Types of Woods for Indoor and Outdoor Projects
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WOOD FOR YOUR PROJECT
Once you have your project in mind, whether it be building a new kitchen table or a patio deck, the next step is to gather your building materials. The main obstacle most people face when building customized projects, whether simple or complex, is choosing the right wood. You want a fashionable and classic feeling to your creation, but you also want a long-lasting result. It is important to pick a wood not only geared toward the look you are trying to achieve, but also one that is strong and durable so it will maintain its beauty over time.
There are some aspects you should consider before choosing the wood for your project. The first and most important determining factor for the wood type is whether your project is going to be for indoor or outdoor use.
Indoor Projects
Pine is commonly used for indoor projects, such as the structure of a main frame of furniture. It is lightweight yet strong enough to support a table top. For its accessibility, plywood is a very excellent choice, as it is affordable and stable.
Oak is very versatile for indoor use due to its resistance to dents and scratches. It is soft and durable and can provide a classic look for indoor or outdoor furniture.There are two types of oak commonly used: red oak and white oak. Red oak is much easier to work with and responds to steam bending, making it a good choice for indoor furniture projects. Additionally, it is one of the more affordable material options and excellent for staining or painting. White oak is often used in outdoor projects, because it is more water and decay resistant.
Outdoor Projects
When looking for wood for outdoor projects, it is crucial to find a material that is able to withstand most weather conditions and one that is rot and insect resistant. Cedar and cypress are excellent choices, as they are tough against our enemies, insects and the sun, but also very durable. Other outdoor woods that you might consider are cherry, walnut, and chestnut, which are also resistant to the inevitable effects of mother nature and solid to use for outdoor furniture and pieces.
Redwood is commonly used for building decks because it is naturally decay resistant and very durable. It also offers strength with a touch of elegance and style due to its red coloring.
Above all, knowing which wood would work best for your specialized project all depends on having a general idea of where it is going to be used (indoor or outdoor) and the look you are trying to achieve. With that decided, we have many different types of wood materials to help you create the look you are hoping for that will last.
Do you have a project in mind but are unsure of what type of wood would best fit your goals? Let our experts at Cherokee Woods help! You can contact us by either calling (909) 920-5430 or filling out our online information request form.