AWP Wood Products owner Victor Barringer recently discussed how to choose the best wood for your projects.
Do-it-yourself projects can personalize a home while boosting confidence. However, Victor Barringer of AWP Wood Products explained that a DIY project performed incorrectly leads to frustration, unnecessary cost, and possibly future repair issues. He and his Buildproud team recently discussed how to choose the best wood for a do-it-yourself project.
Table of Contents
Determine if the project is interior or exterior
The first step in deciding which wood to use is to determine if the project will be interior, exterior, or a mixture of both. Exterior projects require wood resistant to damage caused by the sun and other elements like water or salty air. The best woods for outdoor projects are resistant to water damage and insects.
Interior projects allow more leeway when choosing a type of wood. Typically, interior woods don’t have to endure extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, or insects due to climate control and the possible use of pest control products. Many homeowners prefer to focus on the wood’s appearance for interior projects.
Teak, redwood, and white oak are popular, durable choices for outdoor projects. Some prefer aesthetically-pleasing woods, like walnut or cherry, for interior do-it-yourself projects. Pine is affordable and generally soft, so it’s not ideal for a homeowner who often uses pieces, such as a dining table or coffee table. This is an instance where someone may benefit from using oak for its strength despite its higher price.
Don’t forget to research the structural grade
Structural projects require more research when choosing the best wood. Do-it-yourselfers must follow building codes when creating structural projects. Different wood grades and species have varying properties, so knowing which structural quality is necessary before beginning a project is critical. This can prevent a major setback, such as starting over with a different type of wood.
The most common woods for do-it-yourself projects
Many DIY enthusiasts choose similar woods due to their appearance and durability. The experts at AWP Wood Products and Buildproud state that cherry and walnut are some of the most common woods for interior projects. They find their customers purchasing a lot of white oak and redwood for exterior projects. Beginner do-it-yourselfers or those on tighter budgets tend to choose pine as a way to learn the craft (and possibly make mistakes) without spending too much money.
About Buildproud and AWP Wood Products
These two popular hardwood distributors provide the highest quality hardwoods and related products to everyone from big-time contractors to at-home do-it-yourselfers. They serve cities throughout Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Those fortunate to live near a Buildproud or AWP distributor enjoy easy access to some of the country’s best hardwood lumber, wall paneling, plywood products, and more.