Best Types of Wood for Beginner Woodworking

As a beginner woodworker, choosing the right type of wood can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best types of wood for beginner woodworkers and why they’re the ‘best’.

Photo Credit: gresei via Envato Elements – Two pieces of wood almost touching to make a 90 degree angle with wood shavings and a hand planer in the back.

Pine

First on the list is pine. Pine is a softwood that is readily available and affordable, making it a popular choice for beginners. It’s easy to work with, and its light color makes it versatile and perfect for staining or painting. Pine also has a straight grain, which makes it easy to cut and shape.

Photo Credit: DragonImages via Envato Elements – Two men wearing masks while one has eye protection and drilling a piece of wood using a power drill while the other is lifting their eye protection to look closer at the drilling.

Maple

Next up is maple. Maple is a hardwood that is known for its durability and strength. It’s harder than pine, but still easy to work with, making it a great choice for those new to woodworking. The creamy white color of maple also makes it an attractive option for furniture and other decorative items. One thing to keep in mind with maple is that it can be prone to burn marks when using power tools, so be sure to use a sharp blade or bit and take your time to avoid overheating the wood.

Cherry

Cherry is another popular choice for beginner woodworkers. This hardwood has a beautiful reddish-brown color that darkens over time, giving it a timeless and elegant look. Cherry is also relatively easy to work with, with a straight grain and a fine, even texture. It’s a bit more expensive than some other options, but its beauty and durability make it well worth the investment.

Photo Credit: Pressmaster via Envato Elements – A handyman wearing a tool belt is pressing down on a piece of pine wood which is on a table that also has a hammer, pencil, wood-made hammer, hand planer, ruler, and lots of wood chips.

Oak

Oak is another hardwood that is great for beginners. It’s strong and durable, making it a popular choice for furniture and flooring. Oak also has a distinctive grain pattern that gives it a unique and rustic look. It’s a bit harder to work with than some other woods, but with the some practice and patience, oak can be a great choice for those looking to challenge themselves and create something truly special.

Walnut

Finally, we have walnut. Walnut is a hardwood that is known for its rich, dark color and beautiful grain patterns. It’s also one of the more expensive options, but its beauty and durability make it a popular choice for furniture and decorative items. Walnut is a bit harder to work with than some other woods, however using the right tools and techniques can make it a great choice for those looking to push themselves and create something truly stunning.

Photo Credit: photovs via Envato Elements – A man with a beard is using a power sander on a long piece of pine wood while holding it down with both hands wearing a red and black glove on the right hand and a yellow and grey glove on the left hand.

Choosing the right type of wood is an important part of any woodworking project since it can completely transform the final result. While there are many options available, pine, maple, cherry, oak, and walnut are all great choices for beginners. Each has its own unique characteristics and benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. By getting familiar with the different types of wood and woodworking tools, you can create beautiful and functional pieces that will be treasured for years to come.