Choosing the Right Timber for Your Home Projects

Timber is one of the most popular materials used for home projects. It is versatile, attractive, and timeless. Whether you are planning on doing a bit of DIY or if you are hiring a professional joiner to build something bespoke, choosing the right type of wood can make a huge difference in the finished result. The right wood will look amazing, perform well and last for many years.

There are so many different types of wood to choose from – softwood, hardwood, treated wood, untreated wood and more, so the choice can be very overwhelming. Every type of wood has strengths, weaknesses, and ideal uses, so it’s important to choose carefully. If you choose the wrong type of wood, this can lead to swelling, warping, splitting, or it could simply look unattractive in its setting.

This guide by experienced joiner and general builder, Kevin Williams at MyJobQuote.co.uk, explains each type of wood, where they are best suited, and some tips on how to choose the right wood for your particular project.

The Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood

Many people will hear the terms hardwood and softwood and assume that these terms relate to the hardness of the wood (after all, it is in the name); however, this is not always the case. Hardwoods grow more slowly and have a much denser grain. This often makes them stronger and longer-lasting. Softwoods grow more quickly and tend to be lighter both in weight and colour.

Some examples of hardwoods include oak, ash, walnut, and beech, and some examples of softwoods include pine, spruce, and fir. Both types have their advantages. Hardwoods are usually much more durable and have a more luxurious finish. These woods are common in flooring, furniture, worktops, and staircases. Softwoods are generally more affordable and easier to work with. These woods are perfect for skirting boards, shelving, framing, and general indoor joinery.

Popular Types of Timber and Their Uses

There are many different types of timber on the market, but there are some that are much more popular in homes than others. Below is a list of the most popular types of timber used for home projects. Understanding their characteristics will make it much easier for you to make the right choice for your particular project.

Pine

Pine is very popular and a great budget-friendly option for home projects. It is light, easy to cut, and very common for use in interior joinery. Pine can be painted or stained, but you must be careful when staining, as the grain can absorb unevenly. For projects like skirting, shelving, architrave, and simple bits of furniture, pine is a very reliable choice. The only real drawback with pine is that it can dent more easily than hardwoods, so it is better suited for lower-impact areas.

Oak

Oak is very popular for home projects and for good reason. It’s strong, long-lasting and full of character. If you want a sturdy staircase, a kitchen worktop that ages gracefully, or flooring that will last for decades, oak is the most recommended timber choice. It is one of the more expensive timbers on the market. However, it is incredibly durable and offers a timeless appearance, so it makes for an excellent long-term investment.

Ash

Ash is a hardwood, but it is slightly springier than oak. This makes it a particularly good choice for handrails, furniture items, and curved joinery. It is lighter in colour and has a very clean grain. It is a perfect choice for homeowners who want a contemporary look without opting for darker woods.

Walnut

If you like the look of deep, rich, chocolate-coloured pieces of furniture, walnut is a great choice. Walnut is considered to be a premium type of timber. It is often used in high-end cabinetry, feature walls, desks, and bespoke units. It is quite expensive to buy, so it is usually just used in small areas or for statement pieces.

Beech

Beech is another popular timber. This has a pale, slightly reddish tone and fine, consistent grain. This is a dense, heavy timber that sands beautifully and gives a very smooth finish. Due to its consistent texture, it is a great choice for furniture items and worktops. It is also fairly affordable in comparison to other hardwoods. The main thing to keep in mind is that beech can be prone to movement when it is exposed to high levels of moisture, so it is best suited for well-ventilated areas of the home.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Timber

Now that you know the different types of timber, you may have a better idea of which would suit your project. However, there are a few things that you should take into consideration before finalising your choice.

Where Will the Timber Be Used?

The location is important to think about. Rooms like kitchens and bathrooms have higher moisture levels, so these require a more stable or moisture-resistant timber. Oak and ash work well in these areas when properly sealed. If your wood is being placed in a high-traffic area, such as a staircase or flooring, you’ll need to choose a strong and durable type of wood.

What Kind of Finish Do You Want?

When using timber in the home, it’s important to think about how it is going to look. If you are planning on painting the wood, you won’t likely need to invest in a premium hardwood. Alternatively, if you want to really show off the natural grain, hardwoods like oak, ash, or walnut are much better choices.

How Much Maintenance Can You Commit to?

Some types of wood will require more care than others. Oak, for example, will need to be oiled periodically if it is being used for worktops. Walnut can be more prone to scratches, so it may require some upkeep. Pine cane dent, but it is often easy to repair. Consider how much time and money you are willing to invest in maintenance before you settle on a final choice.

What is Your Overall Budget?

The prices of wood can vary quite dramatically. Pine is a great budget-friendly option, ash and beech are mid-priced, and oak, walnut, and exotic hardwoods tend to be on the higher end when it comes to pricing. You could consider mixing some materials together to help lower your budget. For example, you could choose a solid hardwood for visible surfaces and a more budget-friendly option for hidden areas. This will help you keep the costs down without compromising on quality.

Choosing Timber for Specific Home Projects

It can be helpful to understand the best types of wood depending on the project you’re working on. Below is a list of common home timber projects and the best types of timber for each project.

Kitchens

Kitchens are very demanding spaces due to the higher levels of moisture, heat and the higher traffic levels. Oak or ash work very well for worktops and cabinet doors. Plywood can work well for carcasses due to its stability, and moisture-resistant MDF creates a brilliant, smooth, paintable surface for shaker-style units.

Built-In Joinery

For things like wardrobes, alcove cupboards, bookcases, and fitted units, the stability of the wood is more important than just having solid wood everywhere. This is why plywood or MDF are popular choices for the main structures, while hardwoods are more commonly used for the trims or solid fronts to provide a premium finish. This combination helps to keep the costs down while still providing a solid and beautiful result.

Flooring

Floors take the most wear and tear of any area of your home. Oak remains the top choice for floors because it is very strong and ages well. Engineered oak boards are an even more stable choice. This is where a hardwood layer is fused onto a plywood base. These types of boards are especially beneficial in rooms where the heating fluctuates. Softwoods like pine can also work, but they will mark more easily and develop a rustic style over time.

Doors and Windows

When it comes to exterior joinery, it’s important to ensure that the wood is weather-resistant. Stronger woods are best for outdoor use, but they need to be properly sealed and maintained. Inside the home, the choice becomes more flexible. Many types of wood work well for indoor trims on windows and doors, and the choice will depend a lot on your style and budget.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make With Timber

One of the biggest issues homeowners can make with timber is using the wrong type of timber in damp or unstable environments. For example, using untreated pine in a bathroom can lead to swelling and can distort the wood. Another common mistake is choosing timber simply based on how it looks without considering its durability or possibilities for movement. All wood will expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Ignoring this can lead to cracks or gaps.

The finish is another mistake people can make. Some timbers will require more preparation before staining or painting. If you fail to seal end grain, especially on worktops and doors, this can lead to a much shorter lifespan.

Budget decisions can also lead to homeowners choosing cheaper timber options in areas where a higher-end wood may be needed. If you use a budget wood in high-traffic or structural projects, this can often lead to higher costs down the line, where repairs or replacements are needed.

Final Thoughts

Timber is a beautiful choice of material for a range of different home projects. However, it only works well and looks great if it is used correctly. It’s important to choose a wood that matches the demand of your project as well as the overall look that you are aiming for. You’ll want to think about the finish, environment, budget, and the long-term maintenance when choosing a type of timber. If you are in doubt, reach out to a professional joiner or builder. We work with timber every day and know how different woods behave over time. A good bit of professional advice at the start can often save you a lot of money in the long run.