak havoc on exterior wood. Pressure‑treated (PT) lumber at Stratton is kiln‑dried after treatment (KDAT) for:
- Less shrinkage—fasteners stay tight.
- Stain‑ready surfaces—no six‑month wait for drying.
Use **. 15 pcf treated 2 × ** for decking frames and . 23 pcf ground‑contact 4 × 4s for fence posts.
Interior Finish Woods: Turning Houses into Homes
Hardwood flooring
- White oak—quarter‑sawn boards minimize cupping and take stain evenly.
- Hickory—contrasting tone variations suit rustic or farmhouse themes.
Ask about Stratton’s pre‑finished lines with aluminum‑oxide wear layers that withstand kids, pets, and Kentucky’s humid summers.
Trim & moulding
Poplar is the paint‑grade king for smooth finishes; select‑grade pine offers a cozy, grain‑forward look under clear polyurethane.
Mantels & beams
Reclaimed heart‑pine or hand‑hewn oak mantels add instant character without compromising modern code—each beam is scanned for metal and kiln‑dried.
Exterior Cladding & Decking: First Impressions That Endure
| Product | Ideal Use | Key Benefits |
| Fiber‑cement siding | Whole‑house cladding | Fire‑, rot‑, and pest‑resistant |
| Cedar bevel siding | Accent walls, gables | Natural oils repel insects; easy to stain |
| Composite decking | Low‑maintenance patios | Color‑fast, splinter‑free, 25‑year warranty |
| Premium PT decking | Budget‑friendly decks | KDAT reduces checking and cupping |
Pair cedar siding with factory‑primed trim boards for a turnkey exterior package delivered straight to your jobsite.
Sustainable Sourcing & Certifications
Stratton Lumber partners with mills that meet SFI® or FSC® chain‑of‑custody requirements, giving LEED‑focused builders access to documented sustainable materials. Choosing responsibly harvested wood:
- Supports forest regeneration.
- Qualifies projects for green‑building tax incentives.
- Provides clients with third‑party proof of eco‑conscious construction.
Storage & Handling: Protect Your Investment
- Site storage: Keep bundles on 4 × 4 dunnage, covered loosely with breathable tarps.
- Acclimation: Interior hardwoods need 4–7 days in conditioned space (35–55 % RH).
- Cut ends: Seal freshly cut PT posts with copper‑napthenate to maintain chemical envelope.
Following these steps reduces call‑backs for warping, squeaks, and mold.
Ordering & Delivery: How Stratton Lumber Simplifies Supply
- Project take‑off—Email your plans; our estimators return a lumber list in two business days.
- Staged deliveries—Foundation package first; framing bundle next; trim last.
- On‑site boom trucks—Place lifts exactly where crews need them, cutting labor time.
Need a last‑minute LVL or custom radius moulding? Call by noon, and we’ll add it to tomorrow morning’s route.
Renovation Spotlight: Real‑World Material Matchups
Open‑Concept Kitchen Knockout
- Challenge: Remove a load‑bearing wall.
- Solution: 14‑inch LVL beam + 2 × 6 SPF‑No. 1 studs for new headers.
- Result: Zero drywall cracks after 18 months, according to homeowner feedback.
Historic Craftsman Refresh
- Challenge: Match 1920s 5‑in. V‑groove siding.
- Solution: Custom‑milled cypress boards from Stratton’s specialty line.
- Result: Seamless blend; historic commission approval on first inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you sell lumber in small quantities for DIYers?
Absolutely. Whether you need one cedar post or a truckload of joists, we’ve got you covered.
Q: Can you source specialty species like mahogany or Ipe?
Yes—lead times vary, but our mill network can secure most exotics within two to three weeks.
Q: What moisture content should framing lumber have at install?
19 % or less (KD‑19 stamp) is standard. Oversaturated boards shrink, causing drywall nail pops.Q: Do you offer on‑site consultations?
Our outside sales reps can visit job sites in Fayette, Scott, and surrounding counties to verify take‑offs and discuss best material options..
Conclusion: Build Better, Renovate Smarter with Stratton Lumber
Whether you’re raising new walls, replacing century‑old floors, or crafting a picture‑perfect outdoor retreat, every successful project starts with the right wood for home construction and renovations—delivered on time, milled to spec, and backed by service that doesn’t end once the truck pulls away.Ready to get started?
Call (859) 000‑1234, email sales@strattonlumber.com, or visit strattonlumber.com to request a quote. Let’s build something lasting—together.
