Choosing the Right Lumber for Your Project

Lumber is a fantastic resource, used in all manner of practical crafts and building applications today. It doesn’t matter if you're building furniture, framing a structure, or working on a DIY home improvement project, as selecting the right lumber is one of the first skills anyone can learn to achieve durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Put simply, understand wood, and this can last you a lifetime. It’s a practice you will share with craftsmen going back hundreds, even thousands, of years.

Sure, you might not be building ships to cross and build trade networks or fortifying your village with palisades, but that doesn’t make your modern project any less important. Yet with with so many options available, it’s easy to worry about which option to pick.

After all, how do you know which wood is best for you? Was there a better option than the one you settled on? What about pricing, which can fluctuate? Don't worry; this guide will walk you through the essentials, helping you make an informed decision for your project and feel more confident as you implement woodworking into your general crafting language.

Types of Lumber

Lumber is generally considered to fit into two types: hardwood and softwood. These names don’t necessarily refer to the strength of the wood, nor is “soft wood” going to be less capable of using for building materials. They mostly denote the type of tree such lumbar comes from. Let’s go through some examples, below:

Hardwoods

Hardwoods come from deciduous trees, which lose their leaves seasonally. They’re mostly more dense and durable, which makes them worthwhile for furniture, flooring, and other projects that require sturdiness and structural strength. If you’ve seen exposed ceiling beams in an older house, for example, that was likely hardwood of some type. Some hardwoods you may be familiar with include:

• Oak: Oak is a common type of lumber as it’s known for its strength and recognizable grain pattern, and it’s mostly used in furniture and flooring.

• Maple: Maple is usually prized for its smooth grain and is great for cabinetry and flooring, especially for painting and finishing afterward.

• Cherry: Cherrywood’s warm, reddish-brown color makes it a popular choice for somewhat luxury furniture that fetches a higher price tag, but it can also be a nice trimming wood.

• Walnut: Walnut is often more expensive thanks to its beautiful darker and richer appearance, often used in furniture and prestige projects. It’s still commonly used, but considered a step above some of the other examples here.

Softwoods

Softwoods are known to come from coniferous trees like pine and fir, which grow faster and are generally more affordable because of that. They are frequently used in construction and other implementations (like flat-pack furniture, for example) where cost efficiency is a priority but a still-capable product is essential. You’re most likely to have heard of the following softwoods:

• Pine: This is perhaps the wood you’ve seen most of. It’s light in color and easy to work with, as such it’s one of the most popular (if not, the most popular) for framing and furniture.

• Cedar: Craftsmen and carpenters often prefer cedar because it’s naturally resistant to rot and insects, and that makes it perfect for outdoor furniture and buildings.

• Douglas Fir: This is best for structural framing, coming from impressively-sized trees.

Each type of lumber has its strengths and weaknesses of course, and you may not pick just one for a particular project you have in mind. As such, having a good basic understanding of the various types and implementations here can be wise:

So, what are the different characteristics of lumber?

Each wood type has different characteristics, which is why lumber is such a valuable material. Just note that while general price guidelines can be reliable (walnut is generally always more expensive than pine, for example), this can highly depend on supply and demand.

But what characteristics should you look for? Consider this:

• Grain Pattern: Grain patterns can vary dramatically between wood species. For example, oak has a very pronounced grain, while maple is more subtle. The look of the grain can enhance the overall aesthetic of your project, so it's important to pick a wood that complements your design.

• Color: Natural wood colors can range from light beige (pine) to deep, dark brown (walnut). You’ll also want to think about how the wood will age; some, like cherry, will darken over time.

• Durability: Hardwoods like oak and maple are more resistant to wear and tear, making them perfect for projects that will experience heavy use. Softwoods like pine may not be as durable, but they are easier to work with and lighter in weight.

Once you understand the characteristics of the wood, it becomes easier to match the material with your project’s needs.

How should you decide on a type of lumber?

Selecting lumber isn't just about picking the strongest or prettiest wood; there are several practical factors that should guide your choice. Here’s a breakdown of the key things to keep in mind:

1. Budget

Lumbar costs money, of course, and considering the wider scope of your project budget matters here. Softwoods like pine are more affordable than hardwoods such as oak or walnut.

However, the upfront cost isn’t the only expense here, as some hardwoods may require less maintenance over time, saving you money on future repairs or replacements. Cedar will require less maintenance if you’re building an outdoor shed, for example. Consider your long-term investment. Also remember that delivery and transport of such wood can come with a relatively high fee - because wood is heavy.

2. Aesthetics

The appearance of the wood is often one of the first things people think about, especially for furniture or decorative pieces. It might be worth stretching your budget to get the best wood type you can afford if it first well with the rest of your property. Grain patterns, color, and texture all connect to the overall look. 

Now, if uniformity is important, make sure to select lumber with consistent grain and color throughout. Remember that one cut might not look exactly like another. For example, a luthier making a guitar might decide on a spruce wood with no blemishes. Or, for a more rustic feel, woods with knots and visible grain, like pine, can add a sense of authenticity. It’s nice to see the type of wood you have in place.

3. Durability

Wood, in general, is quite durable. That’s why people have used it for thousands of years and crossed the ocean using this material alone. Remember that for highly used areas, like a floor or deck, or a piece that will bear weight, durability is crucial. 

Hardwoods are often better for these purposes, thanks to their strength and resistance to damage. You can sand down, varnish, and paint a kitchen table again and again over the decades if the wood is in appropriate condition, for instance. Moreover, consider the elements such as rain, frost, and harsh sunlight.

4. Environmental Concerns

Wood and its sustainability is important. If you’re mindful of your environmental footprint, choosing replenishable lumber is important. Look for woods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in the US, or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). 

They’re both international bodies, the former is based in Germany and the latter in Switzerland, but they help with global standards. Moreover, reclaimed wood is also an eco-friendly option that helps you give life and more character than ever before. Perhaps a church door can become your new coffee table. Carpenters tend to love projects like these, so don’t be afraid to ask.

That’s great, but what’s best for my project?

All of the above information can help you understand wood and its various implementations more easily, but that doesn’t necessarily dictate what’s best for your project. Let’s help you manage those decisions more easily:

Consider Your Project & Its Placement

Is this an indoor or outdoor project? Are you building something that needs to support a lot of weight, or is it more decorative? For example, if you’re hoping to replace the cabinetry in your kitchen, then maple, cherry, oak, pine, and birch are often reliable, easy to maintain, durable, and easy to decorate wood types.

Pick the Type of Lumber

As we discussed above, considering if hardwood or softwood is a better fit will help narrow down your options. For instance, if you’re building a dining room table, hardwood like oak or walnut might be the best choice. For a garden bench, cedar could be ideal thanks to it’s anti-insect properties and the ability to keep it out without rotting.

Inspect the Lumber

You’re entitled to view any lumber you purchase before you bring it home or take it to a carpenter. Consider the grain type, and any imperfections (which aren’t necessarily a dealbreaker), and purchase more than you need so you can reinforce the structure or make mistakes if building yourself. Ensure there’s no rot, infestation, damage or weakening of the wood based on moisture content.

With this advice, we hope you can more easily decide on the lumber for your project. If you have any questions or require advice, we’re more than happy to help. Contact us today, and our friendly team will be happy to talk through your options!