Wood Selection for Woodworking Projects

In this class, you’ll learn:

• How to identify different types of wood, including hardwoods (like oak, maple, and walnut), softwoods (like pine and cedar), and different types of sheet goods (plywoods, particle board, mdf.)
• Considerations for wood type/species selection for your project.
• Determine how much wood you will need and cost out a project.
• Tips for buying wood on a budget, including navigating lumberyards, big-box stores, and reclaimed wood suppliers.
• Common wood grading and sizing terminology you’ll see when shopping (FAS, 4/4, S3S, $/BF, etc.)
• How to assess wood quality, including grain patterns, knots, and moisture content.
• Practical considerations like choosing the right thickness, dimensions, and finish.

Participants will leave the class with the confidence to shop for wood that fits their project needs, budget, and skill level. This class will focus more heavily on furniture, small woodworking projects, and beginner level garden projects, with less focus on home building or remodeling. There will be a lecture with hands-on demonstrations.

What to Bring:
A notebook, a pencil, and any project ideas or plans you have in mind (optional).

About the instructor, Craig: He is a regular host for NE Seattle Tool Library Workshop Open hours and Orientations. He has helped many members design and build their first woodworking projects. He also runs a small custom furniture building business as a side project.

Our sliding scale for classes helps to reduce barriers for participation while retaining sufficient income for Seattle REconomy, which owns and operates the NE Seattle and Shoreline tool libraries. Please choose the level that best fits your family’s income.

Host or Publisher NE Seattle Tool Library