Lumber – Choosing the Best Type for Your Project

There are so many different types of lumber available to choose from that sometimes it is easy to get lost. Knowing which type of wood you need for your project is a big part of project planning, and it can ensure success for any project. Every kind of wood has individual characteristics that you should keep in mind. This will help you select the right lumber for the work at hand.

If you would like help from our professionals choosing the lumber that is perfect for your project, come by either of our St. Louis area lumber stores or contact us online.

How to Narrow Down the Lumber You Should Use

Choosing the right type of lumber is critical to getting the results you want with any project. The best way to do this is to consider both the features you need and the characteristics to avoid in the wood. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing lumber.

What Are You Building? – The first step is to determine what you expect from the lumber for the project you are working on. If you are building furniture like a table, cabinet, or shelf, you will need something sturdy and durable that can carry a good amount of weight. If your project calls for fine carving and details, you will want a soft wood that is pliable and easy to work with. You will also need to determine if the finished product will be kept indoors or outdoors. Some types of lumber handle weather well and some do not.

Soft Wood vs. Hard Wood – Before choosing the lumber, you should ask yourself how durable you will need the completed product to be. Some things will hardly be touched after completion, like ornaments and decorative pieces. However, other things such as shelves or tables will see a lot of use and will need to be able to support heavy loads.

• Softwoods from coniferous trees are great for art projects and for building decorative pieces. These types of lumber can even be used in home building and construction or furniture making. However, this type of lumber is not very durable, so this is important to keep in mind.
• Hardwoods come from deciduous trees and these types of lumber are perfect for making durable, long-lasting things. Molding, trim, furniture, and tables meant for extensive use are most often made from hardwoods.

Budget of the Project – How much you are willing to invest in the project plays a big part in choosing the perfect lumber. For example, most hardwoods are more expensive than softwoods, because of their strength and visual appeal. You will need to be sure that the lumber you choose meets all of your requirements and still falls within your budget. It is important to weigh each characteristic of the lumber before making the final decision. You do not want to complete the project only to realize that you should have spent more on the lumber.

Which Lumber May Work for You

Here is a list of some common types of lumber and the projects for which they are frequently recommended:

• Balsa – Toys, models, stage props, and other lightweight projects
• Birch – Veneers, cabinets, and furniture
• Black Cherry – Turnings, furniture, and cabinets
• Hickory – Tool handles, cabinets, and sports equipment
• Holly – Musical instruments, inlays, and decorative veneers
• Maple – Countertops, instruments, cabinets, furniture, turnings, and floors
• Oak – Flooring, veneers, cabinets, and furniture
• Redwood – Light posts, exterior trims, fences, furniture, and decks
• Walnut – Plywood, gunstocks, carvings, and fine furniture

Find the Lumber You Need at St. Charles Hardwoods

No matter what type of wood you need or what grade or price range you are looking for, St Charles Hardwood has it all. From the hardwood with its beautiful grain and strength to softwoods perfect for carving and inlays, we can help you pick the perfect lumber for your needs.

To learn more about the types of lumber we offer, visit one of our St. Louis area lumber stores or contact us today.