There are many factors that you need to consider when beginning your woodworking project. Lets first begin with the selection of lumber. You need to consider what your piece will be used for. Is it functional? Is it an accent to your foyer? Whatever the purpose, the following information will help you narrow down the vast options available.
Hardwood lumber comes from deciduous trees. These are trees that shed their leaves. Some popular species of deciduous trees are oak, maple, cherry, walnut, birch, and ash.
Cherry, maple, and birch are closed-grain woods allowing even coverage of stain. These woods are beautiful when stained with a clear or light finish. Oak and ash are known as open grain woods. This lumber is more porous in some areas and denser in others. When Oak and Ash are stained the more porous areas will soak up the stain more and become darker, while the dense areas are more resistant. The final result is a more dramatic with a variety of light and dark areas.
Soft woods come from the coniferous species. These are mostly grown in North America and include pine and evergreens. Most softwoods are selected for construction use, not for building furniture. Softwoods need time to acclimate to the environment as they expand and contract depending on the temperature and humidity. If you are interested in painting your furniture this many be a good option. Softwoods are slightly less expensive and perfect for painting.
Including a veneer can elevate your project from ordinary to extraordinary. With an unending selection of veneers available it can be hard to choose just one. While this will add a few more dollars to the project and a little more time in the construction phase, you will be amazed at the interest and beauty the accent veneer will add.
Always remember, wood is a natural product with many complex and varied properties.
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