Choosing Wood for Your First Woodworking Project

Standing in a timber yard for the first time can be confusing. There are stacks of boards in different widths, thicknesses and colours, with labels that mean little to a beginner. Choosing the right wood matters, because it affects how easy the project is to build, how it looks and how long it lasts. This article covers the main choices and how to pick a board that gives you the best start.

Softwood and hardwood

The words describe the type of tree, not necessarily how hard the timber is. Softwoods come from conifers, such as pine, spruce and fir. They are widely available, generally inexpensive and easy to cut, plane and sand, which makes them popular for first projects, shelves, boxes and simple furniture. Hardwoods come from broadleaf trees such as oak, ash, beech and cherry. They tend to be denser, more durable and often more attractive, but they cost more and take more effort to work with hand tools.

For a first project, softwood is usually a sensible choice. Once you have gained some confidence, you can move on to a hardwood.

Planed or sawn timber

Timber is typically sold either rough sawn or planed. Rough sawn wood has a coarse surface and slightly oversized dimensions, and needs more work before it is ready to use. Planed timber, sometimes labelled PAR (planed all round), has smooth surfaces and more accurate dimensions. It costs a little more but saves time and tools, so it suits beginners.

What to check before buying

Boards can bow, twist or split, so take a moment to examine them. Pick up a board and sight along its length, as you would look along a straight road, to check for bends or twists. Look at the ends for splits and avoid pieces with large, loose knots in places where you will be cutting or where strength matters. Check that the board looks dry. Timber for indoor projects should be properly seasoned, as damp wood can warp as it dries. If you are unsure, ask the yard staff, who are often glad to help.

Consider the project

Think about where the item will live. For something indoors, such as a bookshelf, a standard timber is fine. For outdoor items, such as a planter or a bench, choose wood that suits the conditions, such as treated softwood or a naturally durable timber, and use appropriate finishes. If you are planning something that holds weight, as in our guide to hanging a shelf securely, consider the thickness and the span of the board to avoid sagging.

Buying sensibly

Start with a modest amount of timber. Draw a simple cutting plan on paper, and add some extra for mistakes. Offcuts and reclaimed timber can be a thrifty source, provided you check them for nails, screws and rot. Always wear a dust mask and eye protection when cutting and sanding, particularly with hardwoods and sheet materials such as MDF, which produce fine dust.

Match your tools to the timber

Sharp tools make working with any wood more pleasant, and it is especially helpful with hardwoods. See our guide to sharpening a chisel by hand if your blades have lost their edge.

Frequently asked questions

Is pine good enough for furniture? Yes, for many pieces. It is easy to work and takes paint and finishes well, though it can dent more easily than hardwood.

What does PAR mean? It stands for planed all round, meaning the timber has been smoothed on all four sides.

Can I use pallet wood? Sometimes, but check that it is safe and has not been chemically treated, and look out for hidden nails. Many people prefer to avoid it for indoor use.