Best versatile wood for DIY projects?

Harry_____

Hey guys. Just wondering what wood do you reckon is the best for just that all round workshop projects. As I am only 14 I don’t have much money and don’t have a job so need somthing relatively cheap but not crappy so I can make quality projects. Also, for making cutting boards what is going to be the best hardwoods that Bunnings sells?

JacobZ

Hi @Harry_____,

You might like to start by having a read through the following article which gives some good beginner information about timber types, classifications and treatments and what uses are typical for each timber type.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/104237/how-to-choose-the-right-timber-for-the-job

For general workshop projects, pine is usually the most versatile, available and affordable timber to start with. It is easy to cut, drill, sand, glue and paint, and is suitable for projects such as boxes, shelves, stools and small furniture. The exact size will depend on what you are building, but standard pine boards and framing timber will cover most beginner projects and there is a huge variety available for all different uses.

For cutting boards, you could look at the SpecRite laminated timber panels in species such as beech or acacia. We recently discussed their suitability for food-contact projects in What timber panels are food grade?. Specrite confirmed that the glue used in its hevea, pine and beech finger-jointed panels is food grade, while its brown and golden acacia panels are factory finished with a food-safe oil. Any panel should still be properly sanded and sealed on all faces and edges with a suitable food-safe finish before use.

If you are looking to create something like an end grain cutting board, our stores often carry lengths of dressed hardwood that would be a good option, however stock is often limited and region specific, so they are not listed on our website. For this reason, it would be worth a trip into your local store to see what's available and have a chat with the team in the timber yard. They should be able to help. You'd be looking for something that has KD in the label, which means it has been kiln dried, so the moisture has been removed from the timber. Dried timber is more stable and better for this kind of project.

Allow me to tag some of our helpful members to see if they have any advice or inspiration they can offer to you - @Nailbag, @Dave-1, @DIY4Knuckleheds.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. It's exciting to hear you are starting your woodworking journey, so please don't hesitate to reach out further.

Jacob