How to Choose the Right Wood Types For Your New Project

Many beginner woodworkers make the mistake of thinking all wood types are the same. Wood is wood. Sure, there are more expensive woods than others, but that is probably the only factor to consider. Wrong. Being able to choose suitable wood is an essential part of the woodworking project.

Whether you are doing wood projects to sell or wood projects for the home, the suitable wood makes all the difference. The right wood types create the perfect look for the project, and it also affects how strong and durable the finished project will be. The ideal wood can distinguish between an object that lasts a lifetime and one that falls apart at the slightest touch. Find out how to choose the best lumber for your woodworking project right here.

Pick Between Hardwood and Softwood

The first thing you need to think about when starting a woodworking project is understanding the difference between hardwood and softwood. Whether you pick hardwood or softwood, or a combination of both, depends on the project. It would help if you understood whether the wood will need to withstand a lot of pressure, be very hard, or not take many knocks, and will thus be constructed from softer wood types. Take a look at guides to hardwood and softwood and the best uses for these different types of wood.

Look for Stable Wood

Wood does move and change dimensions as it dries and through the seasons. You need to recognize this and make sure you are building this into the design. You also need to choose the most stable wood you can. This means the wood has a vertical end grain. You can use a combination of durable and less long-lasting woods inside one project. But some parts, particularly on fine furniture or doors, need to be very tough.

Avoid Wood With Defects

Certain woods come with built-in defects that make working with them more difficult. Steer clear of these defects if you want to guarantee success with a project. These defects include wood knots since these are not exceptionally stable and may fall out with time. They also make life challenging when you are planing. Avoid insect holes since they can cause instability in the wooden object. Look out for boards and wood that have been dried too quickly or dried unevenly. Make sure the panels have been stacked correctly to dry to avoid twisting or bowing.

Visit Specialist Wood Stores

Visit local wood mills and dealers to find high-quality wood types. You will often get a better choice and better wood than at DIY stores or hardware stores. You will also find more exotic timber and wood from the big box stores that you won’t get. If you live in a city and cannot get out to where the wood mills operate, woodworking hobby stores could be the answer. However, the wood from these stores is likely to be more expensive, and you won’t get the volume of wood available.

Your Project Dictates Your Wood Types

You will quickly realize the importance of the correct type of wood when looking at how one project differs from another. For example, you need something weatherproof and durable for an outdoor swing seat, but you want something soft and easy to carve for a delicate jewelry box.

Look Out For Cost

The cost will be a consideration in choosing wood types for a project for most people. In general, hardwoods are more expensive than softwoods since they are more durable and have attractive grains. Softwoods may not have the most interesting grain, but this often becomes a non-issue when finished.

So make sure you do your research and choose the suitable wood types for your project – it will make life a lot easier and your project more successful.