Choosing the Right Wood for Your Next Project
Starting a new woodworking project is exciting, but before you grab your tools, there’s a crucial first step: choosing the right wood. For beginners, the sheer variety can be overwhelming! Do you go with a soft pine or a sturdy oak? What’s the difference between hardwood and softwood? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the lumberyard.
Hardwood vs. Softwood: The Basics
The terms “hardwood” and “softwood” can be a bit misleading. They don’t always refer to the actual hardness of the wood, but rather the type of tree it comes from.
- Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in the fall), like oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and poplar. These woods are generally denser, more durable, and often more expensive.
They’re excellent for furniture, flooring, and anything that needs to withstand a lot of wear and tear. - Softwoods come from coniferous trees (evergreens), like pine, cedar, spruce, and fir. These are typically faster-growing, less dense, and more affordable. Softwoods are great for framing, basic construction, and projects where ease of working is a priority, like simple shelves or outdoor furniture.
Popular Choices for Newbies
For your first few projects, consider these beginner-friendly woods:
- Pine: This is a go-to for many beginners. It’s affordable, widely available, and very easy to work with using hand tools or power tools. Pine is great for practice pieces, simple shelves, or decorative items. Just be aware that it can dent and scratch more easily than hardwoods.
- Poplar: While technically a hardwood, poplar is relatively soft, straight-grained, and takes paint exceptionally well. It’s a good choice for painted furniture, cabinet frames, or any project where you plan to apply a solid finish. It’s also more stable than many softwoods, meaning it’s less prone to warping.
- Common Board (ie. Spruce, Fir, Pine – SPF): Often found at big box stores, SPF lumber is inexpensive and perfect for utilitarian projects like workshop benches, utility shelves, or even some outdoor projects (if treated properly). It’s not usually chosen for fine furniture, but it’s fantastic for getting started and building confidence.
Thinking About The Project Needs
When selecting wood, ask yourself these questions:
- What is the project being used for? A cutting board needs a hard, food-safe wood (like maple), while a decorative wall hanging can use something softer like pine.
- Indoors or outdoors? Outdoor projects require woods with natural resistance to rot and insects (like cedar or redwood) or those that have been pressure-treated or sealed.
- What kind of finish do I want? Some woods (like oak or cherry) have beautiful grain patterns that shine with a clear finish, while others (like poplar) can be ideal for painting.
- What’s the budget? This is usually a big factor. Start with more budget friendly options as you learn, and then explore more exotic or expensive woods as your skills grow.
Choosing the right wood is a skill that develops with time & experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. Start with something simple, learn how different woods work, and soon you’ll be picking species out like a pro. What kind of project are you thinking of tackling first?
PRO-TIP – Hit up your local Craigslist for free wood options. Folks are always giving away scraps or boards they simply don’t want or can’t use any longer.