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Planning a woodworking project can be fascinating and fun, from designing what you will build and making drawings and measurements to imagining how it will look when it’s complete. A big part of woodworking is choosing the right type of lumber for your particular project. Picking the right wood can make your pieces more beautiful, more durable, and easier to work. Here are three of the best types and which applications they’re well suited for. 

What Type of Lumber Should You Use for a Woodworking Project?

1. Oak

Oak is a common choice for furniture because of its strength and attractive appearance. Due to its density and hardness, oak can be tough to work with and isn’t necessarily the best choice for delicate millwork. When it’s finished the right way, it can show beautiful wood grains, especially with minimal finishing.  

2. Poplar

LumberWorking with poplar is simpler than dealing with oak. While it isn’t as hard, its workability means it can be nailed, screwed, and glued together easily. The downside is poplar is not as beautifully grained as oak, and it usually needs to be painted or heavily stained to disguise its plainness. Poplar is an excellent choice for making utilitarian furniture, framing cabinets, and creating painted moldings. 

3. Cedar

Cedar is a richly grained lumber that doesn’t take paint or stains very well. But because it is typically used for outdoor woodworking, that shouldn’t be much of a concern, since the rich grain means that it looks beautiful on its own. Cedar’s durability makes it the perfect choice for decking, pergolas, and porch repairs. It’s also great for outdoor additions to your home, like decorative shingling, window boxes, and raised beds. 

 

Huber Lumber in Cincinnati, OH, supplies lumber for any type of woodworking project, whether you’re a DIY-er or a professional contractor. With their combined 110 years of experience, their team will be able to help you choose the right materials for your project. Visit the website to view their products, and call (513) 731-4035 for more information. 

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