How To Choose Craft Wood For Your Wood Working Projects
By frederic
It doesn't matter what you are going to build, choosing craft wood is a necessary step. There are many things to consider when buying wood for your project. This step is just as important as having a set of plans. By choosing craft wood before getting started you can avoid making costly errors or it can prevent you from using expensive stock where a secondary wood will be sufficient.
By using the points below you can be sure you will be prepared to select lumber that will not only protect your budget but will be exactly what you need and want to complete your project.
The first thing to consider is where your project is going to be used. An indoor project is going to require different craft wood then one meant for the yard. Moisture is a big killer of wood. Any project that is being planned for the outdoors needs to be built using craft wood that will resist moisture. A good finish will go a long way to protect the wood but using a species like cedar or teak is a wise choice. The natural oils and resins help resist moisture and decay.
Insects and UV are also enemies of any outdoor project. If your project isn't going to be in contact with food then pressure treated wood may be appropriate. When choosing craft wood for an indoor project this first point isn't as important but if you are building something for the outdoors consider using a species of wood with natural resistance like cedar, cypress or teak.
The second thing to consider is how the wood is to be finished. Some craft woods take a finish better then others. If you intend to use paint it is unlikely that oak will be your first choice of lumber. Poplar or spruce would be sufficient and the cost is a lot less then a more visually pleasing wood like oak. Alternatively, poplar or spruce may be a poor choice if you are planning to use a stain or clear finish. These craft woods tend to blotch and don't finish as well as oak would.
Knowing what size of lumber you need is obvious, but you need
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