Wood is commonly used as a building material both indoors and outdoors, as well as for making high-quality furniture. Different types of wood can be obtained from forests worldwide, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Gaining knowledge about the various wood types can assist you in choosing the most suitable one for your upcoming woodworking project.
If you are putting in a deck or installing a fence, it is important to find a type of wood that can withstand water, rot, and insects to ensure its durability. Otherwise, there is a possibility that you will have to replace the deck or fence within a short period of time.
If you are building furniture or installing a new floor, it is advisable to conduct research on the type of wood you plan to use. This will allow you to make an educated decision regarding your construction materials. Utilize this guide to gain more knowledge about the specific types of wood that are essential for DIY enthusiasts.
1. Cedar
Known for its beauty and durability, cedar is a softwood that is naturally resistant to rot and bugs. It is an aromatic wood that comes from various coniferous trees, with white and red cedars being the most prevalent. White cedar, as its name implies, has a lighter shade and gradually weathers to a pleasing silver-gray color. On the other hand, red cedar displays an amber hue and will weather over time to a rich and deep brownish red.
Regardless of the variation, cedar is both durable and lightweight, making it suitable for a range of projects, both indoors and outdoors. While red cedar has a more straight grain, white cedar is more prone to evenly absorbing stains and paints.
Due to its ability to resist rot and repel bugs, cedar lumber is highly suitable for constructing fences, decks, lining closets, and building dressers or chests. However, it is important to note that while some older cedar and heartwood can endure for years, most cedar does not thrive when placed in the ground.
2. Fir
Douglas fir, also known as fir, is a type of tree that produces a highly strong and long-lasting softwood. In its natural habitat, Douglas fir trees can grow to be impressively tall, reaching towering heights of 200 to 300 feet. The wood derived from Douglas fir is resistant to rot and insects, although not quite as much as cedar wood.
Douglas fir displays a highly noticeable grain pattern and typically runs in a straight manner. The wood possesses a reddish-tan hue and is not particularly adept at evenly accepting stains.
Douglas fir’s wood grain pattern and density, which make it a heavy wood, contribute to the nails being firmly secured in place. Additionally, it is reasonably priced. These qualities collectively establish fir as a top-notch selection for construction lumber, while DIY enthusiasts also utilize it for decking and certain woodworking endeavors.
Most of the homes in North America are constructed with Douglas fir lumber, which is known for its strength, durability, long lengths, and easy cutting ability with construction saw blades.
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