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Exploring the Best Wood Species for Your DIY Woodworking

The reasons for getting into woodworking are as diverse as the individuals who venture into the trade. Maybe you wanted to make the most out of the timber on your acreage, or perhaps you wanted to revisit the skills you learned from a grandparent when you were young. Regardless of the reason, pursuing woodworking is an enjoyable and rewarding endeavour.

What you need is the right tool for the job. With the right blade, Woodland Mills' line of portable sawmills can cut through almost any variety of wood you can throw at them. The type of wood you choose to work with comes down to personal preference and what is best for the job at hand. This can vary wildly from project to project, although many sawyers favour certain varieties. Here is a list of some of the more popular hardwoods and softwoods and when to choose them.

Pine

Especially in North America, Pine is very common. This is partly because the Pine Tree can withstand extreme cold, heat, and drought. Since it is so plentiful, it can be harvested sustainably. With some species of Pine growing to only 10 feet tall, others can reach well over 200 feet. It is a softwood that provides durability making it a common choice for furniture. The tone of pine can vary between yellow and white, giving you some discretion when selecting lumber for your next project. Pine is typically utilized indoors but can be treated for outdoor use. For true beginners, pine is a fantastic place to start.

Photo posted by Shawn Morford of JS Farms on the Woodland Mills Product Owners & Community group.

Cedar

Photo posted by Slava Dunav on the Woodland Mills Product Owners & Community group.

Like pine, cedar is a softwood. The most popular variety is Western Red Cedar which can live up to 1000 years growing to a whopping 200 feet tall. People commonly use cedar for outdoor projects like decks and fences since it does not warp in moisture and is resistant to temperature and weather conditions. Cedar is also a great choice for storage units, trunks, or lining closets because it is naturally insect-repellent! People have been using cedar to keep moths and other insects out of pantries and clothes for centuries. The recognizable delicate fragrance is just a bonus.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a softer hardwood making it relatively easy to work with. Reaching heights over 150 feet, it is not always easy to come by like other varieties of trees. Mahogany grows best in tropical, moist forests and is native to South Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. You’ve probably seen some mahogany furniture, but you may not know that it is extremely popular for building musical instruments. Some of the most sought-after tones for guitars, percussion, and pianos are produced by instruments constructed from mahogany. If you can get your hands on some Mahogany, you’ll find it easy to work with and gorgeous as a finished product.

Photo posted by Homemade_iloilo.

Walnut

This hardwood ranges in colour even in the same log. Reaching 60 feet tall, walnut trees can produce delicious walnuts for more than 100 years. Like mahogany, walnut has become a prime choice for producing musical instruments. Renowned manufacturers in North America, Japan, and other countries have brought walnut to the forefront of drum making, with results that stun both visually and sonically. You’ll also see walnut used for furniture, and inlays for smaller projects. Walnut is a prime vehicle for integrating detail and achieving a more complex aesthetic. If you have access to walnut trees, you can use your portable sawmill to mill beautiful, unique boards for your upcoming woodworking projects.

With so many varieties of wood available, it can be hard to choose. Do your research, see what is available to you, and choose the one that will work the best for your project. We know that your Woodland Mills Portable Sawmill will help you to cut beautiful custom lumber out of whatever variety you choose.

Photo posted by Larry Walker on the Woodland Mills Product Owners & Community group.