Why You Need to Choose Your Wood Wisely
One of the most critical choices you’ll make when you start woodworking is the type of wood to use for your project. What you choose affects not just the look of your project, but also the strength, durability and ease of assembly.
To a novice, all woods may look the same, but they work differently. A wood that is easy to work with can save you hours of frustration while improving the outcome of your work.
- Hardwood vs Softwood
Wood is typically categorised into two types; hardwood and softwood. Hardwood, such as oak or maple, is more dense and harder than softwood, such as pine. Hardwood is more durable and better for furniture or projects that are expected to last for a long period of time. Softwood, being lighter and easier to work with, is ideal for beginners and for simple projects. - Workability / Ease of Work
Some types of wood are easier to cut, shape and sand than others. Softwoods are more easily manipulated, while hardwoods require more effort and more precision in handling. It is important to select the type of wood based on the difficulty you are willing to face with it. - Strength and Durability
There are also different levels of strength that you will require depending on what type of project you are building, i.e. furniture requires stronger wood. Choosing the right type of wood ensures that you will not have the pieces bending or breaking. - Appearance and Wood Grain
The aesthetic appearance of wood can make or break your design. Each type has its own unique colour, texture and wood grain. While some woods look very neat and uniform, others are more interesting and have more visible grain. If you pick the right type of wood, your final project will look very nice. - Moisture and Stability
Wood changes shape based on moisture. Some woods are more stable than others and won’t bend, warp or crack easily with changes in moisture. It is important to use wood that won’t change in size in your finished work. - Cost and Availability
Some woods cost more and are hard to find while other woods cost less and are easy to obtain. While the more expensive woods are better quality, beginners can easily learn using affordable wood and save money for future, more advanced projects.
Wood selection affects every aspect of a woodworking project; from ease of construction to the longevity and look of your finished piece. It is a skill that comes with practice and experience.
The WoodMastery Course teaches you exactly this, ensuring you always choose wood to suit your project and design needs.
