What kind of wood is best for DIY?
First of all, I wanted to make something, so for the first time I tried making a cycle stand using a Tri-Joint. Moreover, I used a lumber set, and it was very easy and beautiful to make. I think one of the joys of DIY is "finding a piece of wood you like." Each piece has its own unique appearance, with different grains, knots, and scents. This time, for those who want to enjoy choosing lumber, I will talk about lumber, standard sizes, and points to consider when choosing lumber.
DIY wood is broadly divided into three types
1. Solid wood 2. Laminated wood 3. Plywood
Solid wood is a single piece of wood that is cut from a tree. It is recommended for those who like wood grain. Speaking of wood for DIY, SPF is also solid wood. SPF is a general term for three trees: spruce, pine, and fir. It is called SPF after the initials of each tree.
Laminated wood is processed wood made by gluing together small pieces of wood. Because it is processed wood, it is strong and has little warping or cracking.
Plywood is a type of wood made by peeling thin pieces of wood and processing them into a single board using adhesive. It is made up of many layers, so it is strong even though it is thin. There are many types of plywood, but OSB plywood is one of the most popular types for DIY. It is made by pressing pieces of wood together with adhesive.
What is the size of solid wood (SPF wood) that is commonly used for DIY?
There are 2x4, 2x6, 1x4, and 1x6 lumber. 2x4 lumber is so common that there is no home improvement store that does not stock it. The cross-sectional sizes of lumber are as follows:
The size of the timber varies depending on the use and purpose.
For example, when choosing wood for Dear Wall, 1x1 lumber is suitable for low-height installations, such as in front of or on the kitchen counter or above the sink. 2x1 lumber can be used anywhere, such as in the entrance or living room!
Discoveries and surprises at the home improvement center!
When you go to a home improvement store to look for wood, you will find many discoveries and surprises. As a beginner DIYer (the author), I was surprised by the large variety of DIY woods and the fact that the sizes were written in feet.
Lumber sizes are measured in feet.
When you head to the hardware store clutching a note of the dimensions of the lumber you need, you'll be surprised at the difference in units of measurement: the units are written in feet.
But don't worry, there are meters written nearby!
It's a unit of measurement that is very unfamiliar and difficult to understand... It's useful to know about it, so please take a look.
There are four points to consider when choosing wood!
SPF wood is said to be a type of wood that is prone to warping and bending due to drying, etc.
POINT1 Wood with few large knots
Knots are very hard and make it difficult to insert screws, so it is better to have as few knots as possible.
POINT 2 Wood with less bending and warping
Long pieces of wood like those used for pillars and thin, wide pieces like 1x6 lumber are particularly prone to bending and warping. Pick up the piece of wood and check it visually to make sure it is as straight as possible and free of bending or warping.
POINT3 Wood with less resin (sap)
There may be resin dripping from the wood.
If there is resin, it can cause corrosion and discoloration after painting.
Avoid wood that has resin on it.
POINT4 Wood that is less likely to crack or chip
Check the wood for cracks or chips.
SPF wood is inexpensive, easy to process, and easy to use.
It is also a wood that is prone to warping and bending due to drying.
When purchasing lumber at a home improvement store,
Check out the above points!
Having a little knowledge about wood can help you save time, so please use this as a reference.