Any woodworking project is just as good as the wood used for it. It is not enough that you know how to cut wood. You should be able to identify which wood materials are ideal for certain parts of the project.
Fortunately, this skill is not complicated to master. All it takes is for you to different strengths and features found in the types of wood material available to you in your local hardware store.
Softwood
Softwood is any lumber processed from conifers like pines. Their classification comes from the fact that the surface of this wood material is soft or smooth by default.
This wood material is ideal for construction projects as they work well as framing components. Another advantage that they have is their relatively low price. Most hardware and lumber stores will have softwoods like pine readily available for customers in various dimensions.
The only drawback with this material is its rather plain-looking appearance. Pine, in particular, has a pale surface which makes it unappealing for certain projects. However, this can be circumvented with wood stain or paint.
Hardwood
This material, on the other hand, comes from any deciduous or fruit-bearing tree. Some of the more popular hardwoods in the market currently are walnut, cherry, maple, red oak, and mahogany.
Unlike softwood with its pale complexion, hardwood have a distinct grain pattern and color. The right kind of lacquer stain would easily bring these colors out which makes them ideal for projects like bird boxes and benches.
As the name would imply, hardwood is quite durable. If used as the main component for structures or even furniture and coated with a protective stain, that project is expected to remain usable for decades.
Plywood
Unlike solid lumber materials (the ones above) plywood is not milled but manufactured. The material is made out of two wood veneers placed on top of each other in opposite grain directions and then glued together.
One notable feature with plywood is its durability which is surprising given its thinness. It would also not contract or expand like solid lumber which prevents warping.
If there was ever a problem with plywood, it would be the logistics of transferring it from the store to your work site. An entire sheet of plywood is too wide to be carried out by a single person or fastened to the back of a car. However, there is always the option to cut the sheet down to more manageable sizes.
Medium Density Fiberboard
Another manufactured wood material, MDF is made from discarded wood fibers that were mixed with a binding agent and then cut into thin sheets.
What makes MDF notable is that it is easy to cut through. With a small table saw, you can easily create intricate shapes out of the material.
However, this extreme softness does have its downsides. For starters, MDF can never be used for frame components. Also, you cannot use more than 2 feet of the material as it will eventually sag down or unravel at the edges.
The best way to use MDF, then, is for aesthetic additions to your project like trimmings and decorations.
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