Choosing the right type of timber for carpentry and joinery joinery work is the first step to achieve great results. With so many timbers to choose from, there is a good choice to suit any type of project, from furniture to flooring, cabinet making to structural wall framing.
Considerations include durability, colour, grain and how easily the wood can be worked, treated and engineered. Although MDF and hardboards are great for many woodworking projects, we’re focusing on a range of popular, natural woods.
PINE is a variety of softwood that is very easy to work, carve and drill. It has a pale yellow colour that can compliment and lighten any interior. It is easy to stain if a darker colour is preferred but needs to be sealed beforehand and given a top coat of clear varnish after straining.
CEDAR is another easy to use softwood. With warm, red tones and a lovely aromatic note, it is resilient to the elements so an ideal choice for outdoor furniture. It’s also perfect for making cabinets, chests and especially wardrobes as it naturally wards off moths.
REDWOOD is very resistant to moisture so is a great choice for outdoor furniture. It is relatively soft and easy to work. With an attractive slightly reddish hue, it’s great left natural with a coat of water repellent, ant-mildew treatment. It can be stained and painted too.
CHERRY is a hardwood that is slightly more difficult to work with, although considered one of the softer hardwoods. It’s often used to compliment interiors as it has a warm reddish tone.
MAPLE has two varieties; one hard, one soft. The harder wood can be difficult to work with so perhaps left to trained hands! Both are resilient timbers and make a great choice for furnture making.
If you love carpentry and joinery as much as we do, choose your timber wisely, use appropriate tools and safety equipment, stay safe and enjoy!
JA Elite Carpentry 