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Wood is one of the earth's most versatile natural materials, used for anything from construction to cutlery. That wood is widely used for furniture making should be no surprise. As you might imagine some types of wood are better for furniture making than others, especially for tabletops or chairs. Our team at North Castle Hardwoods understands lumber and the needs of woodworkers. Get in touch today to see how we can help you. Explore the Beauty and Variety of Types of Wood for Furniture Hardwood has a wide range of grain patterns and colors to choose from. The deep reds and contrasting yellows of cherry wood give it extraordinary dimensional depth, while the myriad complex patterning of cat’s paw oak has its own unique character. For many woodworkers contemplating a furniture-making project, the sorting and selection of the lumber is an important part of the process. Finding the perfect coloration and matching it to the grain can take time, but it’s worth it. The pleasure of pairing lumber sections and selecting them for a cutting list certainly can feel like a voyage of discovery. What Types of Wood are Best for Furniture? There are as many opinions as to what the best types of lumber are for furniture making as there are woodworkers, but there is a general consensus that you can’t go wrong with our top five. These timbers are all readily available in North America and are guaranteed to deliver fantastic furniture results. Here they are in no particular order! Cherry Wood American black cherry wood grows extensively across the United States and can be found in most lumber yards. Prunus Serotina is its botanical name and fresh cut, its creamy yellows and deep reds draw the eye. Over time cherry darkens as it oxidizes, delivering deep three-dimensional planes of color, perfect for tabletops, countertops, dressers, and cabinets. Hard Maple Maple is a stunning, bright, close-grained material that bounces light off every surface. Strong, and resilient it is a top choice for everyday utilitarian furniture, for chairs, table legs, and elegant nightstands. The straight grain of hard maple makes it ideal for fine work too, with slender legs for stools, chairs, and display cabinets. White Oak The strength of oak is a major part of this timber’s character. It’s not exactly white but has bright flecks in its straight grain that catch the light and glint in the sun. White oak is tough as well as beautiful, and highly resistant to decay. If you are looking to create furniture that will sit on your porch, deck, or garden room, white oak may well fit the bill. The grain and figure of white oak are exceptional and can vary immensely depending on how the original lumber is processed. Cutting lumber one way produces one result, cut another, often something different, but still very special. Red Oak The sheer pleasure of working with red oak is second to none. If you’re starting out with woodworking, then red oak is a brilliant choice as it is easy to get great results from this very workable lumber. Experienced woodworkers know only too well how seductive grain patterning can be, making timber selection a joy. Walnut Walnut is the king of the forest, delivering a timeless dark color, often with deep chocolate tones. Juglans Nigra is the botanical name whether the label says American black walnut or Eastern black walnut. The luxurious deep tones of walnut have made it a favorite choice for desks and tabletops, with clear finishes making the most of its fine grain. Its dimensional stability Inspiration For Your Next Wood Furniture Project What’s missing from your home? Do you need a new nightstand, or has the dining room table seen better days? Ask any seasoned woodworker, there’s nothing more satisfying than living with a piece of furniture crafted by hand. Tables and Nightstands For a tabletop, the most important part of the project is the timber selection. Once the work is done, the tabletop should be something seen and enjoyed every day. Take your time to pick out grain and coloring that really catches your eye. Tabletops are a great way to display a fantastic piece of grain and showcase your furniture woodworking skills. Mix and match different colored hardwoods to create an eye-catching pattern, or pair lighter and darker timber from the same source, perhaps using cherry’s gorgeous yellows and reds. Chairs and Barstools For spectacular turned legs that turn heads on your chairs and tables choose a softer cherry or walnut. Both work well on a lathe, making great results achievable for the least experienced woodworker. Woodturning takes a little practice, but a lathe is a must-have for traditional furniture styles. Don’t be put off by the technical aspects, it’s a traditional art that has been developed over centuries! If you are going for a more contemporary look, say mid-20th century and up, then maple makes a great choice. Its fine, linear grain and high strength, lends itself to simplicity and elegance. Cabinets and Chests White oak and cherry wood are the traditional go-to timbers for prestige heirloom furniture that looks good and retains its value over the generations. Oak is a tough customer, so make sure your tools are honed well! Learn how to use box, or finger joints to create drawers for your dresser projects. With a little patience and time, there are no limits to your woodworking ambitions. Shelves and Bookcases Red oak is strong, straight, and sturdy enough to provide elegant support for your collection of woodworking books. If you are a big reader, and a home library is an essential feature, then red oak will not disappoint. Ordering Wood for Your Next Project Choosing the best wood for your furniture-making project is just part of the process. There are several other steps to consider along the way! Furniture Making Process Before you begin, writing up a cutting list to quantify exactly what lumber you will need is essential. Some plans come with cutting lists supplied. If you are starting out, use one of these to make sure nothing is missing. If what you plan to build is a bespoke design, then take a look at something similar to offer inspiration for your own cutting list. Excess for Success Whatever your furniture making project entails be sure to over-order. Even the most carefully selected wood will have flaws and imperfections, or grains that don’t quite fit expectations. Wood is a fantastic natural material, and even the most even grained maple will have small imperfections. To counter this, allow for approximately 20% wastage. Remember too that your project is unlikely to fit all the standard lumber sizes supplied, so expect offcuts. These can be used later for repairs, or as practice pieces, or finally, as firewood to keep the workshop warm! Store Your Wood Properly There’s nothing worse than beginning a project to find that moisture ingress has affected the wood, perhaps mold has grown, or the lumber has become twisted. Some timbers are more resilient than others but none of them appreciate over exposure to poor weather conditions. Keep your investment secure, and stored properly, so that you can be confident that your project will go well however long it takes between visits to the workshop. Heirloom Furniture-Making Projects In the garden room, there is a dining table built by my great-uncle in 1955 that he made for the kitchen in the house that he built for himself and his wife. It is an unremarkable piece of utilitarian furniture, a mix of cherry, maple, and oak, but it is beautiful nonetheless. When we start a project, to fill a current need, or simply out of fun, there’s no knowing where it will eventually land and be loved. Next Steps All our lumber at North Castle Hardwoods is selected from reliable and sustainable North American growers. Our team can hand-pick wood to your specifications. Go online and search for practical, and free, furniture-making plans. Select two or three that look good and get them downloaded to compare them. Choose a plan that has the most comprehensive information and use it as a pattern for your own project. Remember to check your measurements carefully so you are not caught short!

What are some common lumber defects? Well, there are seemingly endless terms to describe irregularities and flaws in a piece of wood. Some add character, while others cause serious issues, severely reducing the yield of the material.  Any woodworker knows that a high-quality project is only possible with high-quality materials, so it’s important to know which defects are of concern. In this guide, we’ll talk about many common wood defects and how they affect lumber. What Causes Wood & Lumber Defects? No two pieces of wood are alike. A single tree can differ drastically from each of its neighbors, just as different cuts of lumber from the same tree can display totally contrasting characteristics. The life of a tree and the process of turning it to lumber can produce a wide array of irregularities in the finished lumber that are referred to as defects. Keep reading to learn more about these features, their causes, and how to spot them. Natural Elements As a natural material, wood’s quality is greatly influenced by the environment it grows in. Many of the most common defects in lumber are caused by natural conditions rather than harvesting or processing. Factors like growth patterns, fungal infection, and animal damage can all be expressed in the lumber produced from a given tree. Not all defects are negative, however - a handful are prized for the unique character they create in finished lumber products. Conversion Harvesting lumber from trees is much more complex than simply cutting them down. Numerous cuts are required to fell a tree and convert its trunk to useful lumber, and each step of this long and complex process can introduce new defects. Heavy machinery, saw blades, and moving equipment can all introduce undesirable defects. Seasoning The process of drying freshly cut wood, or seasoning, is one of the most important aspects of lumber production. When a tree is felled, its wood contains a substantial amount of moisture. Water must be allowed to evaporate out of the wood before it can be further refined into dimensional lumber. To achieve this, sawmills cut logs into slabs and dry them rapidly in a heated kiln or slowly in open air. However, changing a piece of wood’s moisture content causes it to swell or shrink, which introduces internal stresses. As these stresses build up, a variety of defects that affect the lumber’s shape and strength can appear. Wood Defects from Natural Elements While natural defects can affect both the strength and beauty of wood, the typical woodworker is most concerned with the aesthetic changes they bring. Natural defects tend to alter a piece of lumber’s grain, so be sure to brush up on your wood grain knowledge and how to make the most of different grains with finishes. Read on to learn about the most common natural lumber flaws. Pockets in Bark As a tree grows and forms forks or new limbs, its bark must adjust to the new shape. Occasionally, the tree trunk grows around a section of bark, including it in the wood and creating a knot-like internal pocket of bark. Bark pockets can diminish the appearance and strength of finished lumber that includes them. Bird Pecks Birds such as woodpeckers and yellow-bellied sapsuckers commonly peck holes in trees as part of their feeding habits. While single small holes may not have an effect, extensive pecking alters the grain pattern of the wood and can allow bark pockets to form. As a result, bird pecks often appear as dark spots in the finished lumber’s grain. This defect is especially destructive in hickory, where even light pecking damage produces dark streaks. Burls When a tree is damaged or infected by a disease, bulbous growths called burls can occur. Burls are the result of numerous dormant buds growing together, which produces a disorderly and striking grain pattern that is often prized for its unique and extreme figure. Redwood and walnut trees are especially prone to burl formation. Coarse & Raised Grain In many species, wood that grows in the summer is harder than springtime growth. This means that part of the grain is softer and easier to compress when the lumber is processed. Lumber with this defect can have a coarse, ridged grain that is unsuitable for applications that require a uniform, smooth surface. Damage from Fungus Fungal attack is among the most common types of natural wood damage. In fact, the rotting process is actually the result of fungi infecting and digesting wood. Wood decay can be caused by soft rot, brown rot, and white rot fungi. Soft rot attacks excessively moist wood, and can often be introduced if improperly stored lumber is repeatedly exposed to rain. The wood’s cellulose is broken down by fungal enzymes, a process that softens it and reduces its strength. Lumber that has been attacked by soft rot will often become weak, spongy, and discolored. Brown rot is the correct term for what is often referred to as dry rot. It attacks both the cellulose and hemicellulose in wood, causing it to crack across the grain and crumble into roughly cubical pieces. Brown rot naturally occurs in northern regions or high elevations, making it more common on the softwood species native to such climates. The term dry rot is misleading, as all wood decay fungi require moisture. However, lumber affected by brown rot can dry out and still suffer from the effects of the original attack. White rot is caused by fungi that decompose cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin wood. It can easily be identified by the white coloration and bleaching it leaves on affected lumber.Like other rot fungi, white rot reduces the strength and hardness of wood it attacks. Damage from Insects  A wide array of insects require trees for their life cycles, and often cause damage as a result. The most notable of these are termites, insects known for both living in and eating wood. As they expand their nests, these destructive pests create vast networks of tunnels throughout a tree while leaving the outermost surface intact. Of course, this ruins both the aesthetics and strength of the affected wood, making it unusable for lumber. Wood-boring beetles, which tunnel into wood to create nests and lay eggs, are another group of insects responsible for causing defects. The larvae of some species consume parts of the wood as they grow, while others simply excavate tunnels as living spaces. While these insects generally prefer stressed living trees, many will attack cut lumber if it is available. Wood that has been attacked by borers is weakened and prone to rot. Both termites and boring beetles are drawn to moist or rotting wood, so proper storage and finishing can go a long way towards keeping them out. Knots Perhaps the best-known natural lumber defect is the presence of knots. Whenever a branch growing from a tree’s main trunk is broken off or removed, the piece left behind remains attached. As the tree grows and its trunk widens, the branch stub is absorbed into the new wood. The result is a knot - a dark circle with properties that are totally different from the surrounding wood. If the branch stub remains alive as it is absorbed, a solid knot is formed. Solid knots are much harder and darker than the nearby wood, but they are firmly attached to it. If the branch stub dies off before it is absorbed, then a loose knot is formed. Because they are composed of dead material, loose knots are not strongly attached to the nearby wood and can easily be knocked out. Removing solid or loose knots leaves a hole in the affected lumber, which generally reduces its usefulness and strength. In some cases, knots can be left intact to produce a rustic appearance in the finished product. Shake When the wood within a tree separates along the grain, an internal crack called a shake is formed. This defect is impossible to identify before a tree is felled, so its effects are often only seen after a log has been processed into lumber. The root cause of shakes is a specific type of bacteria that infects trees and weakens the wood within the trunk. This allows environmental events such as high winds, extreme cold, and impact from felling to create internal cracks in the wood. The most common types of shake are ring, star, and heart shakes. A ring shake occurs when two adjacent growth rings separate, producing a curved or cupped crack. A star shake is produced by splitting along the log’s rays, and consists of several cracks running across growth rings from the outer edge of the log towards its center. Finally, a heart shake occurs when cracks form within the heartwood and spread radially outwards towards the outer edge of the log. In finished lumber, shakes can be significant defects that reduce a piece’s strength and usefulness for structural projects. Splits If a crack in a piece of lumber extends from one face to the opposite one, it can be considered a split. Although many splits are the result of pre-existing shakes, they can also be introduced by external factors such as impact. Like shakes, splits can seriously reduce the strength of affected lumber. Stains & Spalting Marks, lines, or color changes displayed on a piece of lumber are typically referred to as spalting. When white rot fungus colonizes wood, it creates bleached areas that can produce unique patterns when finished. Other fungi can also colonize wood and leave coloration patterns called blue stain or sap stain. As they move inwards from the outer surface of a tree, the fungal colonies produce pigments that leave dark blue patterns within the wood. While these fungi can eventually degrade the wood, they tend to act much slower than rot fungi do. Stain and spalting defects are often considered desirable by woodworkers for the unique figure they grant to the finished lumber. However, the patterns are usually accompanied by some form of decay, so wood with these defects is best used for decorative purposes. Wandering Hearts Trees growing in environments with frequent or sustained high winds are prone to developing wandering hearts. This defect occurs when a tree’s heart does not remain centered in the trunk as it grows, leading to highly irregular grain. Wandering hearts cause frequent changes in grain direction along the length of the log, resulting in dimensionally unstable lumber that is not useful for most projects. Wood Defects Caused by Conversion Conversion, or processing timber into dimensional lumber, involves the use of industrial-scale planers and other tools. Keep reading to learn more about the defects these machining processes can introduce. Chip Marks After rough dimensional cuts are made, pieces of lumber are often planed to specific thicknesses. When a chip of wood being machined away by the planer sticks to the tool, it can be pressed into the surface of the lumber and leave an indentation. This defect interrupts the smooth surface of planed pieces, reducing their quality. Torn Grain As a cutting tool travels along a piece of lumber’s surface, sections of the wood below the cutting line can be torn away. The result is an uneven face and a disruption in the grain pattern referred to as torn grain or tearout. Diagonal Grain If a log is sawn at an angle, the lumber produced will have edges that are not parallel with the grain. This defect, called diagonal grain, weakens lumber and prevents it from being used in many structural applications. Wane Lumber cut from the outer edges of a log will have rounded corners or faces due to the log’s curvature. In some cases, bark may even be attached. The presence of these features is called wane, and it can reduce the usefulness of dimension lumber. Machine Bite, Burn, or Gouge A variety of defects can be caused by machining errors or accidents during conversion. Scores or depressions where the planer’s cutting knives exit the workpiece are referred to as machine bite. If the cutting tool overheats, it can leave dark burn marks on the wood that interfere with its natural appearance. Cutting tools that deviate below the intended cutting surface create grooves called machine gouges. While these defects typically do not affect strength, they can seriously reduce the attractiveness of a piece of lumber. Wood Defects from Seasoning Seasoning, or drying freshly cut timber, is a crucial stage of lumber production. If not done with care, it can lead to a bending and cracking of the wood. Even once it has left the lumberyard, wood can exchange moisture with the surrounding air and change shape, so be sure to read up on proper storage techniques before your next big lumber purchase, and keep reading to learn more about the defects that can occur during the seasoning process. Bowing Bowing is a gradual curvature along the length of a piece of lumber that makes it resemble a curved bow used for archery. A variety of causes can contribute to bowing, including poor support in storage or uneven drying during seasoning. Frequent changes in humidity (and therefore wood moisture content) can create bowed lumber. This defect can render some lumber useless, especially if long, straight pieces are required. Checks If a piece of wood is dried too quickly, cracks can form due to stresses from uneven shrinkage. A crack that is visible from one surface of a board but does not extend completely through it is called a check. Crooks & Spring A crook, also called spring, occurs when a flat piece lumber curves laterally along its length. This can be visualized as a flat road with a gradual turn in it. As with many other warping defects, crooks are typically caused by moisture fluctuations and uneven drying. Minor cases can be corrected by trimming, but the majority of crooked lumber is not usable. Twisting When two or more of the previously mentioned curvature defects are present in a board, it may be considered twisted. Pieces of lumber with twist are not straight in any direction, and cannot be used for the majority of woodworking purposes. Cupping Curvature across the width of a board that makes one face concave and the opposite one convex is called cupping. It most commonly occurs when flat sawn lumber shrinks unevenly during the drying process. Cupped lumber is difficult to use for many projects due to its curved shape. Case Hardening During the drying process, a piece of wood’s outer surfaces reject moisture to the surrounding air. Water in the piece’s interior, however, must work its way to the surface in order to evaporate. If the surface faces dry too quickly, they can shrink around the still-moist interior wood and compress it. This defect, referred to as case hardening, results in internal stresses that are not relieved until the lumber is cut. Case-hardened lumber can appear straight at first, but warp severely once it is sawn. Honeycombing The development of a network of internal cracks within a piece of lumber during drying is referred to as honeycombing. If case hardening becomes severe, stresses inside the wood lead to an array of cracks with a honeycomb-like appearance. Honeycombing is not visible from the outside, so it cannot be identified until lumber is cut after drying. Choose Your Material & Get Started on Your Project Today! Now that you know about the wide range of defects in lumber, avoid them by sourcing your next project from North Castle Hardwoods. We are proud to offer quality hardwood lumber in a range of sizes to suit your needs. We use custom grading rules to ensure that our premium dimensional lumber adheres to strict standards, so you can rest assured that your work will benefit from top-notch materials. Got questions or custom requirements? Contact us today!

Woodworking looks intimidating, but there are plenty of woodworking projects for beginners that will build your confidence and create stunning, functional pieces.  Simple Woodworking Projects For Beginners Woodworking is a timeless craft, combining creativity and precision to transform quality wood into beautiful, functional objects. For beginners, woodworking can be both exciting and daunting. With the right tools, techniques, and patience, anyone can enjoy this creative, fulfilling hobby. It’s perhaps best to start by learning about wood grain patterns, as selecting the right grain can elevate your project to true magnificence. Craft A Simple Cutting Board A cutting board is a simple, stunning project that is excellent for beginning woodworkers. This straightforward project involves selecting quality hardwood pieces or purchasing a North Castle Hardwoods ready-to-assemble kit. We offer an easy-to-follow video tutorial on how to assemble your gorgeous kit, making this as beginner-friendly as it gets. Build Shelves For An Office Or Bedroom Shelves are another great project that adds a big impact to a room and is beginner-friendly.  To get started, measure the space and choose the dimensions of your project. Decide on the number of shelves you want. Choose a quality hardwood and then cut it to size. You will assemble the shelves with screws or brackets for stability. An optional step is adding a back panel for extra support. After you sand the surfaces to remove any rough edges, you’ll finish the shelves with paint, stain, or varnish.   Assemble a Bench for Your Backyard Crafting a bench may be intimidating, but nothing could be further from the truth. Start with a durable wood suitable for outdoor conditions, such as cedar. Cut the wood to the needed lengths for the supports, seat, and legs. Box joints are a great way to securely connect the pieces, and are both functional and decorative. When your bench is level and stable, sand the edges to smooth out any rough spots, then apply a weather-resistant finish. There is no better way to add a personal touch to your backyard than a handmade bench that helps you enjoy it.  Make a Coat or Key Rack A coat or key rack is a fantastic way to hone your beginner skills and branch out into new ones!  After you’ve chosen your preferred hardwood, sand it down to remove any rough spots. Paint or finish the board according to your preference. Next, attach purchased hooks, or create your own using our awesome tips for learning the satisfying skill of woodturning! Affix a way to hang your coat or key holder and you’re done! It doesn’t get much easier than this, but this quick and easy piece of woodworking is endlessly customizable.  Build Planter Boxes to Enhance Your Garden Perhaps you’ve already created a beautiful bench and you love it so much you’re looking for other ways to spruce up your garden. Maybe you want to start with a smaller planter box before you move on to making a bench.  Either way, planter boxes are a wonderful project that will bring value to your outdoor experience!  Create & Sell Birdhouses Birdhouses are a simple project that sells well, and who doesn’t want to bring in some money to help fund their new woodworking passion? Birdhouses vary from simple to complex, allowing you to hone your skills while creating a product that people love.  Perhaps you decide to use box joints to keep the box together, or you attach your panels with screws or nails. Whichever you choose, someone will love it.  Be sure to select a hardwood suitable for outdoor weather conditions. Don’t forget to add ventilation holes and drainage holes. You can use a variety of paints or stains to make each birdhouse unique.   Add to Your Décor with Wall Signs Creating woodworking wall signs is an ideal project for beginners. These projects combine basic woodworking skills with your own creative expression. Make your decor as small or as large as you like! Start with a piece of wood, sand it smooth, and choose your desired size and shape. When the wood is prepared, you can paint or stain the base to match your aesthetic. You can create designs from other wood, to go on your base, or use stencils, freehand designs, or transfer paper to add your design.  Keep Accessories Organized with a Jewelry Box A beautiful, handmade jewelry box is not just perfect for protecting your treasured keepsakes and jewelry. It also allows you the opportunity to work with a fine hardwood, like maple or cherry, that might not be suitable for other projects. Design your box with various compartments and dividers. A hinged lid and a soft lining will upgrade your project from a lovely wooden box to a stunning jewelry box. Finish it with a stain to enhance the color and create a long-lasting heirloom piece that will be the envy of all who see it. Craft a Wine Rack Not only is this a stylish way to store your wine, but it can give your home a touch of elegance. Start by selecting sturdy wood such as oak or pine. When designing your wine rack, take into consideration not just the space you have, but also how many bottles you’d like to store. Pay special attention to the joints during assembly, using screws or wood glue to add stability. Sand the surfaces to a smooth finish and apply a stain or varnish to enhance the wood's natural beauty.  Make a Side Table or Nightstand A nightstand or side table is a rewarding project that is simple enough for beginners, but can make a huge impact on your home! After choosing a sturdy, attractive wood, start with a simple design, such as a flat top, and 4 legs. If you want to push your abilities, add a shelf or a drawer. Cut your pieces, and then assemble your table using screws or wood glue. If you’d like, woodturning is an excellent way to add some style to your table by making gorgeous curved legs. Sand your surfaces and then finish them to your preference.  Some woodworkers prefer to sand the pieces of a project before assembly. Choose whichever way makes your project easier for you! North Castle Hardwoods Has Your Lumber Needs Covered! As a beginner, woodworking can seem difficult, or even overwhelming.  It doesn’t have to be! North Castle Hardwoods has been in the business of providing quality hardwood materials to top furniture makers in Japan for over 30 years. We bring this same quality to American woodworkers. If you have a question, please reach out to us today!  Our experts are here to help you choose the right wood for your project while respecting our natural resources. The hardest part will be deciding which project to start next!

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