DIY Tips – Choosing Lumber

Tips and Tricks for Choosing and Using Wood in Your Next DIY Project

Choosing the right wood for your DIY project can make or break the outcome. Select Structural, Douglas Fir, Hem Fir, pressure-treated, engineered, pine, and cedar each have unique strengths, and knowing how to work with them is key. This guide focuses on practical tips and tricks to help DIYers maximize these woods for stunning, durable results, with a brief overview of each type.

Quick Overview of Wood Types

• Hem Fir: A softwood blend of Western Hemlock and true fir, great for indoor framing and shelving but prone to rot outdoors unless treated.

• Pressure Treated: Chemically treated pine or fir, ideal for outdoor projects like deck framing and fences due to its resistance to moisture and insects.

• Engineered Wood: Products like plywood, MDF, OSB, or LVL, offering stability for furniture, sheathing, or beams but varying in moisture resistance.

• Pine: A versatile softwood with a rustic look, perfect for indoor furniture and trim but soft and not naturally durable outdoors.

• Cedar: Aromatic, rot-resistant softwood with a beautiful grain, excellent for outdoor siding, furniture, or indoor accents.

• Select Structural Lumber: A premium grade of dimensional lumber known for its strength, straightness, and minimal defects. Ideal for exposed framing, load-bearing structures, and any project that demands both performance and visual appeal.

• Douglas Fir (Doug Fir): A durable, strong softwood often used in framing, beams, and finish work. Known for its stability, straight grain, and ability to take stain well, Doug Fir bridges the gap between structural integrity and good looks.

Tips and Tricks for Working with These Woods

1. Match Wood to Your Project’s Environment

• Outdoor Builds: Use cedar for its natural rot resistance and stunning appearance in projects like pergolas or garden benches. Pressure treated wood is your go-to for deck framing or fences exposed to rain or soil, but avoid it for indoor furniture due to chemical off-gassing.
  Douglas Fir is a solid choice for outdoor structures if sealed properly—it’s naturally strong and holds up well under load, especially in pergolas or porch posts.

• Indoor Projects: Pine shines for rustic tables or shelves, as it’s easy to stain or paint. Hem Fir works well for hidden framing or budget-friendly shelving. Engineered wood like MDF is perfect for painted cabinetry or smooth trim, while plywood suits sturdy furniture.
  Select Structural Lumber is ideal when you want your framing to look as good as it performs—think exposed beams in vaulted ceilings or decorative trusses.

Trick: For mixed environments (e.g., a porch table), seal pine or Hem Fir with marine-grade varnish to mimic cedar’s durability, but test on a scrap piece first to ensure the finish doesn’t yellow. For Douglas Fir, use a penetrating oil-based sealant to enhance grain and guard against moisture.

2. Master Finishing for Each Wood

• Cedar: Leave it natural to showcase its grain, or apply a UV-protective sealant to preserve its reddish hue outdoors. Avoid heavy paints, as they mask its beauty.

• Pine: Sand thoroughly to prevent knot resin from bleeding through paint or stain. Use a pre-stain conditioner to avoid blotchiness, especially with lighter stains.

• Hem Fir: Stain or paint to enhance its plain grain, but check for knots that may need sealing with shellac to prevent sap leaks.

• Pressure Treated: Let it dry for 1–2 months before staining or painting, as it’s often wet from treatment. Use oil-based stains for better adhesion.

• Engineered Wood: Seal plywood edges to prevent delamination. For MDF, use a primer to avoid swelling, and sand between coats for a glass-smooth finish.

• Douglas Fir: Sand evenly and consider a conditioner to reduce blotchiness before staining. It absorbs stain well and looks rich with a clear finish.

• Select Structural Lumber: Choose a stain or clear finish that enhances its natural grain and clean appearance. Prepping with a light sanding will reduce any surface inconsistencies caused by handling or mill marks.

Trick: Test finishes on offcuts, as pine and cedar absorb stains unevenly. Label your test pieces to track drying times and color outcomes. Do the same with Douglas Fir, especially if you’re aiming for a high-end furniture finish.

3. Prevent Common Issues

• Warping and Cracking: Pressure treated wood and pine can warp if stored improperly. Stack boards flat with spacers in a dry, ventilated area. For engineered wood like OSB, keep it dry pre-installation to avoid swelling.
  Douglas Fir, especially in dimensional sizes, is less prone to warping if stored correctly—keep it out of direct sunlight and allow airflow around the stack.

• Splitting: Pre-drill cedar and Hem Fir to prevent splitting near edges, especially with screws. Use a countersink bit for a polished look.
  Select Structural Lumber is dense and strong—pre-drill holes to avoid splitting, especially near ends or edges.

• Dents: Pine and cedar are soft and dent easily. Handle with care and consider hardwood alternatives for high-traffic projects like flooring.
  Douglas Fir is denser and more impact-resistant, making it a good upgrade for areas needing durability.

Trick: For pressure treated wood, use corrosion-resistant fasteners (galvanized or stainless steel) to avoid rust from chemical reactions. Store engineered wood sheets vertically to prevent bowing. With Select Structural Lumber, mark with painter’s tape to avoid marring the surface before cutting.

4. Enhance Aesthetics

• Rustic Charm: Embrace pine’s knots for a farmhouse-style table or shelf. Sand lightly and use a clear coat to highlight natural imperfections.

• Modern Look: Use MDF or plywood for sleek, painted furniture. Cut edges cleanly with a fresh blade to avoid splintering, and tape edges before cutting for precision.

• Natural Beauty: Highlight cedar’s grain with a transparent sealant for outdoor furniture. For Hem Fir, consider whitewashing for a Scandinavian vibe.
  Douglas Fir can be used for a clean, contemporary look or a warm, traditional one depending on finish.
  Select Structural Lumber, especially in exposed ceiling beams or stair stringers, adds architectural flair without sacrificing strength.

Trick: Mix wood types strategically—use cedar for exposed outdoor surfaces and pressure treated for structural supports to balance beauty and durability. For indoor builds, frame with Douglas Fir and showcase Select Structural pieces where visible.

5. Work Safely and Efficiently

• Pressure Treated: Wear a mask and gloves when cutting to avoid inhaling or touching chemical residues. Work in a well-ventilated area.

• Engineered Wood: Use a dust collector when cutting MDF or OSB, as they produce fine, irritating dust. A carbide-tipped blade reduces tear-out on plywood.

• Pine and Hem Fir: Watch for knots that can dull blades or cause kickback. Secure boards firmly before cutting.

• Cedar: Its aroma is pleasant but can irritate eyes when sanding. Wear safety glasses and work outdoors if possible.

• Douglas Fir: Its density can lead to blade dulling—keep blades sharp and secure boards well.

• Select Structural Lumber: Typically kiln-dried and well-surfaced, but still handle with care due to its weight and density. Lift properly and clamp securely when cutting or routing.

Trick: Mark boards with chalk instead of pencil on cedar or pine, as graphite can smear and show through light finishes. Use painter’s tape on Douglas Fir and Select Structural boards to reduce tear-out and protect the face grain.

6. Tool and Technique Hacks

• Cutting: Use a fine-tooth blade for cedar and plywood to avoid splintering. Score MDF with a utility knife before cutting to reduce edge chipping.
  Douglas Fir benefits from a crosscut blade when finishing trim or furniture-grade pieces.

• Fastening: For pine and Hem Fir, use wood glue with screws for stronger joints, but wipe excess glue immediately to avoid staining.
  Select Structural and Douglas Fir may require stronger fasteners due to their density—go with longer screws and consider wood glue for permanent joints.

• Sanding: Start with 120-grit sandpaper for pine and cedar, progressing to 220-grit for a smooth finish. MDF requires minimal sanding if primed properly.
  Douglas Fir sands beautifully, but start at 100 grit to smooth out grain patterns.
  Select Structural should be spot-sanded only as needed—too much sanding can ruin its straight-edge precision.

Trick: For pressure treated or OSB, tape measure marks with painter’s tape to keep them visible on rough surfaces during cutting. With Douglas Fir, always check for grain direction—it planes and finishes more cleanly along the grain.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Whether you’re building a deck, crafting furniture, or framing a shed, Valley Ace Hardware has all the materials you’ll need to bring your DIY vision to life. From cedar to engineered wood to Douglas Fir and Select Structural Lumber, their extensive selection ensures you’ll find the perfect match for your project. Plus, their knowledgeable staff is ready to answer your questions and guide you through every step, making your next build a success. Visit Valley Ace Hardware today and start creating!