Spruce for framing?

[Brian Watford]

CS 17 #113 is 3D and filleted. I seem to be challenged it the computer skills area. :oops: I can't get pictures to download. I am having trouble finding douglas fir which I started using for framing. Spruce is readily available. Any opinions as to the suitability of spruce for boat building?

The trouble with living in the deep south is all anyone wants to grow is yellow pine!

[Frank Hagan]

I think southern yellow pine would be better than spruce. SYP is kind of a traditional boat building wood in the south. Douglas fir, which is plentiful in the west, is used out here, but we import SYP for piers, etc.

The "problem" I've had with "spruce" is that often the home centers are selling "white wood" which they call spruce. Its often hemlock, which doesn't do too well, or spruce, or fir. Sometimes mixed in the same pallet of lumber.

Graham's based in NC, so he will know more about the woods you should be able to get locally.

[Ken_Potts]

A lot of the lumber available in those big home improvement centers here in NC is actually pine from Canada.

[Designer]

We use a lot of eastern white spruce for small spars, paddle shafts and light framing. As it is not very durable I don't use it in areas that will stay damp. It is usually full of knots and takes a lot of searching to find a clear board.

Southern yellow pine is a good strong and durable wood. The lumber yards around here carry two grades, pine which is construction grade and is full of knots and C and better which is clear and is used for trim work and furniture. The other readily available wood around here which is good for framing and general construction is clear fir.

Here is todays local prices for a 1 x 6 (3/4" x 5 1/2") x 8',

pine $2.77

spruce $4.58

c & b $7.78

clear fir $13.04

For those with a frugal bent and are inclined to rummage through pine and spruce stacks, there are a few bargains to be found if you search. When the edge of a board has some bark at one end, it is downgraded to construction grade even if the rest of the board is perfectly clear, that is what you are looking for and there are usually a few in each stack.

Of course, the object is always to look for straight clear (as possible) wood with straight grain, regardless of species.

[Brian Watford]

Thanks for the input. I think I will try to find more fir. I'm sure that in Atlanta someone will have a decent selection.