DIY Woodworking: Selecting Lumber
Before you start any project, you want to have a good set of project plans. If you're building a deck; go find some deck plans, a kitchen island; some kitchen island plans. Some people think you can just cut as you go, but you know what? That never works. If you cut as you go, you'll be spending a lot of your time going back to the lumber store to replace the lumber you wasted on wayward cuts. Your deck will end up oddly shaped, lopsided and unsafe to use. Go get a plan! Books, magazines, the internet, plans abound. You can find one you like out there.
So, we've got our tools and we've got our plan. Now it's time for the lumber. Ah, but what kind? Back to basics: There are two kinds of natural wood; hardwood and softwood. There is also engineered wood; plywood, particle board, MDF. In between are the zillions of varieties. Okay, zillions might be overstated but there is a lot of choice out there. Most DIYer's though are limited to what can be found at the home improvement store or local lumber yard and that severely limits the options. Your deck plans might call for cedar until you discover that in your neck of the woods, you have to choose between fir and redwood. Your kitchen island might call for 2" thick maple but all you can find is 3/4".
What's a woodworker to do? Improvise!
Unless a specific wood is required for structural reasons you can pretty much use whatever you want, can find or can afford. Here's what you need to look for in your lumber:
o Is it straight and flat? Check this yourself by sighting down the long edge and face.
o Is it clear or does it have knots, cracks or blemishes?
o Is it dry or green? If it's green it may still crack, shrink or warp as it dries. Most 3/4" pine stock will be dry but 2x is not always. In pine, the heavier it is, the wetter it is.
o Is it well suited to your project? You don't want pressure-treated lumber on a surface that will be used for food.
o Can I afford it? Take this last one seriously because hardwood lumber for that oak desk can be pretty pricey.
You can stretch your lumber budget by using sheet goods for case parts and saving hardwood for the trim or top. You can use straight 2 x 2 fir pieces for legs instead of hardwood 2 x 2's. I'd suggest holding off on the hardwood until you get a few pieces under your belt and are comfortable with your cutting and assembly skills. But, If you must use the hardwood, you can glue up two pieces. This is an extra step and you need to be careful to have good, flat faces to join. Match them carefully to create a seamless leg.
The time you take to select and prepare your lumber can make all the difference between an eye catching kitchen island, or bbq cart and a pile of lumber no one can quite figure out. If you end up with a disaster, you'll be less likely to want to try another project. So, don't let anybody rush you through your lumber selection. There is a lot of variation between the pieces in a stack but they all cost the same. Take your time. It is your project and your dime!
About the Author:
Lucy LaForest is a self-taught woodworker and tool aficionado. She has been working in her home shop for over twenty five years and enjoys building furniture, decorative boxes, and toys. Lucy is especially interested in attracting more women to woodworking as a hobby, or as a profession. For more woodworking tips and information please visit Woodworking With Lucy
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