Choosing lumber is one of the first challenges new woodworkers face. Stores sell many species, sizes and grades, and boards vary widely even in the same pile. Picking good material makes projects easier and helps them last.
This guide covers the basics of choosing lumber and sheet goods for beginner projects.
Softwoods and Hardwoods
Softwoods
Softwoods come from coniferous trees such as pine, fir and cedar. They are generally affordable, widely available and easy to work. Many softwoods dent easily.
Common uses: Shop projects, workbenches, outdoor projects with suitable species, painted furniture.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods come from deciduous trees such as oak, maple, walnut and cherry. Many are harder and more durable, with attractive grain. They often cost more and may be harder to work.
Common uses: Furniture, cutting boards, cabinetry.
The terms describe tree types, not exact hardness; some softwoods are harder than some hardwoods.
Plywood and Sheet Goods
Plywood
Plywood is made from thin layers glued with alternating grain, making it stable and strong. Grades indicate face quality.
MDF
Medium-density fiberboard is smooth and stable, good for painted projects, but heavy and vulnerable to moisture.
Particleboard
Affordable but less strong; often used for shelving and cabinet boxes.
OSB
Oriented strand board is often used in construction.
Nominal vs. Actual Sizes
Dimensional lumber is sold by nominal size, but actual size is smaller after drying and planing. A board labeled 2×4 measures less than two by four inches. Always measure actual dimensions. Sheet goods may also be slightly thinner than labeled. See how to cut a dado.
Grades
Lumber grades describe appearance and defects. Higher grades have fewer knots and defects. Grading systems vary by species and region.
Moisture Content
Wood shrinks and swells with moisture. Lumber that is too wet may warp as it dries. Let lumber acclimate in your shop before building. Some woodworkers use moisture meters.
Checking Boards
Straightness
Sight down the board’s length to check for:
- Bow: Curve along the face
- Crook: Curve along the edge
- Twist: Corners not in the same plane
- Cup: Curve across the width
Defects
- Large or loose knots
- Cracks and splits
- Wane, which is bark or missing wood on edges
- Insect damage
Grain
Look for straight grain where strength matters.
Buying Tips
- Pick through the pile and choose the best boards
- Buy extra to allow for mistakes and defects
- Ask stores about cutting services for sheet goods
- Transport boards safely
Rough vs. Surfaced Lumber
Rough lumber needs milling with a jointer and planer. Beginners often buy surfaced lumber, which is already planed.
Storage
- Store lumber flat or on racks with good support
- Keep it off concrete floors
- Store in a dry, stable environment
Outdoor Projects
Choose species or treated lumber suitable for outdoor use and follow manufacturer guidance for handling treated wood. Use appropriate fasteners and finishes.
Matching Lumber to Projects
- Workbench: Construction lumber and plywood. See how to build a DIY workbench.
- Painted furniture: Poplar, pine or MDF
- Stained furniture: Hardwoods or select pine
- Beginner projects: See beginner woodworking projects.
Common Mistakes
- Not checking boards for straightness
- Ignoring actual dimensions
- Building with wet lumber
- Storing lumber poorly
- Buying exactly the amount needed with no extra
Questions to Ask at the Lumber Store
- Does the store offer cutting services for sheet goods?
- Which species and grades are in stock?
- Are boards stored indoors?
- Can I return boards that turn out to have hidden defects?
Lumberyards vs. Home Centers
Home centers stock common dimensional lumber, plywood and a few hardwoods. Lumberyards often stock more species, grades and thicknesses and may offer milling services. Staff at lumberyards can be a helpful source of advice about species and how they behave.
Estimating How Much to Buy
Create a cut list, then plan how parts fit onto boards and sheets. Allow extra for defects, mistakes and test cuts. Simple sketches of each board showing where parts come from reduce waste.
Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood can be attractive but may contain nails, screws or other hidden metal that can damage tools. Inspect carefully, use a metal detector if available and remove fasteners before cutting. Old finishes may contain hazardous substances, so be cautious about sanding painted reclaimed wood.
A Note on Wood Movement
Wood expands and contracts mostly across its width and thickness, not along its length. Designs that ignore this can crack or warp. Allow solid wood panels to move, for example by using fasteners that let tops shift or by setting panels in grooves without glue in frame-and-panel construction.
Final Pre-Purchase Check
- Cut list complete with extra allowance
- Boards checked for bow, crook, twist and cup
- Actual dimensions measured
- Transport plan ready
- Storage space prepared
- Time planned for acclimation
Starting Small
For your first few projects, stick with one or two affordable species such as pine and poplar, plus a sheet of plywood. Learning how these behave builds a foundation for working with more expensive hardwoods later.
A Note on Sustainability
Some lumber carries certification from forestry organizations indicating responsible sourcing. If this matters to you, ask suppliers what certified options they carry.
A Note on Plywood Grades and Cores
Plywood cores vary, including veneer cores, MDF cores and combinations. Cores affect weight, flatness and how well edges and screws hold. Ask the supplier about the core when buying for furniture, and inspect sheets for voids, delamination and warping before loading them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wood is best for beginners?
Pine and poplar are common, affordable choices.
Why is a 2×4 not 2 by 4 inches?
Nominal sizes refer to rough dimensions before drying and planing.
Should I use plywood?
Plywood is stable and great for many projects.
How do I prevent warping?
Choose straight boards, let them acclimate and store them well.
Do I need a moisture meter?
Not essential, but useful.
The Bottom Line
Choose lumber suited to your project, check boards carefully, measure actual dimensions, let wood acclimate and store it well. Start with affordable softwoods and plywood and explore hardwoods as your skills grow.
Editorial note: Joint Bench is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.