What Wood Would Work?

Wood is simply wonderful. There’s plenty of it, it’s relatively cheap, it looks great, it’s strong, it’s warm and cozy and it lasts forever. It can be used for everything from building furniture to heating the home to burning up your fire pit.

When it comes to DIY projects, it’s a good idea to know what types of wood are best suited for the project that you’re doing.

The smell, the texture, and the color are elements that draw you towards it. However these elements are also the problem when it comes to wood. With so many different types, how do you know which one works best?

Each variety has its own properties which will determine the look and feel of your finished project. Some woods age beautifully, while others take paint, or polish well. Some are prone to scratches and dents while others resist shrinking and swelling. Some don’t know their oak from their walnut and their cherry from their pine.

Choosing what wood would work is no easy job but it’s an important one. If you’re struggling to find the wood for your DIY needs, don’t panic, help has arrived.

This infographic from Heiton Buckley will teach you all about wood and what types work best for certain projects. Wood’s unique aesthetic appeal and character make it the number one choice for flooring and furniture. For example, oak is great for cabinets and dining furniture as it’s a heavy strong wood, cherry works well on carved chairs and shaker-style furniture.

Wood is also a popular choice for garden furniture but only certain types of wood are able to withstand changing outdoor conditions. Looking to do up the garden with some flower beds? Woods that fit the bill include cedar, redwood and juniper as these woods are durable, safe, attractive and sustainable.

Wood is a versatile material. Depending on your project, you can use different types of clamps, drills, saws, chisels, and other traditional and power tools. Whether you’re working on a sculpture, furniture, or any art or carpentry project, wood is a highly sought-after material. It’s not surprising why both novice and seasoned artisans choose wood to create their masterpieces.

Here are some tips for working on wood:

Stay Safe: While wood is seemingly harmless, you should still prioritize your safety by wearing the right gear. Wear a face shield or safety goggles to protect your eyes from sawdust, and don long-sleeved shirts and any other safety gear to avoid accidents.
Choose Sustainable Wood: Wood comes from living trees. Excessively cutting trees harms the planet, especially if they’re unjustly knocked down without replacement. So, when you’re planning to use this material in your next project, make sure to choose a sustainable kind (like ones generously available in your area) or repurpose and recycle wood. The Amish people, famous for their woodworking techniques, use sustainable materials to craft their world-renowned Amish furniture.
Don’t Waste: Wood shavings, chips, and sawdust can be recycled, so don’t waste wood leftovers. You can use sawdust as fillers or material to set up a fire quickly. Wood chips are also suitable for creating eco-friendly herbicides and wood shavings can be used as fertilizer as well.

There’s some wonderful wood wisdom here, so enjoy!