With lumber, everything isn't always as it seems, and not all wood can be used for every type of job. Consider the standard 2 x 4. Two inches by 4 inches? Not really. It's only 3? inches by 1? inches. Quite a difference, if you weren't counting on it. You'll find this disparity in all finished lumber where rough-cuts are milled to a smooth finish. So plan for reduced sizes after milling, and choose the right type of wood as well. Species is important as it governs performance. You won't want a soft pine where you really need a tough Douglas fir. And outdoors, say on a deck, you need the durability of redwood or cedar. Every type of wood has features that eliminate it for some uses, while making it the right choice for others. We've learned a lot about wood because we're third-generation contractors. If you're not as experienced, ask lots of questions before you buy, and take a tape measure along to be sure you're getting what you want and need. And that's the On The House tip for today.