Choosing Lumber
Determining which type of wood boards are right for your project may seem complicated if you’re buying lumber for the first time. Luckily, we’ve streamlined the process into a few easy-to-follow steps below.
1. Start With a Plan
Begin by sketching a design of your project. This will help you figure out exactly what type of wood and boards you need, including the right dimensions and the number of pieces. Making a list beforehand will ensure that you don’t have to pause your project and go back to the store to get something you forgot. Also, remember it’s always a good idea to purchase extra boards to account for mistakes or waste.
2. Choose the Right Type of Wood
Do you need MDF, plywood or appearance boards for your project? Different kinds of lumber serve different purposes. Oak and maple are great choices for visible surfaces that will be stained or clear coated. Composite materials, like MDF, are more economical for larger structural projects like framing and for projects that don’t necessarily have to be beautiful, such as garage storage shelving. To learn more about wood types, see our helpful Wood and Treated Lumber Buying Guide.
3. Select the Correct Dimensions
When buying lumber for the first time, many are surprised to learn that the labelled dimensions on many common boards can be misleading. For example, a typical two by four is often actually 1.74 inches by 3.5 inches, which can make a big difference in the final result. When shopping for materials for a woodworking project, make sure you understand the exact sizes you need and check the labels. It may also be helpful to bring along a tape measure just to be sure.
4. Notice the Coloration
If you’re planning a woodworking project that you intend to clear seal for a natural, rustic look, notice the coloration of the boards. You’ll want to choose boards of a generally uniform hue. If one or two boards are much lighter or darker than the rest of the wood, they’ll stand out, especially when viewed from a distance.
5. Check the Wood for Defects
Before purchasing, inspect the lumber for defects like cracks, warping or cupping. While cheap boards of wood may be more likely to have visible blemishes, even expensive lumber can sometimes have slight imperfections. If the boards will be visible after installation, you should also pay attention to knots, which can impact the look of your project.