Building Materials | Summerwood Products

One of our defining characteristics is the exceptional quality of the materials that we use in the construction of our buildings. We don’t cut corners and we are very picky. Generally we will purchase the finest materials on the market, often hand picking our lumber to make sure that it is up to our high standards.

If you have a particular material in mind, let us know and we’d be happy to try and source it for you.

Material component cutaways:

Standard buildings
Cabins, garages, and larger structures.
Gazebos

Select one of the buildings above for building component specifications.

… read on to enjoy the whole story.

Framing Materials

Framing materials shape a building’s design and support both the construction materials but also environmental factors and human occupancy.

Spruce

Spruce is the standard framing material incorporated in most summerwood structures, the exception being our gazebo styles. It is a strong, durable material, ideally suited for dimensional support.

Uses: Wall plates, Studs, Rough Openings, Rafters, Trusses

Purchased Spruce Profiles

Pressure Treated

Pressure treated lumber is incorporated in the design of all of our floors to prevent moisture from taking a toll on the base of the structure.

Uses: Floor runners, Floor joists, Bottom wall plates (garages) upgraded wall framing, Upgraded roof framing

Purchased P.T Profiles

Canadian Western Red Cedar

Cedar is the standard framing material incorporated in all of our gazebo styles and is a popular upgrade from the standard framing on other structures.

Uses: Gazebo walls, Gazebo roofs, Railings, Columns, Beams, Bars, Upgraded wall framing, Upgraded roof framing

Purchased Cedar Profiles

Canadian Western Red Cedar Profiles material Summerwood

Sheet Materials

Sheet materials are what bind the frame-work together, providing lateral strength to floors, roofs and walls.

7/16” OSB

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is made up of compressed wood strands layered and adhered together to form 4’ x 8’ sheets. It is used primarily for wall sheathing but is also used for sheathing small shed roofs.

Uses: Wall sheathing, Roof sheathing, Enghanced siding upgrade

1/2” Spruce Plywood

1/2" Spruce plywood is not only more visually appealing than OSB but is also structurally superior. We offer 1/2” Spruce plywood as an upgrade to OSB on wall sheathing as well as roof sheathing applications. 5/8” and 3/4” is available as an upgrade.

Uses: wall sheathing, roof sheathing

1/2” Pressure Treated Plywood

1/2" Pressure treated plywood is ideal for uses exposed to the elements i.e. under floor sheathing used to contain floor insulation from the underside of a building.

Uses: Under floor sheathing, Wall sheathing, Roof sheathing

5/8” T&G Spruce Plywood

1/2" Pressure treated plywood is ideal for uses exposed to the elements i.e. under floor sheathing used to contain floor insulation from the underside of a building.

Uses: under floor sheathing, wall sheathing, roof sheathing

Summerwood Products only purchases materials from companies that engage in sustainable, environmentally friendly practices.
We are conscious about preserving the environment and work hard to be eco-friendly.

Finish Materials

Finishing materials add the final touches to a summerwood structure all while providing an extra layer to protect the structural elements underneath.

Cedar

Uses: Skirt Boards, Trim Applications, Soffit Boards, Fascia Boards, Roof/Ceiling Boards,Column/Post Wraps, Window/Door Casings

Shed building material cedar Summerwood ID Number 195490

Clear Cedar

Uses: Trim Applications, Soffit Boards, Fascia Boards, Roof/Ceiling Boards, Column/Post Wraps, Window/Door Casings

Garage building material clear cedar Summerwood.

Versatex

Uses: Trim Applications, Soffit Boards, Fascia Boards, Roof/Ceiling Boards, Column/Post Wraps, Window/Door Casings

Shed building material Versatex Summerwood ID Number 192807

Pine T&G

Uses: Floor Finish, Wall Finish, Roof/Ceiling Boards Trim Applications

Our purchasers search for the highest quality material, and then negotiate the price. We don't sell a "box store" product. Every building combines the highest quality of materials with expert craftsmanship and meticulous design.

Roofing Materials

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are inexpensive but durable and easy to apply with many colors to choose from.

Uses: Roof finish, Black & brown asphalt shingles are included with installed packages

EPDM Membrane

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roofing is a very durable, water tight roof finish, most commonly used on our Dune, Verana, and Urban Studio models due to their "flat" roof design. It is available in black or white.

Uses: Roof finish

Cedar Shingles

The natural color and grain of western red cedar shingles transform a structure into a work of art. They give each angle drama and create an expression of unmatched quality and timeless appeal. Cedar shingles not only outlast trends in style but other building materials as well. Cedar shingled siding is an excellent choice for a long lasting look of beauty.

We use #2 Perfection Western red cedar shingles. They are 18" in length and 7/16" thick. They have limited knots and must have a minimum of 11" clear cedar. There is usually 4" of standard exposure but you may choose a different dimension based on style preferences.

Uses: Roof finish, Siding

Our beautifully crafted western red cedar doors and windows are second to none. Whatever your preference, our wide range of styles are sure to accommodate your taste. View doors and windows for more info.

Miscellaneous Materials

Doors & Windows

Our selection of doors and windows comprises a wide range of choices to fit any style, size, or budget. From single shed doors to beautiful arched French doors, natural cedar, vinyl, or Metal - we have a design for every taste.

Insulation

Insulation allows you to use your building all year long and in some cases, may be necessary to obtain a building permit. When insulating a building, a moisture barrier needs to be applied between the warm and cold areas to avoid the accumulation of humidity. With humidity comes mould and rot that can drastically reduce the life expectancy of the structure.

As a good first step, we recommend that you include our enhanced siding package to your kit (see below). The package adds a layer of OSB/plywood sheathing and building wrap (with spun nylon webbing) between the siding and the studs.

Enhanced Siding Package (ESP)

If you are thinking of adding insulation, consider adding one of our "enhanced siding packages". It's a layer of sheathing (OSB or plywood) and house wrap (Typar and optional HomeSlicker) that provides a moisture barrier to your structure. The enhanced siding upgrade provides a protective seal as well as adding shear strength and rigidity to the building, sometimes required when applying for a building permit.

When insulating your building for year round use, the addition of the enhanced siding package is a must. To avoid the accumulation of humidity (and subsequent deterioration of your walls), it is important to maintain a moisture and vapor barrier between the inside and outside of your building.

Our Enhanced Siding Package

Hardware

Our standard hinges, door handles, latches, window openers and other types of hardware are all top of the line name brand Bakenamel products. Developed through extensive abrasion and salt testing, Bakenamel's durability is second to none.

When you order our deluxe doors, we include brass-finished hardware. The key entry, exterior grade locksets are reliable and durable.

We also offer a selection of options to upgrade your doors and window hardware if you wish to enhance the look. Either way, you can expect an, attractive, durable, non-corrosive product that will serve you well.

Fasteners

The fasteners we use are of the highest quality and standard. We take the necessary time to research and select the appropriate fasteners for each structure. We generally use brass screws and zinc coated nails for structural integrity and to avoid corrosion, disintegration and rust formation. Similarly, colour-matched galvanized nails are used to fasten Canexel siding to ensure a structurally secure and aesthetically pleasing result.