What is a good lumber for framing a residential ADU?

What is a good lumber for framing a residential ADU?

Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2017 · 154 posts · 24 votes

Hi,

My friend is building an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) in their backyard in Los Angeles area and wondered what kind of lumber is good for the framing both in terms of price and quality? They are in a class B+ to A neighborhood. I read up on it a bit and it seems like light structural lumber milled from softwood trees (spruce, fir and pine) might be a fine choice. But there any good brand(s) (model number, SKU, etc.)  I can ask for when making inquiries to a vendor so that they could easily point me in the right direction?  Thanks BP community in advance.

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Real Estate Agent · South Lake Tahoe, CA · Member since 2016 · 680 posts · 644 votes
6y

@Bruce P.

It will most likely end up being Doug Fir in California. You should be able to go to your local lumber supplier and tell them you need framing lumber and they will set you up. 

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  • Real Estate Agent · South Lake Tahoe, CA · Member since 2016 · 680 posts · 644 votes
    6y

    @Bruce P.

    It will most likely end up being Doug Fir in California. You should be able to go to your local lumber supplier and tell them you need framing lumber and they will set you up. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2016 · 553 posts · 314 votes
    6y

    The engineering drawings should be pretty specific, although the inspectors don't seem to check.

  • Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2017 · 154 posts · 24 votes
    6y
  • Member since 2020 · 4 posts · 1 vote
    6y

    @Bruce Parker

    Hi,

    I am a structural engineer, so I can help a bit:) the standard sawn lumber in CA is called Douglas Fir Larch. Good luck

  • Will BarnardPro Member
    Moderator
    Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    6y

    Standard framing lumber for CA is douglas fir as all others described. Your "friend" should be consulting a general contractor for this as they know what to do and what to use. The stamped approved plan set will have to be followed.

  • Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2017 · 154 posts · 24 votes
    6y

    Thank you @Ety Benichou @Will Barnard, much obliged.

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