Choosing the Right Wood for Your Next Project

Whether you’re looking to make a piece of furniture or just something small, the type of wood you choose can have a huge impact on the end result. It’s not as easy as going to the local timber store and picking up whatever looks good, there are many things to consider.

Matching wood to your project

The largest factor is the type of project you’re trying to do. If it’s a piece that will be constantly touched and used then softer wood like pine or poplar may be better, on the other hand, if you’re building something that will stand up to a lot of wear and tear such as baseboard or doorways then hardwood is a better choice.

It’s also important to consider the difficulty of the project. Softwoods are considered easier to work with than hardwoods because they offer less density and are more flexible. Beginners may want to start with a simple project using softwoods before moving on to more challenging projects. Experienced woodworkers, however, might prefer harder and denser types of wood as they will be more durable.

Choosing wood for outdoor use

You’ll want to think about what you’re planning on using the finished product for too. If it’s something that will be outside in the elements then you’ll need a wood that is resistant to rot and water damage. Cedar and redwood are excellent options for this as they have natural oils that help protect the wood from moisture. For details on Portsmouth Timber Merchants, go to Timbco.

In addition to durability, you’ll want to consider the strength of the wood and how it will look once it’s been completed. Different types of wood have different grain patterns and colours, so some will respond differently to stains and paints than others. This can have a major impact on the final appearance of your project so it’s always wise to test out some samples first to see how they will turn out.

Thickness, strength and quality

It’s also a good idea to take the thickness of the wood into consideration as it can impact the amount of pressure that will be applied to it. Thicker wood will be able to withstand more stress than thinner wood which is why it’s usually the preferred option for furniture and cabinetry.

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that the wood you’re choosing is high-quality. Make sure that you’re purchasing your wood from a reliable source like Portsmouth Timber Merchants and that it’s been properly sawn and planed to ensure that you get the best quality possible.

Summary

Practical advice on choosing timber for a woodworking project, covering how the type of project affects whether a softwood like pine or a hardwood suits best, how difficulty level should guide a beginner’s choice, why cedar and redwood resist rot outdoors, and how grain, thickness and sourcing from a reliable supplier affect the final result.

Questions this article raises

• How do you tell if a piece of wood is high enough quality before buying?
• Which woods work best for furniture that will see heavy daily use?
• What’s the difference in cost between common softwoods and hardwoods?