When you’re going to be investing in exotic lumber in Houston, it pays to have some stake in what you’re buying—namely understanding the important qualities and characteristics of the wood so that you can discern its condition. To that end there are a few highly important factors to concern yourself with if you’re going to be investing in exotic lumber. Take a look at five of them and why they’re so important to understand and look out for before you cut a check for lumber:

Hardness or softness: If you’re going to be buying exotic lumber in Houston, it pays to know what your final application for that lumber is going to be. Why? Because depending on what you’re going to be using it for, the hardness or softness of lumber can be a defining attribute as to how the wood will perform. Wood that’s too hard can prove difficult to shape and mold to your expectations, while softer woods can easily show abuse in the wrong circumstances. Know your application and what hardness or softness you need from your wood before buying.
Knots: Knots are naturally occurring in wood and can prove to be a unique identifier or beautiful trait when it comes to showcasing that wood. However, knots in wood can also be weak points if they’re not carefully considered, leaving you with complications after your wood has been laid down for its application. Consider every knot uniquely and be sure to pay close attention to its condition.
Grain: The grain of every type of wood is truly unique and often, the beauty of a specific type of wood grain is what’s going to be the purest source of its value. Exotic lumber in Houston is known for having beautiful and alluring grain patterns—like zebrawood or Iroko lumber—and it’s these patterns that will truly distinguish wood when it’s laid in its final application, whether it’s for furniture, moldings or some other application within
your home.
Distinctiveness: Grain and knots aren’t the only variables that can make a wood appealing—in fact, wood plays on all five of our senses, including our smell and touch. Some woods have distinctive smells that can lend themselves to the environment or atmosphere of wherever they’re applied, while others can have a certain softness or ruggedness to them that’s recognizable by touch. It pays to consider more than just the sight of exotic lumber in Houston before you buy—make sure you’re getting the full lumber experience.
Finishing prospect: Some woods are stainable, sealable and able to be painted to a high degree of beauty—others are not; it all depends on the wood itself and how it reacts to certain applications. It pays to know how your wood will react before buying it or you might find that your lumber investment doesn’t play nice with the stain or finish you had in mind!

Once you’ve had a chance to take a look at how all five of these variables stack up against the exotic lumber in Houston that you’re looking to buy, you’ll be better informed to make a decision about if it’s actually right for you or not.