10 Best Types of Wood for Woodworking

When it comes to wooden furniture, decorative art pieces, or any other wooden item, it is important to use the right type of wood for these projects or other purposes. Wood comes in a variety of forms and there are several species of wood available. Each of those species come with their own guidelines in order to get the most out of that specific kind of wood. The different wood species have their own properties and come in different colours; therefore, the wood can be used for various purposes.

Why is it Important to Choose the Right Kind of Wood for Woodworking?

When working on a wood related project, it is important to go for the right kind of wood. This is because the right kind of wood for woodworking will establish the quality of the end product. Furthermore, since each type of wood comes with its own specific structural properties, this can highly affect how it will be used in woodworking, for instance, the wood quality and if the wood is softwood or hardwood.

Moreover, it is much easier to find wood for woodworking that has been sustainably grown, for instance on commercial tree farms. This is an environmentally friendly option that prevents further deforestation in the world and there will always be an endless supply of wood available.

Different Types of Wood for Woodworking

Oak

This type of wood is one of the most popular ones that is used for furniture making. Oak is available in several varieties; however, a lot of them have similar qualities when it comes to woodworking. Even though oak has a sought-after and very distinct appearance, this type of wood can be a bit difficult to work with, but great results can always be achieved when using oak in a woodworking project.

Maple

This is another popular wood that is used in building furniture. It is extremely durable. Plus, after using this wood in a project that was finished using the right and proper techniques, it can give an incredibly distinct look. Using maple in woodworking can be a bit of a trying experience, especially when it’s time to apply a finish. Maple comes in both a softer variety and a harder variety.

For a beginner, it is recommended to use the softer variety at first. The harder one can be quite challenging to work with and only an expert is able to handle that type of wood. Maple is known as a very stable wood; therefore, making it an ideal option for any type of furniture piece.

Poplar

This utilitarian and functional type of hardwood is commonly used with projects that are going to receive paint. Even though it can be stained, poplar doesn’t appear to look appealing after being stained. This is because instead of grain lines, it will often show grey or brown sections in the wood. However, poplar works best as structural wood due to being durable and also inexpensive. This makes poplar the perfect choice for drawer boxes and other similar kinds of projects.

Pine

This type of wood for woodworking is known as softwood and it can commonly be found in most hardware stores. However, not all pines are practical and a couple of its stable varieties, for instance, the longleaf pine, is used for many remarkable furniture projects. Pine is an inexpensive, lightweight wood that can be yellowish or whitish with brown knots. It’s often used for rustic pieces, like farmhouse-style tables.

Ipe

This hardwood comes from Brazil and is known for its water resistance and strength. However, this wood has a lot of controversy surrounding it due to it being or not being able to be harvested from the rain forest or from a tree farm that specializes in this type of wood. The Brazilian ipe can be found in about ten different varieties at the hardwood store. Even though it gives a distinct appearance plus it is used commonly as a deck material, when working with ipe specific precautions need to be taken.

Hickory

This type of wood for woodworking is popular because of its hardness. Hickory is not a single species and instead, it’s a group of several tree species that have similar characteristics. This wood can be a bit hard on saw blades, but it can add character to any woodworking project.

Beech

This type of wood is very bland, and it doesn’t have many individual characteristics. However, this can be a good thing since it basically offers a clean slate to create artistic projects. Also, this wood can be stained to give it a more expensive appearance minus the high price. This is an interesting hardwood that can be used in certain projects that do not need a strongly grained wood or a knotted wood.

Cedar

This is yet another softwood that can be used very easily. It is recognizable for its warm, red tones and its lovely aromatic note. Furthermore, it is tough and resilient, which makes it the ideal choice for outdoor furniture. Also, it can be used for wardrobes and chests. Plus, the wood itself repels moths, naturally.

Redwood

This type of wood is highly resistant to moisture; therefore, this is also another great option for outdoor furniture. This wood is also easy to work with plus it’s relatively soft with a bit of a reddish hue. This wood can be stained and also painted on. However, due to its pretty colour, a lot of the woodworkers end up using mildewcide and water repellant for outdoor furniture.

Cherry

This type of wood is a hardwood that can be a bit tough to work with, but it is also considered as a softer hardwood. Plus, it comes in a warmer reddish tone, which greatly complements an interior that is much lighter.

Conclusion

It is always satisfying to look at the final product of a woodworking project. The right type of wood will ensure that the end result of that project is just as remarkable. Moreover, it is important to follow all safety measures when working on a woodworking project. Plus, in order to create a masterpiece with the right type of wood, it is important to have the proper tools needed for the job.

Here at ‘The Original WorkShop” we offer CNC services. We value the satisfaction of our customers. For more information do visit our website.