If you’re a passionate woodworker or just beginning woodworking, you might be wondering which woods are the best and most popular in woodworking. Hardwoods are mostly used for building furniture while softer woods are suitable for light projects and whittling.
Understanding how these wood types react to different tools is vital for successful woodworking. Before starting any woodworking projects, you need to buy the correct tools from reputable shops like Inventables and know the type of wood you’ll need.
Here are some types of wood that woodworkers love using:
- Oak
If you’re intending to build yourself a great wooden furniture, oak is the most suitable wood to use. It’s a favorite of most woodworkers because of its sturdiness and strength. Though it’s reliable to work with in building a variety of furniture, it can give you some challenges if you don’t follow certain guideline. That’s why it’s recommended for highly skilled woodworkers. If you’re just starting woodworking, it would be best to start with other options.
Oak is available in two varieties: white and red. Its hardness can score 4 on a scale of 1-5. Most woodworkers prefer using white oak to make furniture because of its attractive figure. Besides, it’s also resistant to moisture, making it ideal for making outdoors furniture.
- Maple
Maple, like oak, can help you to build strong pieces of furniture. It’s preferred by most individuals because of its beautiful grain. It’s durable, strong, and easier to handle than oak. However, during finishing, it can cause some problems.
There are two types of maple namely soft and hard. On a scale of 1-5, hard maple can score 5. That’s why it’s difficult to work with. On the other hand, soft maple is relatively easier to handle. There straight and fine grain makes these varieties stable than several other woods. They’re also cheaper than other hardwoods. You may not find this wood at your local home center but in lumberyards.
- Walnut
Black walnut is a common hardwood that most people love using to make fixtures and furniture. It’s popular because you can easily cut it and use it to make various pieces of furniture. Most woodworkers use it to build cabinets. Furthermore, you’ll also find it as a trim on different items like boats.
Compared to other types of foods, walnut is a bit expensive. Also, it’s difficult to get large boards of this wood to use in building big projects. Despite all that, it can be used as accents and inlays when dressing up projects. It’s difficult to find walnuts at a local home center. Therefore, if you need it in large quantities, you need to make an order from a lumberyard.
- Poplar
Poplar is the cheapest hardwood option that woodworkers use. Its softness makes it easy to handle, while its white and brown streaks make it appealing. However, some people don’t like its appearance, thus avoiding to use it in making fine furniture. Those who use it prefer painting it. They can be most suitable for drawers. You can find it in large quantities in home centers, though lumberyards will give you a wide selection.
Conclusion
Most woodworkers prefer using hardwood for their projects because of their durability and finish. However, you can also use softwoods for lighter projects. It’s vital to get the right wood for your project.
