What type of wood should I choose for my piece?

When taking on a small woodworking project, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right type of wood. The wood you select will impact the strength, appearance, workability, and cost of your project. Here are some tips for selecting the best wood for a small build:

What will the project be used for and how long do you want it to last? If you’re building something that needs to stand up to frequent use and abuse, choose a dense hardwood like oak, maple, or hickory. For items that are more decorative and won’t experience as much wear and tear, you can get away with using a softwood like pine. Also keep in mind that some woods, like cedar and cypress, have natural rot resistance so they’re great for outdoor projects.

The look of the wood grain and color will affect the aesthetics of the finished project. Woods like cherry, walnut, and mahogany have an attractive reddish tint while maple and birch have a lighter blonde tone. Exotic woods can provide extra visual interest but are more expensive. Consider whether you want the wood’s natural pattern and hue to come through or if you’ll be painting/staining over it.

Common woods like two-by-fours are easy to find and budget-friendly. More exotic woods can be special ordered but will raise the price of your project. Weigh how much you’re willing to spend against how unique you want the wood to be.

With these tips in mind, you can select the ideal wood for your next small DIY woodworking adventure. Taking the time to make the right choice will ensure your project looks great and withstands the test of time.