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Please talk to me like I'm an idiot.  I'm brand new to this and don't know a thing about the different woods.

I do most of my shopping at the big boxes (orage and blue).

I found the "Common Boards" section at Orange yesterday, and they seem to be better quality than the standard "Framing" ones I've been buying, but don't have the common sizes like 2x4s most of the plans I'm working on currently use.

I've been using the "higher quality" 2x4 framing studs and various sizes and thicknesss of plywood (sanded or not, depending on the project) but not ones that specify species.

What should I be using for basics?   What can I use for painted project vs. stained projects?   

I'd appreciate someone starting at the beginning for dumb ol me. :)

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Wood Species and Types

jhancock42

Wed, 12/24/2014 - 13:40

Common boards are regular pine boards, unless specified otherwise, that are milled from higher grade lumber( straighter grain...less knots) and are usually 1 by whatever ( in reality its 3/4" by a half inch less than the stated dimension). The "2 by whatever" are generally used for framing and construction purposes that don't require the higher quality milling and can have more knots. A "clear" board means no knots. But here's the big clincher to your question..........they are all some species of pine at the blue and orange stores, unless it is otherwise stated. With the higher quality meaning fewer knots and blemishes. So you will not find a "common" 2x4. Also that plywood is pine as well with cabinet grade being generally the best in these stores with a better binder and a more solid construction. Pine is just everywhere!

I will often use the "2 by whatever" for my furniture, I just have to work it a little more than the " common" boards to make them as nice as the common one. Usually I have to trim and make straight the edges ( this is called edge jointing) and plane or sand the wider faces. A little prep on your stock goes a long way to making for an easy and great looking build. Nothing crazy. Just want it square, and straight. Keep in mind you will have to give a little love to your common boards as well, just usually not as much.

You can paint or stain any of the pine boards depending on your taste. Pine is more difficult to stain without "blotching" so follow some tutorials on YouTube and maybe practice with a scrap piece with whatever finish you are using. I highly recommend you prime bare wood before painting.

The big box lumber is a good place to start. Pine is cheap and prevalent. And makes good solid furniture that will last for years if not decades. It also comes off the shelf with most of the work done for you. I just made my son's bed out of 2x4s and 2x8s........you'd be hard pressed to think so however looking at it. There are also plenty of famous woodworkers that use it, such as Roy Underhill of the WoodWrights shop who made his daughters desk out of 2x12 stock ("Rachael's standing desk" is the episode I believe and its on YouTube I believe). You probably will not use his building techniques (he build things using 18th century techniques) but can you can see the possibilities of this simple construction lumber as you begin your journey down this fun and rewarding hobby. Have fun and post any other questions you may have