So, you've decided to take on a woodworking project. Congratulations! You're about to embark on a journey that will not only result in a beautiful finished product but also provide you with a great sense of accomplishment. But before you can get started, there's one important decision you need to make: what type of wood should you use?

The answer, unfortunately, is not as simple as "just use whatever you have lying around." Different types of wood have different properties that make them more or less suited for different projects. In this blog post, we'll go over some of the most common types of wood used in woodworking so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your project.

Softwoods vs. Hardwoods

The first thing you need to know when choosing wood for your project is the difference between softwoods and hardwoods. As the name implies, hardwoods are harder than softwoods. This means that they're more difficult to carve and shape but are also more durable. Hardwoods are typically used for furniture and other projects that will see a lot of wear and tear. Softwoods, on the other hand, are easier to work with but aren't as durable. They're often used for smaller projects like picture frames and jewelry boxes.

Common Types of Softwood

Pine is one of the most popular softwoods used in woodworking. It's relatively cheap and widely available, making it a good choice for beginner woodworkers. Pine is also easy to work with and takes paint and stain well. However, pine is not as strong or durable as hardwoods and is therefore not the best choice for projects that will see a lot of use or wear and tear.

Cedar is another popular softwood. Like pine, it's relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. Cedar also has good rot resistance, making it a good choice for outdoor projects like birdhouses or plant stands. However, cedar can be difficult to find outside of specialty lumberyards.

Spruce is similar to pine in terms of cost and availability but is not as strong or durable. It's often used for interior trim or other decorative elements that won't see a lot of wear and tear.

Common Types of Hardwood

Oak is one of the most popular hardwoods used in woodworking. It's strong and durable but can be difficult to work with because it tends to splinter easily. Oak also stains very well, making it a good choice for projects that will be stained or finished with dark-colored paint pulls like cabinets or furniture pieces. Maple is another popular hardwood used in woodworking projects. It's similar to oak in terms of strength and durability but is easier to work with because it doesn't splinter as easily. Maple takes stain well but is usually finished with a lighter-colored paint or varnish instead of a darker stain pulls. Cherry is another common hardwood used in woodworking projects. It shares many of the same properties as maple but has a distinctive reddish color. Cherry is often used for high-end furniture pieces or other projects where its unique color adds value.