Ready to kick off your next woodworking project but not sure where to start? To achieve your dream results, you need to start with the correct type of wood. The experts at Mock Woodworking have compiled a list of all the information you need about choosing the right wood for your project. Below, we will cover:
- The various types of wood for woodworking (hardwood vs. softwood)
- The different types of hardwood and softwood
- Considerations before choosing wood
- How to buy wood for woodworking
- Where to buy wood for woodworking
Understanding Types of Wood for Woodworking
With so many wood options available, it’s important to understand each type when choosing wood for your next project. Whether you are exploring commercial woodworking solutions, contemporary woodworking, or somewhere in between – the type of wood you use matters. The best wood for woodworking can often be determined by your end goal, budget, and skill set. Keep reading to learn about hardwood vs softwood, the types of wood that fall into both categories, and more.
Hardwood
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees, such as oak, maple, and walnut, that shed their leaves annually. It is denser and more durable than softwood, making it ideal for furniture, flooring, and structural projects. They also typically feature rich textures and grains, adding visual appeal to finished pieces. The most common types of hardwood include: oak, maple, mahogany, and walnut.
Pros of using hardwood: Hardwood is resistant to wear, dents, and scratches, making it ideal for long-lasting, high-traffic projects.
Cons of using hardwood: Hardwood is generally more expensive than softwood and can be difficult to handle without proper experience or specialized tools.
Oak
Oak is known for its pronounced grain pattern, strength, and durability. The distinctive grain brings depth of character and visual appeal to furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. Additionally, oak wood delivers exceptional hardness and resistance to wear. This ensures longevity for your oak woodworking project, even in high-traffic or demanding environments. Finally, oak takes stains and finishes beautifully, maintaining natural elegance in both traditional and modern woodworking designs.
Maple
Maple is a versatile and durable hardwood prized in woodworking for its uniform grain and light color, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of projects. It can be left natural or stained dark to achieve a more dramatic appearance, offering flexibility in design. Known for its strength, maple is commonly used for flooring and can withstand heavy wear.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a popular wood in woodworking, celebrated for its rich, reddish-brown color and straight-grain appearance. It brings luxury and sophistication to any project, making it a staple in high-end interiors and furniture. Mahogany’s fine texture and workability allow it to take finishes, stains, and polishes well. Its durability and resistance to warping further make it ideal for long-lasting projects.
Walnut
Walnut is highly esteemed in woodworking for its deep, rich color and distinct grain pattern. Its sturdy nature and versatility make it an excellent choice for woodworking offices, libraries, interior doors, kitchen cabinets, and running trim. Walnut’s natural shades range from warm browns to subtle yellows, offering modern variety while maintaining its timeless appeal.
Softwood
Softwood comes from coniferous trees, such as cedar, pine, and spruce, which have needles and cones. It is easy to cut, bend, and shape, making it ideal for quick installations and intricate designs. Softwood is the best wood for woodworking projects such as furniture and decorations due to its versatility and availability.
Pros of using softwood: Softwood is easier to handle than hardwood. Also, it is typically more cost-effective and widely available.
Cons of using softwood: Softwood is less resistant to dents, scratches, and wear compared to hardwood. It also lacks the rich grain patterns of hardwood.
Cedar
Cedar is a versatile and durable softwood, known for its natural resistance to decay and insects, making it ideal for outdoor projects like decking, siding, and furniture. It sports a straight grain, reddish hue, and distinctive aroma beloved by customers. Cedar adapts well to various environments despite moisture and temperature, ensuring longevity in both exterior and interior applications.
Pine
Pine is a light-colored softwood with a distinctive grain, making it a popular choice for both structural applications and woodworking projects. It is commonly used for framing, paneling, and furniture thanks to its affordability, availability, and ease of use. While it may be less durable than hardwoods, it is lightweight and can be stained or painted to achieve a variety of finishes.
Spruce
Spruce is a versatile softwood commonly used in framing and structural applications due to its strength-to-weight ratio and workability. Spruce is lightweight yet strong, making it an excellent choice for projects requiring both durability and ease of handling. Though not as naturally resistant to decay as some other woods, it can be treated to enhance its longevity, making it a reliable option for many woodworking projects.
Things to Consider When Choosing Wood Type
Once you understand the differences between the many hardwood and softwood options, there are a few more things to consider when choosing types of wood for your architectural woodworking projects. From budget and durability to project specifications and availability, below are some final factors to think through before choosing wood.
Budget
Always begin by clearly defining your budget when assessing the best types of wood for woodworking projects. Softwoods tend to be more affordable than hardwoods because they come from trees that grow faster. They are ideal for beginners or those without a large budget.
However, while hardwoods are more expensive, they tend to offer higher quality and durability for certain projects. When budgeting for your project, take the importance of durability into consideration.
Another important consideration when working on your budget is the price of specialized tools, fasteners, or finishes you might need to complete your project. Depending on the wood you choose, you may have continued maintenance as well.
Aesthetics
Grain pattern, color, and texture will play a significant role in the overall look of your woodworking project. Each type of wood has its own unique characteristics such as grain patterns, knots, color variations, and figures. Additionally, all wood ages differently – some may darken or change color over time. Work with experts from a trusted commercial woodworking company to ensure you choose the right wood for the aesthetic you want!
Durability
The wood you work with must be able to withstand its intended use and environment. Remember that hardwood offers strength for daily use, while softwoods are less ideal for projects that will face daily wear and tear.
Always keep the end use of your project in mind. For example, if you’re working on an outdoor project, choose wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. Or if you’re working on countertops or cutting boards, be sure to opt for wood that offers resistance to abrasion, impact, moisture, and temperature changes.
Project Specifications
Keep your available tools and experience in mind when choosing wood for your woodworking project. If your project has tight specifications that includes a lot of cutting, you may have a hard time completing it without the right machines and experience. Softwood is easier to handle and may be more appropriate for newer woodworkers or complete projects.
Availability
Some wood types, such as certain hardwoods, may be more difficult to find in the quantity you need or are only available in specific regions. Sourcing wood could significantly affect your project timeline and your budget, so provide yourself with plenty of lead time when sourcing a specific species.
Partner with Mock for Commercial Woodworking
Ready to transform your commercial space with Mock Woodworking’s expert craftsmanship? With access to the highest quality materials and decades of expertise, our team ensures your custom woodworking project fits the unique needs of your space. Contact us today to get started!