Rough-Sawn vs. S4S Lumber: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between using rough-sawn lumber and S4S lumber affects the cost, the time it takes to get the wood ready, and the final size of the wood product. Even though they are made from the basic materials, they will look very different when they arrive at your shop. The texture and imperfections during the sawmill process remain intact in rough-sawn lumber, whereas S4S lumber is finely processed on four sides.

So, the information in this article will help you in selecting the proper type of lumber according to the equipment, skills, budget, and needs of your project.

What is Rough-Sawn Lumber?

Well, rough-sawn lumber is a form of lumber that has just been cut at a sawmill. It includes all the imperfections and patterns after the process.

There are normally saw marks visible on the wood, and some rough lumber may even have irregular dimensions. Rough lumber gives the woodworker more wood to work with when milling boards to certain dimensions.

However, rough lumber normally needs more work like jointing, planing, ripping, and trimming to be ready for use. Some examples of uses for rough-sawn lumber are:

• Custom-made furniture
• Rustic woodwork
• Timber-framed structures
• Decorative wood on walls
• Special dimension woodwork
• When milling equipment is available

What is S4S Lumber?

S4S means “Surfaced Four Sides.” The lumber has been processed on all four sides of the board to produce smooth and even surfaces. As the boards have already surfaced, they need less preparation before cutting and installation. So, this makes the lumber easy to work with for projects like furniture, shelving, cabinet construction, trim, and many others.

Rough-Sawn vs. S4S Lumber: Key Differences

Let’s have a quick overview of the key differences between rough-sawn and S4S lumber.

Quick Fact: To sum up, practically the main difference lies in “how much work you need to do before construction begins.”

Which Lumber Is More Affordable?

You must want to know the price difference between rough sawn and S4S lumber. Let’s discuss.

Well, unfinished or rough lumber usually has a cheaper buying cost since it undergoes fewer processing procedures. However, this is not the whole story.

When purchasing rough boards, one will have to spend on a planer, a jointer, a saw, and also spend more time in the workshop to get it to the right size. On the other hand, finished boards are more expensive since the supplier does most of the work beforehand.

To sum up, for a small project, one may save a lot of time by spending extra money for pre-made boards. For large woodworking projects, it would be better to purchase rough boards and process them yourself.

How Do Dimensions Influence Your Lumber Estimate?

First of all, it should be noted that there is no reason to compare rough and surfaced lumber in terms of the same dimensions. As surfacing reduces the thickness of wood, the S4S board can have smaller dimensions than the rough piece from which it was produced.

That can be crucial while calculating the lumber volume or making estimates of your project.

When you are going to buy hardwood based on its volume, you can use a Board Foot Calculator to estimate how much lumber you will need and make comparisons between the prices of rough-sawn and S4S lumber. Moreover, a linear foot calculator is a better tool when your lumber is sold or measured according to its length.

For projects using raw logs, one should use a Log Board Foot Calculator to find out the amount of lumber that can be expected after the milling process is done.

In the end, using an appropriate calculator will help one get organized and make accurate calculations when making project estimates for lumber.

Which One Should You Choose?

Option 1:

Well, you can choose rough-sawn lumber for situations where:

• You can get your hands on a milling machine.
• You can decide on the exact dimensions.
• You require thick wood for customization.
• You like the rustic look of the boards.
• You have the time and patience to do further preparation.

Option 2:

On the other hand, S4S lumber is perfect for:

• If you want to begin your construction without any delay.
• If you don’t have access to a planer and jointer.
• If you need boards with uniform dimensions.
• If you’re working on small DIY projects.
• If you prefer little preparation before construction.

Closing Remarks: Rough-Sawn vs. S4S Lumber

Wrapping up, the decision to go for either rough-sawn or S4S depends upon ease of use, economics, and available equipment. Lumber in its rough form gives one more leeway when it comes to determining the finished size. However, the choice of S4S lumber, on the other hand, makes preparation easier and guarantees one consistent surface.

In the end, when shopping for your lumber, consider these factors in relation to the project at hand and your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between rough sawn and S4S wood for woodworking?

Well, the key difference between rough sawn and S4S wood is preparation. Rough wood needs to be milled to get a good-quality finish and smooth surfaces, but S4S wood is already surfaced and smooth on all four sides.

Is rough sawn lumber cheaper than S4S lumber?

The initial price of rough sawn lumber is usually lower due to less processing. But it is important to take into account the cost of milling tools and equipment, labor, and losses in terms of time and material.

Which should I choose, rough sawn or S4S wood for DIY?

If you need to choose between rough sawn and S4S wood for your DIY projects, you have to take into account your tools, skills, time, and project type.