Before starting your next project, you need to make sure you are prepared. Some obvious essentials are tools and having a clear idea of what you are going to build. However, one of the key parameters for you to cover is what wood you are going to use for your project.
With many different types of wood to choose from, it can be quite a daunting prospect, to begin with. This is why we have collated a list of some tips and tricks to help you choose the best wood for your next project.
Structure
One of the main things to consider when choosing wood is the actual structure of the project. Some woods will suit certain structures more than others. For example, if you are going to laying down some flooring for your kitchen, a hardwood oak would be an ideal choice to go for. This is because you want something durable and relatively difficult to scratch or damage.
However, wood can also be used for more integral parts of a project. For example, many structural components will need to withstand a large amount of weight whilst being able to be cut and modified to fit a variety of spaces. More commonly, this will likely be a structural beam in many cases which is why we would recommend timber is used.
This will differ between each project depending on what you require. That’s why it is important to research what you specifically need. If you are unsure, get in contact with a member of our team to receive professional advice.
Interior or exterior?
Whatever you decide to build, there will be a simple yes or no question you will need to answer: will it be on the inside or the outside? As simple as it may seem, your answer is actually very important.
Naturally, exterior projects will need to be able to deal with any potential damage from the sun and weathering. You will want to invest more into woods such as acacia and redwood. This is because if you do decide to go with a weaker wood, the structure could break down and (in a worst-case scenario) potentially destroy the entire project.
If you are building something for the interior, you will not necessarily have to use such robust materials. You will likely want to look for something with a nicer look and finish to complement the scenery.
What finish?
One of the most important things for the majority of people is to be able to have something that looks good. Whether this is flooring, a table or a chest of drawers; having a good look and finish is at the top of many people’s priorities.
Depending on the look you want to go for, different wood types can offer you different things. If you want a deeper and darker finish, you may want to look at a black walnut. For a more classic look, you can look at a european ash panel.
Some popular choices
Overall, some wood types will be purchased time and time again. Whether that’s because of their look or durability, they really are the best of the best:
After reading this, hopefully you have a better knowledge of what to look out for when choosing the best wood for your project. If you are still unsure or would like to speak to a professional make sure to get in contact with a member of the team here at ProBoard.
