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The best lumber for building will be the strongest and most eco-friendly wood your budget allows. That being said, Douglas fir, pine, oak, and maple are all common building materials. Contractors will use a strong, inexpensive wood to frame a house or other structure and finer woods like mahogany for detail work. 

Rather than using a common two-by-four piece of wood for a rafter, you probably will use two-by-six, two-by-eight, two-by-ten, or even two-by-twelve boards. Wider lumber is typically a better choice in a larger building as it provides more sturdiness. Some installers may use wider lumber for rafters near the edges of the roof, where the greatest stress occurs, and save money with narrower lumber toward the middle.

Any type of construction that damages a tree’s roots via soil compaction can be dangerous, and is one of the primary causes of mature tree death in residential areas. Simply putting lots of weight on the ground around the tree, like construction supplies, trailers, and equipment, can kill roots near the surface. Of course, installing new foundations, patios, or utility lines can cut through nearby tree roots. Accidentally striking a tree with equipment or supplies is rarely a problem, but can cause damage of its own, too.

It may be tempting to DIY the construction of a swing set to save money, but we don’t recommend it. Since children will use the swing set, the entire system must be solid and safe, meaning the cost savings aren’t worth potentially endangering them. Plus, most DIYers will have to build their swing sets out of wood, which won’t last as long as metal or vinyl and introduces the risk of splinters. Instead, hire a local playground equipment installer to ensure the swing set is built safely and efficiently, setting up your kids for fun for years to come.