Archive for the 'Lumber' Category

Welcome to National Lumber’s Blog

Founded in 1934, with ten lumberyards in New England, National Lumber has the experience and quality building materials you need for every project. Let National Lumber be the single source for all of your building and remodeling products. The National Lumber Family of Companies includes Reliable Truss, Pro Insulators, National MillworkKitchen Views, National Building Products, and Oxford Lumber — covering everything from the rimboard at the foundation to the roof shingles along with everything in between. Visit our websites to see all we have to offer.

Our blog will share information about the wide range of products and value-added services available to you. If you’d like to follow the blog via email, you can easily subscribe using the box at the right. Keep up-to-date with the latest events hosted by National Lumber as well as new products and services by joining our Constant Contact mailing list.

We’re ready to serve you. If you have any feedback, questions or concerns, be sure to leave a comment!

Welcome to National Lumber!

Welcome to National Lumber’s brand-new blog! National Lumber is the largest building material supplier in New England, with eight lumberyards and stores. We also have divisions dedicated to kitchen design and remodeling (Kitchen Views), installed insulation (Pro Insulators), custom millwork and pre-built staircases (National Millwork), trusses (Reliable Truss), and drywall supply.

Do You Know About National Lumber’s Turn-Key Framing Division?

National Lumber's Turn-Key Framing division is the one source supplies for your large scale building projects.

Serving builders, developers and owners specializing in large wood frame commercial buildings, we work on a variety of projects such as hotels, multi-unit residential buildings and more. We are your one source lumber and building materials supplier providing you with all the materials required. Our team of framing experts will come to your jobsite anywhere in the nation and meet your production schedule.

Doug King, of Douglas A. King Builders, offers a testimonial on behalf of National Lumber

Well established builder, Doug King, shares his thoughts on his experience with National Lumber.

This is what a builder of commercial projects had to say about our service, “We do for sale housing, custom housing, apartments, condominiums. Over 40 years now. National Lumber has been a big part of my operation, and my growth. We’ve been dealing with the same people for 30-40 years. The people we deal with are great. It’s a good relationship.

They have the size to give you whatever you want, and the efficiency to deliver it on-time. They’re a good asset, and a good partner.” Doug King, Douglas A. King Builders, Inc.

National Lumber’s Turn-Key Framing Division offers you the best value for your projects because all of your supplies are coming from one source. You can avoid unnecessary confusion between suppliers and framers because we can fulfill all of your needs for lumber, building materials, structural components, roof and floor trusses, and wall panels. Our experienced engineers have the ability to design the most cost-efficient system for the scope of your project, saving you time and money.

With our team working on your project, the risk of differing interpretations of your design is greatly reduced. Accuracy results from our team’s understanding your design requirements from the beginning and lasting through all phases of your project. Included with all of these Turn-Key framing services is our Double Guarantee, which not only holds the pricing on materials throughout the project’s duration, but also guarantees the material take-off to complete our work.

If you work with a specific National Lumber representative, please ask about these products and services. If you don’t have a specific contact, you can email insidesales@national-lumber.com and we will have someone contact you.

Thank you for your business. We are honored to be your supplier for building materials and more!

The National Lumber Family of Companies

www.national-lumber.com

National Lumber's Family of Companies: National Lumber, Kitchen Views, Reliable Truss, National Millwork, Pro Insulators

Did you know? Reliable Truss and Components has in-house design and engineering departments

reliable truss floor tracker truss assembly

Reliable Truss and Components, a division of National Lumber, has in-house design and engineering departments to work with you every step of the way from your initial quote to the final delivery of your product. When it comes to wood and steel trusses, structural components and custom prefabrication, our experts here at Reliable Truss have the ability to offer our customers efficient project coordination and higher quality and more feature-rich products than offered by our competitors. Our innovative processes allow us to provide exceptional service from “under one roof”.

“I wanted to extend my personal thanks to you and the rest of the folks at National Lumber and Reliable Truss for that fantastic tour. I found it to be a very valuable learning experience. While I was generally familiar with metal plate wood trusses, watching the actual manufacturing was quite an experience. I was very impressed by your plant and also by the sophistication of the MiTek software. Previously I was not aware how extensive a capability existed for pre-fabbing wall and floor sections. Again, the machinery and your plant were very impressive. For me the Alpine steel trusses were a complete revelation. In the past I had done some work with light structural steel trusses (angles, tees, and gussets), but these light gauge steel trusses are definitely something to look for a way to use. Thanks again.”  Thomas J. Vaughan Jr, P.E., GSC Engineering, Inc.

Our sales team is exceptionally versed with industry knowledge, and is here to assist you with choosing the components you need for your project and making sure your delivery is on time. Our registered engineers have the expertise to design the components you need for your project, all the while considering our environment, by practicing green building methods to minimize waste. The Reliable Truss facility is state-of-the-art, with fully integrated building industry modeling software to high production automated equipment, allowing us to provide customization and additional solutions to our customers.

If you work with a specific National Lumber representative, please ask about these products and services. If you don’t have a specific contact, you can email insidesales@national-lumber.com and we will have someone contact you.

Thank you for your business. We are honored to be your supplier for building materials and more!

The National Lumber Family of Companies

www.national-lumber.com

National Lumber's Family of Companies: National Lumber, Kitchen Views, Reliable Truss, National Millwork, Pro Insulators

It Takes Teamwork To Build A House

Custom-built home by Heritage Construction with pre-cut rafters supplied by Reliable Truss, a division of National Lumber

Custom-built home by Heritage Construction showing some of the installed pre-cut rafters supplied by Reliable Truss and National Lumber

Heritage Construction is building a custom home in Rehoboth, MA using pre-cut rafters from Reliable Truss and Components. Rob Longobardi is the framer in charge.

Bundle of pre cut rafters being lifted off boom truck to be placed on rooftop

Jesse M. of Reliable Truss drives the tractor-trailer containing the pre-cut rafters to the jobsite. National Lumber boom truck driver Brian L. out of the New Bedford yard will use the boom to move the materials to the roof area.

working together to using Moffatt to move rafters from the truck to the crane of the boom truck

It takes teamwork and communication to move materials safely and precisely

Jesse uses the truck-mounted Moffett to unload the materials and precisely place them where needed. In this case, he’s positioning the pre-cut rafters to be taken directly from the Moffett by the boom. The maneuverability of the Moffett allows him to drive forward or sideways as needed.

Brian expertly maneuvers the boom to take the materials from the Moffett and raise them to the framing crew that is waiting to receive them. He makes it look easy, but correctly balancing the weight of the load and accounting for the width of the load as he turns it all takes expertise earned through experience.

Installing the pre-cut rafters on this particular house will take about a week.

boom truck crane places the rafters on the rooftop where workers are ready with supports

Pre-cut rafters are placed on the rooftop with the boom

Before you have a large gathering on your deck, give it a safety check!

The summer has officially kicked off! Cookouts and outdoor gatherings will abound. Whatever the celebration may be, keep in mind the importance of maintaining and inspecting your deck regularly. Do this to ensure your event won’t be ruined by deck failure or injuries.

Since Memorial Day weekend, there have been several reports of decks collapsing around the country. In each instance there have been guests who were injured, some with broken bones. Better to be safe than sorry – take the time to inspect your entertainment area before your guests come over. Check your deck to make sure it is structurally sound.  If you see anything that you are unsure of, or concerned about, you may wish to consult with a home inspector or contractor.

According to two of the reports, rim joists and band joists, in separate accounts, connecting the decks to the houses had failed and pulled away causing the collapses. If the connection to the main support area is weakened and you add a shifting live load, the results may be very hazardous. See for yourself what can happen when decks are not maintained.

In 2006, North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) dedicated May as Deck Safety Month. Decks are wonderful outdoor living spaces, but like anything else, they require maintenance and inspection. Age and weather elements contribute to the condition and longevity of a deck. Homeowners must be mindful of the dangers of a deck, especially during peak outdoor seasons.

Here are a few safety tips suggested by the North American Deck and Railing Association:

  • Check for any splitting or decaying wood, especially around the areas where connected to the house or building.
  • Check all around the deck for any anchors, nails or screws that may be corroded or loose.
  • All railings, staircases and banisters should be secure.
  • Leaves and debris can cause mildew, along with other damage, to your deck. Be sure to clear these away.
  • Check to make sure there is flashing to direct water away from any wood.

National Lumber is able to provide you with top quality decking and railing products. If your existing deck is secure, but aged, you may consider upgrading the floorboards to give it a fresh, new look. If you do decide to build a new deck, we have a variety of materials to choose from. Things for you to consider would be the material, color options, cost and maintenance requirements. You can come into any of our 8 locations to speak with our staff about your decking project.

Don’t wait til things topple over, we’re here for you!

Real Benefits of Building “Green”

Over the past decade, we’ve seen some interesting developments in the building industry. One trend coming up steadily is “green” building. With a more health conscious society, making buildings with eco-friendly materials that are made for sustainability is becoming more widely accepted and encouraged. At first, it was a more expensive process than conventional non-green building, however, today the monetary playing field is beginning to level out somewhat.

By starting with a green thought process, the planning and design of the project can be tailored to include more efficient and environmentally friendly materials. There is more flexibility in purchasing green materials from vendors that have expanded their stock and adjusted pricing in order to offer these supplies more widely and readily.

Construction worker using green building materials

National Lumber offers a variety of green building materials for customers. Boise, Benjamin Moore, Centurion, Claymark and Guardian are some our featured product lines.

Builders, designers and consumers all have opportunities to benefit from this way of building and living. In an article on curbed.com, different costs are evaluated and broken out visually to show the real savings that can be obtained by careful planning at the beginning of a building project.  Builders and developers may see the value in these buildings more quickly because these buildings usually command, and receive, a higher selling price. Owners of a green building will see savings on energy costs and tenants will feel happier and healthier knowing their space is good for, not only their environment; it’s good for their own health, as well.

We have taken a meaningful approach to implementing and practicing green methods in our own work environment by installing energy efficient lighting and converting office functions to paperless wherever possible. Read more about the green methods we utilize and materials we supply.

Do you use “green” elements in your building projects currently? Are customers requesting you to use green elements in their projects? Have you seen cost savings firsthand?

National Lumber

Warwick Grand Opening – July 22, 2010

National Building Products Warwick VIPs Board Cutting

From Left to Right: Rob Goldstein (GM of Paint), Brandy Souza (Assistant GM of Kitchen Views), Maria Fratiello (Director of Human Resources), Michael McDole (VP of Sales), Margie Kaitz (CEO), Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, Steven Kaitz (CEO), Manny Pina (President) and Bill Lee (Store Manager).

Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian wielded a handsaw and cut the ceremonial board at the Grand Opening of National Building Products at 3356 Post Road, Warwick, RI on July 22, 2010. This is the eighth location for National, and our ninth Kitchen Views showroom, which is located inside the store.

This is worth a look — the entire store has been remodeled, plus there is now a beautiful new cabinetry showroom. The finishing touches have just been made to the Kitchen Views showroom and everyone is welcome to come see it for themselves.

VP of Sales Mike McDole and CEO Steven Kaitz with Mayor Scott Avedisian and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts

VP of Sales Mike McDole and CEO Steven Kaitz with Mayor Scott Avedisian and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts

In addition to Valspar paints and all kinds of tools, contractors and homeowners will find something for every building construction or home improvement project. We also fill propane tanks and make keys. This location is familiar to many in the area as the former Eagle Lumber, off Route 95 at Exit 10. Come in and see what’s new!

We’ve posted pictures of the event, plus pictures of inside the store and showroom, on our Facebook page. You can also view the album here.

Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian sign the board

Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian sign the board

National Building Products and Kitchen Views
3356 Post Rd, Warwick, RI
401-921-0400
Monday-Friday 6:30am-4:30pm
Saturday 8am-1pm


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