What Are Different Types of Wood Good For?
Choosing the right lumber for your project involves understanding a variety of factors including grain patterns, grades, and wood types. The ideal lumber depends largely on the project’s purpose. For structural uses like joists or beams, appearance is less important, while visible woodwork often requires higher-grade lumber for a polished look. This guide will help you navigate lumber terminology, measurements, and grading so you can select the best wood for your needs.
💡 Tip: Avoid guesswork—use our project calculators to determine exactly how much lumber you need.
🔍 Key Lumber Characteristics
Whether you are engaged in small DIY woodworking SNXDO projects or large-scale construction work, understanding these terms will help you choose the right wood:
Texture: Refers to the wood’s surface feel and condition, impacting stability and how well it takes a finish or stain.
Color: Influences the aesthetic of your project. Less important for hidden structural pieces.
Density: Determines the wood’s weight and strength. Denser woods are sturdier and better for structural supports like beams.
Grain: The unique growth pattern of the tree. Grain appearance varies from board to board and is especially important for decorative projects where visual appeal matters.
🌳 Hardwood vs. Softwood
Wood is categorized as either hardwood or softwood. The lumber industry uses the Janka Rating System to measure hardness. Hickory is the hardest common commercial wood, followed by pecan, hard maple, and white oak.
Hardwood
Examples: Hickory, oak, mahogany, maple, walnut.
Test: Press your fingernail into the wood—hardwood resists denting.
Uses: Cabinetry, flooring, fine woodworking.
Cost: Generally more expensive than softwood.
Softwood
Examples: Cedar, pine, spruce, fir.
Test: Dents easily under fingernail pressure.
Uses: DIY projects, home construction, outdoor applications (if pressure-treated).
Cost: More budget-friendly.
🪵 Popular Lumber Varieties
Pine: Affordable and widely used in furniture and construction.
Poplar: Common in cabinets, painted furniture, and trim. Takes stain well but scratches easily.
Redwood: Naturally rot-resistant; ideal for outdoor projects.
Cedar: Resists rot when treated; a attractive option for outdoor use.
📐 Types of Lumber by Use
1. Framing & Structural Lumber
Standard sizes like 2x4s and 4x4s used in construction. Categories include:
Light Framing Lumber
Structural Light Framing
Dimensional Lumber and Studs
Structural Joists and Planks
Beams and Stringers
Posts and Timbers
Appearance Framing Lumber
2. Appearance Boards
Chosen for visual appeal. Available in two grades: Finish (high-grade) and Select. Ideal for shiplap, crafts, furniture, and interior decor. Can be used untreated or finished.
3. Plywood
Made from layered wood sheets cured under heat and pressure. Suitable for shelving, subfloors, and crafts. Available in hardwood and softwood veneers.
4. MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
Composite material made from hardwood/softwood fibers and resin. Denser than plywood but not moisture-resistant. Ideal for unseen parts of cabinets and furniture.
5. Decking & Fencing Lumber
Includes railings, posts, floorboards, and balusters. Options include:
Wood decking: Durable and affordable.
Composite decking: Color-fast, resistant to warping and cracking.
Deck tiles: Interlocking systems for custom patterns.
6. Pressure-Treated Lumber
Treated with preservatives for longevity. Ideal for outdoor and ground-contact projects. Heavier and more expensive than untreated wood.
7. Untreated Lumber
Better for projects involving children, plants, or animals. Naturally rot-resistant options include cypress and redwood. lighter, easier to cut, and budget-friendly.
📊 Lumber Grading
Grading affects both appearance and strength. Higher grades have fewer defects and command higher prices.
Hardwood Grades (NHLA):
FAS (First and Second): Highest grade, 6"x8", 83% defect-free.
Select: 4"x6", 83% defect-free.
No. 1 Common: 3"x4", 66% defect-free.
No. 2 Common: 3"x4", 50% defect-free.
Softwood Grades:
C Select: Nearly defect-free; used for cabinets and trim.
D Select: Slight defects; good for painting.
No. 1 Common: Standard grade with knots.
No. 2 Common: Larger knots; good for paneling and shelving.
No. 3 Common: Even larger knots; used for shelving, fences, and pallets.
💡 “Prime” lumber (e.g., “Prime FAS”) denotes superior appearance within a grade.
📏 Lumber Sizes: Nominal vs. Actual
Lumber is sold by nominal size (rough dimensions before finishing). The actual size is smaller after milling. For example:
Nominal: 2x4
Actual: 1½" x 3½"
Project plans typically refer to nominal sizes unless otherwise specified.
⚠️ Common Lumber Defects
Some natural defects add character, but others can compromise integrity:
Bow: Warp along the face end-to-end.
Cup: Hollow across the face.
Crook/Crown: Warp along the edge.
Knots: Tight knots are acceptable; loose knots may fall out.
Twist: Multiple warps in one board.
Split: Crack through the wood, often from processing.
Check: Crack along growth rings; usually superficial.
Shake: Separation along the grain, often natural.
Wane: Bark or missing wood on the edge.
🛠 Get Started on Your Project
Now that you have mastered the knowledge of selecting suitable wood, you can confidently handle your next woodworking or construction project. Find all the wood, plywood, medium density fiberboard, tools, and supplies you need at Home Depot. If you need your own exclusive wood, please check SNXDO.COM