Request a Quote
Tell us about your lumber needs.
Responsibly Sourced
When New Lumber Makes Sense
Houston Lumber is best known for our reclaimed inventory, but we recognize that not every project can be built entirely from salvaged material. Some applications demand lumber that meets specific building code requirements for grade stamps, uniform moisture content, or precise dimensional tolerances. In those situations, new lumber is the practical choice — and we make sure it is sourced responsibly.
All of the new lumber we sell comes from certified sustainable forests, primarily operations that follow the guidelines of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). These certifications ensure that the forests are managed for long-term ecological health, that replanting programs are in place, and that harvesting practices minimize impact on biodiversity and waterways.
We stock new lumber alongside our reclaimed products so that our customers can source everything they need from a single supplier. Many builders use a combination of reclaimed and new material on the same project — for example, reclaimed heart pine flooring paired with new framing lumber, or reclaimed beams with new joists. Our team can help you determine which materials make sense for each component of your build, balancing cost, aesthetics, performance, and environmental impact.
Whether you need a truckload of 2x4s for a framing project or specialty hardwood boards for a cabinet shop, Houston Lumber delivers the same service, pricing, and reliability on new lumber that we bring to our reclaimed operations. Our new lumber inventory is stored in covered, ventilated bays at our 121 Esplanade Blvd facility to maintain consistent moisture content and quality.
What We Stock
Available Types & Dimensions
Dimensional Framing Lumber
Standard 2x4 through 2x12 in lengths of 8 to 20 feet. Kiln-dried, grade-stamped, and suitable for all structural framing applications. Southern yellow pine and spruce-pine-fir available.
Boards & Planks
1x material from 1x2 through 1x12 for trim, shelving, sheathing, and general-purpose carpentry. Available in pine, poplar, cedar, and select hardwoods.
Studs
Pre-cut 92-5/8 inch studs and standard 8-foot studs in 2x4 and 2x6. Straight, kiln-dried stock for wall framing. Available by the piece or in contractor bundles.
Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated southern yellow pine rated for ground contact and above-ground use. Ideal for decks, landscaping timbers, sill plates, and any exterior application exposed to moisture.
Hardwood Boards
Select-grade red oak, white oak, poplar, maple, and cherry boards for furniture, cabinetry, and architectural millwork. Available in S4S (surfaced four sides) and rough-sawn.
Sheet Goods
Plywood, OSB, and MDF in standard 4x8 sheets. CDX, BC, and cabinet-grade plywood in thicknesses from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch. Fire-rated and marine-grade options available.
Technical Reference
New Lumber Specifications
Standard dimensions, actual sizes, grades, and pricing for our most commonly stocked new lumber products.
| Nominal Size | Actual Size | Species | Grade | Lengths | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2x4 | 1.5" x 3.5" | SYP, SPF | No. 2 & Btr, Stud | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 ft | $0.45 – $0.65 /lin ft |
| 2x6 | 1.5" x 5.5" | SYP, SPF | No. 2 & Btr | 8 – 20 ft | $0.75 – $1.10 /lin ft |
| 2x8 | 1.5" x 7.25" | SYP, SPF | No. 2 & Btr | 8 – 20 ft | $1.00 – $1.50 /lin ft |
| 2x10 | 1.5" x 9.25" | SYP, SPF | No. 2 & Btr | 8 – 20 ft | $1.35 – $2.00 /lin ft |
| 2x12 | 1.5" x 11.25" | SYP, SPF | No. 2 & Btr | 8 – 20 ft | $1.75 – $2.60 /lin ft |
| 4x4 Post | 3.5" x 3.5" | SYP, Cedar | No. 2, Select | 8, 10, 12 ft | $1.25 – $2.50 /lin ft |
| 6x6 Post | 5.5" x 5.5" | SYP, Cedar | No. 2, Select | 8, 10, 12, 16 ft | $3.00 – $5.50 /lin ft |
SYP = Southern Yellow Pine. SPF = Spruce-Pine-Fir. Prices reflect current market conditions and may vary. Volume discounts available at 1,000+ lin ft.
Compare Your Options
New vs. Reclaimed: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | New Lumber | Reclaimed Lumber |
|---|---|---|
| Grade Stamps | Yes — meets code requirements | No — may need engineer certification |
| Dimensional Consistency | Uniform across all pieces | Slight variation (can be milled uniform) |
| Grain Density | Moderate (plantation grown) | High (old-growth, tight rings) |
| Visual Character | Clean, uniform appearance | Patina, nail holes, natural aging |
| Environmental Impact | Certified sustainable forestry | Zero new harvest; diverts from landfill |
| Availability | Consistent, large quantities | Variable, depends on salvage operations |
| Treated Options | Pressure-treated available | Natural rot resistance (some species) |
| Price (framing) | $1.80 – $3.00 /bd ft | $2.50 – $4.50 /bd ft |
Choose New Lumber When...
- ✓Your building code requires grade-stamped material with certified load ratings.
- ✓You need perfectly uniform dimensions across large quantities (e.g., 500+ pieces of identical 2x6x16).
- ✓The application requires pressure-treated material for ground contact or marine environments.
- ✓You are working with an inspector who mandates new, stamped framing lumber.
- ✓Your project timeline requires immediate availability in exact quantities.
- ✓You need sheet goods (plywood, OSB, MDF) that are not available in reclaimed form.
Choose Reclaimed Lumber When...
- ✓You want superior density and grain character from old-growth timber.
- ✓Environmental sustainability is a priority for your project or brand.
- ✓The design calls for visual character — patina, nail holes, and natural aging.
- ✓You need species or dimensions that are no longer commercially available in new form.
- ✓Your project qualifies for LEED credits or other green building certifications.
- ✓The application is decorative and code-stamped grading is not required.
The Houston Lumber Difference
Why Choose New Lumber from Us
Certified Sustainable Sourcing
Every board traced to FSC or SFI certified forests. No illegal logging, no old-growth harvesting, no clear-cutting. Chain-of-custody documentation available for green building projects.
One Supplier, One Delivery
Order reclaimed and new lumber together and have everything delivered on a single truck. Reduces coordination overhead, delivery fees, and project scheduling complexity.
Expert Material Matching
Our team helps you decide which components of your project should use new lumber versus reclaimed. We optimize for code compliance, aesthetics, budget, and sustainability in every recommendation.
Consistent Quality
We inspect every delivery from our mill partners before it enters our inventory. Warped, twisted, or defective material is rejected at the dock. You get straight, clean lumber every time.
Competitive Pricing
Our pricing is competitive with big-box retailers, and we offer volume discounts, contractor accounts, and net-30 terms that the large chains cannot match for custom orders.
Waste-Conscious Processing
Cutoffs, sawdust, and shavings from our facility are diverted to composting and biomass operations — not landfills. Even our new lumber operation is managed with sustainability in mind.
Where It Goes
Common Applications for New Lumber
Structural Framing
Wall framing, floor joists, roof rafters, ridge boards, and headers. Grade-stamped material meets building code requirements for load-bearing applications. SYP and SPF available in all standard dimensions.
Deck Substructure
Treated joists, beams, ledger boards, and posts for deck framing. Pressure-treated SYP rated for ground contact and above-ground use. Pair with reclaimed deck boards for a hybrid approach.
Interior Trim & Millwork
Baseboards, crown moulding, door casing, window trim, and chair rail in pine, poplar, and select hardwoods. Available in standard profiles or custom-milled to your specification.
Cabinetry & Furniture
Select-grade hardwood boards in oak, maple, cherry, and poplar for custom cabinetry, built-ins, and furniture making. Available rough-sawn or surfaced four sides (S4S).
Sheathing & Subflooring
CDX plywood and OSB for wall sheathing, roof decking, and subflooring. Structural-rated panels in standard 4x8 sheets. Tongue-and-groove subflooring panels also available.
Concrete Formwork
Economy-grade lumber and plywood for concrete forms, bracing, and temporary structures. Cost-effective material for applications where it will be stripped after use.
Project Spotlight
Spring Branch Custom Home — Hybrid Material Approach
A custom home builder in the Spring Branch area of Houston contracted us to supply all lumber for a 3,200-square-foot new construction home. The design combined modern structural requirements with a farmhouse aesthetic that called for reclaimed materials in visible areas. This hybrid approach — new lumber for structure, reclaimed lumber for character — is one of our most popular project configurations.
We supplied approximately 12,000 board feet of new SYP framing lumber (2x4, 2x6, 2x10, and 2x12) along with LVL beams, plywood sheathing, and pressure-treated sill plates and deck framing. All framing lumber was grade-stamped No. 2 & Better, meeting the structural engineer's specifications and passing inspection without issue.
For the visible interior elements, we supplied reclaimed heart pine flooring, reclaimed cypress shiplap paneling, and two massive reclaimed Douglas fir beams for the great room ceiling. The builder appreciated having a single point of contact for all lumber needs — both new and reclaimed — which simplified scheduling, reduced delivery costs, and ensured the material arrived in the correct sequence for each phase of construction. The finished home was featured in a Houston-area real estate showcase.
Our Commitment
Sustainability in Every Board
Even when you choose new lumber from Houston Lumber, you are making a more sustainable choice than buying from a conventional big-box supplier. Our sourcing relationships prioritize mills and distributors that can document chain-of-custody from certified forests. We avoid suppliers linked to illegal logging, old-growth harvesting, or clear-cutting practices.
We also minimize waste in our own operations. Cutoffs, sawdust, and shavings from our processing facility are diverted to local composting operations and biomass energy producers rather than sent to landfills. When you combine responsible sourcing with waste-conscious processing, the environmental footprint of our new lumber is significantly lower than the industry average.
For builders seeking to maximize their environmental credentials, we recommend using reclaimed lumber wherever possible and supplementing with certified new lumber only where code or specification requires it. Our consulting team can help you develop a materials plan that optimizes for both sustainability and budget.
How to Order
Ordering & Delivery
Minimum Orders
No minimum for will-call pickup at our yard. Delivery orders require a minimum of 100 board feet or $300 in product value. Contractor bundles are available in standard pack sizes for efficient handling.
Lead Times
Most in-stock items ship within 1 to 2 business days. Large quantity orders (5,000+ bd ft or full truckloads) may require 3 to 5 business days for staging. Special-order species or dimensions: 1 to 2 weeks.
Volume Discounts
Pricing tiers at 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000+ board feet. Contractor accounts receive additional discounts and priority delivery scheduling. Ask about our monthly supply agreements for repeat buyers.
Delivery Coverage
Local flatbed delivery within 50 miles of Houston. Regional delivery across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama via our fleet. Nationwide LTL freight for orders of any size.
Returns Policy
Uncut, undamaged new lumber may be returned within 14 days for a full refund. Cut or processed material is non-returnable. Defective material is replaced at no charge — contact us within 48 hours of delivery.
Custom Processing
New lumber can be planed, resawn, cut to length, and profiled at our mill. Processing fees are competitive and allow you to receive material ready to install rather than needing additional on-site preparation.
Best Practices
Handling & Storage for New Lumber
On-Site Storage. Store lumber on a flat, level surface using stickers (spacer strips) between layers. Keep the stack at least 4 inches off the ground to prevent moisture absorption. Cover the top loosely with a breathable tarp but leave the sides open for air circulation.
Moisture Management. Kiln-dried framing lumber typically arrives at 15% to 19% moisture content. For interior trim and millwork, target 6% to 10% MC. Allow material to acclimate in the installation environment for at least one week before cutting. Use a pin-type moisture meter to verify before installation.
Treated Lumber Precautions. Pressure-treated lumber should be handled with gloves. Cut ends and drilled holes should be treated with an end-cut preservative to maintain the protective treatment at connection points. Allow treated lumber to dry for 2 to 4 weeks before applying stain or paint for best adhesion.
Sheet Goods. Store plywood and OSB flat, not leaning. Leaning sheets will warp over time. If storing outdoors, protect from direct rain but allow ventilation. Marine-grade and fire-rated panels require the same storage precautions as standard panels.
Finishing. New lumber accepts stain and finish more evenly than reclaimed material. For exterior applications, use a penetrating stain or sealant with UV inhibitors. For interior use, sand to the desired smoothness and apply your chosen finish — oil, polyurethane, or lacquer — following the manufacturer's recommended application schedule.
Common Questions
New Lumber FAQ
What certifications does your new lumber carry?
Can I mix new and reclaimed lumber on the same project?
What is the difference between SYP and SPF framing lumber?
Do you carry engineered lumber products (LVL, I-joists, glulam)?
How long should I let pressure-treated lumber dry before staining?
Are your prices competitive with Home Depot and Lowe's?
Explore More
Related Products & Services
Need New Lumber for Your Project?
Contact us for pricing on sustainably sourced new lumber — delivered to your site or available for pickup at our Houston yard.