The type of wood you choose for your first woodworking project is one of the first and most significant decisions to make. There are differences between each type of wood regarding their hardness, grain, color, stability and workability.
Beginner woodworkers are often led to believe that the most expensive wood is the best. But this isn’t necessarily true. What matters is that you find a material that is appropriate for your project, your tools and your skill level.
Start With the Project
Your first step should be to determine what you plan to build.
Whether you are planning on building a small shelf, a cutting board, a decorative box, a stool or a storage box, all projects require different characteristics from the material you use.
Consider the size of your project, how much weight it will need to hold, whether it will be inside or outside, and what type of finish you want to achieve. All of these factors will help you narrow down your options when you start comparing different types of wood.
Know the Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood
One of the easiest ways to classify wood is by looking at its category of hardwood vs. softwood.
Most hardwoods come from deciduous trees while most softwoods come from coniferous trees. The terms hardwood and softwood don’t necessarily describe how hard or soft a piece of wood actually is.
For woodworking purposes, the question is rather what is the material like to cut, drill, sand and assemble.
Hardwood
Hardwoods can be very durable and have very nice grain patterns, providing an excellent, rich-looking finish.
Hardwoods are often used for furniture and decorative items where strength and beauty are both desired.
However, some hardwoods can be challenging to work with, particularly with hand tools.
Softwood
Softwoods can be easier to cut and shape, which makes them very useful for beginner woodworkers and many other projects.
They can also be more reasonably priced and widely available.
But some softwoods can be susceptible to dents and scratches, so be mindful of where you intend to use the finished project.
Look At the Grain
Wood grain is determined by the way a tree grew.
Not only does it affect the look of the final piece, but it can also affect how the wood behaves when you cut, plane or sand it.
Wood with long, straight grain is generally easier to work with than wood with wavy or irregular grain.
Inspect the Board
Take a close look at the wood you plan to use before buying or cutting.
Note the direction of the grain, as well as any knots, checks, discolorations or other imperfections. A board with a beautiful grain pattern might still not be suitable for a project if it has cracks or damaged sections.
Consider the Moisture Content
Wood reacts to fluctuations in moisture and humidity. If the wood is not dried or acclimated properly, it could alter its dimensions once you assemble your project.
As wood’s moisture content fluctuates, it can cup, twist, shrink, or expand.
When selecting wood for an indoor project, use wood that has been properly dried and give it time to adjust to the room where the project will be located before building.
The Importance of Stability
A project might come together flawlessly in the shop but present issues down the road if the wood used wasn’t the right kind or if it wasn’t prepared properly.
Doors might not fit, joints might shift, and previously flat surfaces might warp.
Knowing how your wood will behave in its environment is a critical component of woodworking.
Select Straight Boards
Straight, stable boards are often easier to work with for your first project.
Put the board on a flat surface or look down its length to check for any visible curves or twists.
A board that is extremely warped will make taking precise measurements and assembling your project much more challenging.
Choosing quality lumber early on will save you hours of frustration later.
Take Your Tools Into Account
Your tool selection will play a role in deciding what wood you should buy.
If you have only basic hand tools, you may want to go with a softer wood that is easier to cut, drill, and sand.
Harder woods can be tackled at a later date when your skill level and tool kit have improved.
Don’t Choose the Toughest Wood
While it can be enticing to select an exotic hardwood that looks beautiful, it could prove challenging.
Working with a difficult wood will be discouraging for a beginner.
It is easier to learn to take accurate measurements, handle your tools safely, create joints, sand, and finish with a simpler piece of wood.
Your first project should be focused on building skills, not making it harder than necessary.
Think About How You’ll Finish the Project
Your preferred finish might impact your choice of wood.
Certain woods have wonderful color and grain patterns that look fantastic under a clear finish.
Others might need to be painted or stained to achieve the desired result.
Visualize what your finished surface should look like before you purchase wood.
Try the Finish First
If you aren’t sure how a particular wood will react to oil, stain, paint, or some other finish, try it out on a scrap piece of the same wood.
Even with the same finish, results can vary wildly from one species to another.
Testing your finish will spare you from unpleasant surprises in the end.
Look at the Board Sizes
Be sure that the wood you choose is big enough for the project. Draw up a basic cutting plan before you purchase any material and note down the dimensions (width, length, and thickness) of each component.
Don’t forget that some of the material will be wasted during cutting and preparation.
Make a Cutting Plan
A cutting plan minimises waste.
Lay out the pieces you need on your board before you make your first cut. Pay attention to the direction of the grain where aesthetics and/or structural integrity matter.
A good cutting plan may also reveal if you need to buy more material before you start.
Check for Defects
It’s normal for wood to have some flaws, since you’re working with natural materials. However, not all defects are acceptable for all projects.
Watch out for:
- Large cracks
- Loose knots
- Excessive warping
- Splits running along the grain
- Moisture damage
- Rough or broken edges
Some minor flaws can actually be quite attractive, but you’ll want to think twice about major structural issues.
Choose What’s Right for You
The perfect wood varies depending on your experience level.
In your first project, stick to wood that is easy to work with and predictable.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of cutting, joining, sanding, and finishing, you’ll be able to tackle harder-to-work-with species and interesting grain patterns.
Working with different types of wood is a great way to learn about their properties.
Take Notes
If you like woodworking, start taking notes on the materials you use.
Record details like the type of wood, thickness, finish, tools, and techniques you used on each project.
Eventually, these notes will become a handy resource for future projects, and they might even help you make better decisions about what wood to use.
A Quick Pre-Purchase Checklist
When you’re ready to purchase wood for a new project, take a few minutes to ask yourself the following questions:
Is It Right For The Project?
Make sure the type of wood is appropriate for the size and intended use of the product you’re building.
Is It Straight?
Stay away from wood with excessive warping, cracks, and other structural problems.
Can I Work With It?
Choose wood that matches your skill level and the tools you have on hand.
Do I Like How It Will Look When It’s Done?
Consider the grain, colour, and how the finish will interact with the wood.
Final Thoughts
Choosing wood isn’t difficult once you look past the aesthetics and think about how the wood will perform throughout the life of the project.
Think about the use for your product, as well as the type of wood, its stability, grain, condition, and whether it’s compatible with your tools.
For your first projects, choose material that is manageable and predictable. Once you feel confident in your abilities, you can experiment with more challenging woods and designs.
Good woodworking begins before the first cut. Start by selecting the right wood and learning its capabilities.