When it comes to building—or rebuilding—your home, not all wood is created equal.
The right species and treatment can mean the difference between a structure that lasts generations and one that starts failing long before its time. Whether you're framing an interior wall, putting up fencing, or choosing trim that brings character to your home, each application has a “right” wood…and a few wrong ones.
If you live in Colorado, where our climate swings from dry, high-altitude conditions to heavy snow loads and intense UV exposure, choosing the proper material isn’t just recommended—it’s essential.
Let’s break down the best wood for every major part of your project.
1. Interior Framing — The Skeleton of Your Home
For interior, non-exposed structural framing, Douglas Fir and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF) are the go-to choices.
Why they work well
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They’re strong and dimensionally stable.
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They hold nails and screws exceptionally well.
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They’re affordable and readily available throughout Colorado.
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SPF is lightweight and easy for carpenters to work with.
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Douglas Fir has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any framing species.
Where you’ll see them used
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Interior walls
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Ceiling and floor framing
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Roof trusses
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General structural framing that won’t be exposed to weather
These species perform perfectly inside the home where moisture swings are minimal compared to exterior environments.
2. Exterior Framing — Built to Brave the Elements
Colorado’s climate is harsh on exterior wood—dry air, snow accumulation, freeze/thaw cycles, and powerful sun exposure all take a toll. Because of that, pressure-treated lumber and Douglas Fir are typically used for exterior structural components.
Preferred Materials
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Pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine
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Pressure-treated Douglas Fir
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Exterior-grade Douglas Fir-Larch (common in post-and-beam construction)
These woods resist decay, insects, and moisture far better than interior framing lumber.
Where you’ll see them used
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Exterior load-bearing walls
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Porch framing
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Outdoor beams and posts
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Rim boards and mud sills
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Areas where lumber meets concrete or soil
Pressure-treated lumber is essential anywhere wood contacts moisture, earth, or exposed weather.
3. Deck Framing — And Why KDAT Is King
The bones of your deck take more abuse than almost any other part of your home: rain, snow, hot summers, and freezing winters. That’s why pressure-treated lumber is standard for deck framing—but not all treated wood performs equally.
Why KDAT Is the Best Choice
KDAT (Kiln-Dried After Treatment) lumber goes through a drying process after being pressure-treated. This matters because:
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It dries to a stable moisture content, meaning less warping, twisting, and shrinking.
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Deck boards and fasteners sit better on stable framing.
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It accepts stain and paint more consistently.
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It’s lighter and easier to work with compared to wet treated wood.
Typically Used Species in Colorado
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KDAT Southern Yellow Pine (most common due to strength and treatability)
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Douglas Fir treated for ground and above-ground contact
Where it’s used
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Deck joists
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Beams
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Ledger boards
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Posts
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Stair framing
By choosing KDAT for your frame, your deck will stay straighter, safer, and looking better for years longer.
4. Fencing Framing & Materials — Built for Beauty and Privacy
Colorado homeowners love natural wood fences, but choosing the right species keeps your investment standing tall.
The Best Woods for Fencing
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Cedar (Western Red Cedar or Inland Cedar)
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Redwood (premium option)
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Pressure-treated Pine for posts
Why these species make sense
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Cedar and redwood are naturally rot- and insect-resistant.
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They handle Colorado’s dry climate extremely well.
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They weather attractively and are ideal for privacy panels.
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Treated pine posts provide long-term stability in the ground.
Where each is used
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Posts: Pressure-treated Pine
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Rails: Cedar or pressure-treated Pine
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Panels/Pickets: Cedar or Redwood
Cedar remains the most popular in Colorado thanks to availability, price, and durability.
5. Decorative Millwork, Trim, Window Casing & Door Casing
For the finishing touches inside your home, you want wood that machines well, paints beautifully, and stays stable.
Top Choices
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Poplar – The #1 paint-grade trim wood
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Finger-jointed Pine – Economical, smooth, great for painted trim
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Clear Pine – Natural wood look, stain-friendly
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Oak – Classic hardwood for high-end casing and millwork
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Douglas Fir – Popular in Colorado for a rustic mountain style
Where they’re commonly used
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Window and door casings
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Baseboards and crown molding
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Wainscoting
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Custom built-ins
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Decorative beams (DFL is common in mountain modern homes)
Poplar remains the favorite for painted trim because it resists dents, cuts cleanly, and takes paint like a dream.
So… Got Wood? Choosing the Right Stuff Matters.
Whether you're framing a house, building a fence, or adding decorative trim, the species of wood you choose directly impacts longevity, performance, and beauty. Colorado’s unique climate only exaggerates the difference between good choices and costly mistakes.Using the right wood from the start means fewer callbacks, fewer repairs, and a home that stands strong for decades!