Pine, cypress, or poplar? Picking a species for your build
A short guide to picking the right wood species for the way the board will be used.
We stock Southern Yellow Pine and can special-order cypress, poplar, and other hardwoods. Each has a place.
Pine is our standard. It takes stain well, holds nails without splitting, and costs less than the alternatives. For ceilings, walls, and most interior work, it's the right answer 90% of the time.
Cypress is the choice for porch ceilings, soffits, and anywhere humidity is a factor. It's naturally rot- and insect-resistant, and it has a warm color that ages beautifully.
Poplar is paint-grade. It's smoother and tighter-grained than pine, with very few knots in clear grade. If the boards are going to be painted, poplar gives you a finish you can't match with pine.
Not sure? Call us. We'll ask what the wood is doing and where it's living, and point you to the species that makes sense.