The Types Of Wood That Work Best For Your Diy Projects

Whether you are a novice woodworker or have a good range of knowledge and skills, one of the most important things to think about when planning your DIY projects is which type of wood will be the most suitable. There are some fantastic different woods available for woodwork projects and each one has its own range of properties, patterns and even colour that will really help to make, or break, your project. 

This guide will look at some of the most common types of wood available for your DIY projects, and consider what type of project each one may be best suited to. 

Pine

A variety of softwood, pine is very easy to work with. If you are new to woodworking, then you will find that this is particularly easy to drill and carve. It has a soft light yellow colouring that can really add a lighter tone to your project. It is also easy to stain so you can make it darker if you prefer to simply seal it and apply a clear finish for a natural look. This is a good option if you are making things like shelves, frames or even children’s furniture which is not expected to last for a very long time. Its softness means that it isn’t the most durable of woods, but it is usually relatively cheap. 

Fir Wood

This is another softwood, and also an inexpensive choice. It is, however, not one of the prettiest woods out there so you may want to consider this only for those projects where you will be painted or hidden away. It is however a strong and reliable wood so makes a good basis for many projects. 

Redwood

If you are looking for wood for an outside project then you will certainly want something that is durable and able to cope with the elements. Redwood is a great choice for projects like a garden bench or table. It is a little more expensive than many of the other woods out there but it is more than up to the task at hand, which means it will last well and it also looks really nice. 

Oak

Oak has always been a favourite wood with DIYers. It is strong, easy to work with and looks good, although not as good as some of the other choices on our list. It is also very easy to maintain. Oak can be purchased as either the white or red variety with the white being the more popular choice. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor DIY projects so a great all round option that is easy to find and reasonably priced. It can be used for garden furniture or indoor furniture and both large and small projects. 

Cedar

This is another popular wood type that is a good choice for any outdoor projects due to its resistance to both insects and rot. Because it doesn’t absorb too much moisture it is ideal for a garden bench or wooden patio furniture when you don’t have the space to store these inside over the winter. 

Cedar is a softwood and one of the more expensive ones, this is due to the fact that it isn’t as abundant as other woods, however it is not the most expensive wood available, and you should be able to source it at most reputable timber merchants. 

When considering which wood is the most suitable for your project your first thought should be whether you want a hardwood or a softwood. You should also consider whether you will be undertaking an indoor or outdoor project, as this will help you narrow down your timber choice.