Editing Woodworking (section)

==Materials==
See also [[Wood properties|Wood: Properties]] and [[Tonewood#Mechanical properties of tonewoods|Tonewood: Properties]].

Historically, woodworkers relied upon the woods native to their region, until transportation and trade innovations made more exotic woods available to the craftsman. Woods are typically sorted into three basic types: [[hardwood]]s typified by tight [[wood grain|grain]] and derived from [[broadleaf tree]]s, [[softwood]]s from [[Pinophyta|coniferous]] trees, and man-made materials such as [[plywood]] and [[Medium-density fibreboard|MDF]].

[[Hardwood|Hardwoods]], botanically known as angiosperms, are deciduous and shed their leaves annually with temperature changes.<ref name="www.hardwooddistributors.org">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hardwooddistributors.org/blog/tag/differences-american-hardwoods-and-tropical-hardwoods/|title=differences American hardwoods and tropical hardwoods {{!}} Hardwood Distributors|website=www.hardwooddistributors.org|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-16|archive-date=2018-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416074057/http://www.hardwooddistributors.org/blog/tag/differences-american-hardwoods-and-tropical-hardwoods/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Softwoods come from trees botanically known as [[gymnosperm]]s, which are coniferous, cone-bearing, and stay green year round.<ref name="www.hardwooddistributors.org" /> Although a general pattern, [[Softwood|softwoods]] are not necessarily always “softer” than hardwoods, and vice versa.<ref name="Stephen.-2012">{{Cite book|title=The practical woodworker : a comprehensive step-by-step course in working with wood|last=Stephen.|first=Corbett|date=2012|publisher=Southwater|others=Freeman, John.|isbn=978-1780192208|location=Wigston|oclc=801605649}}</ref>

Softwood is most commonly found in the regions of the world with lower temperatures and is typically less durable, lighter in weight, and more vulnerable to pests and fungal attacks in comparison to hardwoods. They typically have a paler color and a more open grain than hardwoods, which contributes to the tendency of felled softwood to shrink and swell as it dries.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" /> Softwoods usually have a lower density, around 432–592&nbsp;kg/m<sup>3</sup>, which can compromise its strength.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" /> Density, however, does vary within both softwoods and hardwoods depending on the wood's geographical origin and growth rate. However, the lower density of softwoods also allows it to have a greater strength with lighter weight. In the United States, softwoods are typically cheaper and more readily available and accessible.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" /> Most softwoods are suitable for general construction, especially framing, trim, and finish work, and carcassing.<ref name="Korn-2003">{{Cite book|title=Woodworking basics : mastering the essentials of craftsmanship|last=Korn|first=Peter|date=2003|publisher=Taunton Press|isbn=156158620X|location=Newtown, CT|oclc=51810586|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/woodworkingbasic0000korn}}</ref><ref name="Stephen.-2012" />

Hardwoods are separated into two categories, temperate and tropical hardwoods, depending on their origin. Temperate hardwoods are found in the regions between the tropics and poles, and are of particular interest to wood workers for their cost-effective aesthetic appeal and sustainable sources.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" /> Tropical hardwoods are found within the equatorial belt, including Africa, Asia, and South America. Hardwoods flaunt a higher density, around 1041&nbsp;kg/m<sup>3</sup> as a result of slower growing rates and is more stable when drying.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" /> As a result of its high density, hardwoods are typically heavier than softwoods but can also be more brittle.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" /> While there are an abundant number of hardwood species, only 200 are common enough and pliable enough to be used for woodworking.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lowes.com/projects/build-and-remodel/lumber-buying-guide/project|title=Lumber Buying Guide|website=www.lowes.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-16}}</ref> Hardwoods have a wide variety of properties, making it easy to find a hardwood to suit nearly any purpose, but they are especially suitable for outdoor use due to their strength and resilience to rot and decay.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" /> The coloring of hardwoods ranges from light to very dark, making it especially versatile for aesthetic purposes. However, because hardwoods are more closely grained, they are typically harder to work than softwoods. They are also harder to acquire in the United States and, as a result, are more expensive.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" />
[[File:Woodworking Tools at the Women's Woodshop in Minneapolis, MN.jpg|thumb|Woodworking hand tools used in class at the Women's Woodshop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA]]
Typically [[furniture]] such as tables and chairs is made using solid stock from hardwoods due to its strength and resistance to warping.<ref name="Korn-2003" /> Additionally, they also have a greater variety of grain patterns and color and take a finish better which allows the woodworker to exercise a great deal of artistic liberty. Hardwoods can be cut more cleanly and leave less residue on sawblades and other woodworking tools.<ref name="Korn-2003" /> Cabinet/fixture makers employ the use of [[plywood]] and other man made panel products.  Some furniture, such as the [[Windsor chair]] involve [[green woodworking]], shaping with wood while it contains its natural moisture prior to drying.

=== Common softwoods used for furniture ===
[[File:Warehouse of timber at a cardboard factory. Buryatia, Russia.jpg|thumb|Warehouse of timber at a cardboard factory. [[Buryatia]], [[Russia]]]]

==== Cedar ====
[[Cedrus|Cedars]] are strong, aromatic softwoods that are capable of enduring outdoor elements, the most common of which is the western red cedar. Western red cedar can sustain wet environments without succumbing to rot, and as a result is commonly used for outdoor projects such as patios, outdoor furniture, and building exteriors. This wood can be easily found at most home centers in the US and Canada for a moderate price.<ref name="dummies">{{Cite news|url=http://www.dummies.com/crafts/types-of-wood-for-woodworking/|title=Types of Wood for Woodworking – dummies|work=dummies|access-date=2018-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Fir ====
Within the USA [[fir]], also known as [[Douglas fir]], is inexpensive and common at local home centers. It has a characteristic straight, pronounced grain with a red-brown tint. However, its grain pattern is relatively plain and it does not stain well, so fir is commonly used when the finished product will be painted. While commonly used for building, this softwood would also be suitable for furniture-making.<ref name="dummies" />

==== Pine ====
White [[pine]], ponderosa, and southern yellow pine are common species used in furniture-making. White pine and ponderosa are typically used for indoor projects, while Southern yellow pine is recommended for outdoor projects due to its durability.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Working with pine, tips and tricks for success |url=https://www.woodmagazine.com/materials-guide/lumber/pine |magazine=Wood magazine |publisher=Meredith Corporation |date=March 2003 |access-date=29 June 2020}}</ref>

=== Common hardwoods used for furniture ===

==== Ash ====
This hardwood is relatively easy to work with and takes stain well, but its white to light brown color with a straight grain is visually appealing on its own. However, ash is much more difficult to find than other common woods, and will not be found at the local home center. Larger lumber yards should have it in stock.<ref name="dummies" />

==== Beech ====
Hardwood of the European species Fagus sylvatica is widely used for furniture framing and carcase construction, in plywood, musical instruments (drum shells and piano blocks) and turned items like knobs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wood-database.com/european-beech/|title=The Wood Database|date=2009-01-03|access-date=2022-06-22|language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Birch ====
Whether yellow or white birch, these hardwoods are stable and easy to work with. Despite this, birch is prone to blotching when stained, so painting birch products is probably best. Birch is easily found at many home centers and is a relatively inexpensive hardwood.<ref name="dummies" />

==== Cherry ====
Popular and easy to work with, cherry is in high demand for its reddish-brown color and ease of staining and finishing. Cherry likely will not be at the local home center, but should be at a lumberyard for a somewhat expensive price.<ref name="dummies" /> This hardwood is a very common material for furniture, and is resistant to normal wear-and-tear, but it is best for indoor pieces.<ref name="The Best Woods for DIY Furniture-2015">{{Cite news|url=http://renolumber.com/2015/06/the-best-woods-for-diy-furniture/|title=The Best Woods for DIY Furniture|date=2015-06-10|access-date=2018-04-16|language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Mahogany ====
A hardwood, mahogany has a trademark reddish-brown to deep-red tint and is known as "one of the great furniture woods". However, mahogany is not typically grown in sustainable forests, and thus runs a steep price at local lumber yards.<ref name="dummies" />

==== Oak ====
With two varieties, red and white, oak is known to be easy to work with and relatively strong. However, furniture makers often opt for white oak over red oak for its attractive figure and moisture-resistance.<ref name="dummies" /> Depending on the kind needed, oak can probably be found at a local home center or a lumberyard for a bit pricier than other hardwoods.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.woodworkinganswers.com/ |title=Woodworking Basics |access-date=23 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="dummies" /><ref name="The Best Woods for DIY Furniture-2015" />

==== Maple ====
With strength, sturdiness, and durability, maple is a common material for furniture for the bedroom and even china cabinets. Maple is moisture-resistant and frequently displays stand-out swirls in the wood grain, an aesthetically pleasing differentiator from other hardwoods. While most commonly a lighter color, maple also can take stains and paint well.<ref name="The Best Woods for DIY Furniture-2015" />

=== Factors in choosing materials ===
There are many factors to consider when deciding what type of wood to use for a project. One of the most important is the workability of the wood: the way in which it responds when worked by hand or tools, the quality of the grain, and how it responds to adhesives and finishes.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" /> When the workability of wood is high, it offers a lower resistance when cutting and has a diminished blunting effect on tools.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" /> Highly workable wood is easier to manipulate into desired forms. If the wood grain is straight and even, it will be much easier to create strong and durable glued joints. Additionally, it will help protect the wood from splitting when nailed or screwed.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" /> Coarse grains require a lengthy process of filing and rubbing down the grain to produce a smooth result.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" />

Another important factor is the durability of the wood, especially in regards to moisture. If the finished project will be exposed to moisture (e.g. outdoor projects) or high humidity or condensation (e.g. in kitchens or bathrooms), then the wood needs to be especially durable in order to prevent rot. Because of their oily qualities, many tropical hardwoods such as teak and mahogany are popular for such applications.<ref name="Stephen.-2012" />

==== Woods with good working properties====
* Agba (''[[Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum]]'')
* Alder (''[[Alnus glutinosa]]'')
* Basswood (''[[Tilia americana]]'')
* Obeah (''[[Triplochiton scleroxylon]]'')
* Pine (''[[Pinus]]'')
* Western cedar (''[[Thuja plicata]]'')

==== Very durable woods ====
* Teak (''[[Tectona grandis]]'')
* Iron (''[[Milicia excelsa]]'')
* Jarrah (''[[Eucalyptus marginata]]'')
* Chestnut (''[[Castanea]]'')
* Oak (''[[Quercus]]'')
* Cedar (''[[Thuja]]'')

=== Woods used for carving ===
While many woods can be used for carving, there are some clear favorites, including aspen, basswood, butternut, black walnut, and oak.<ref name="www.hardwooddistributors.org-2015">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hardwooddistributors.org/blog/postings/top-hardwoods-for-carving/|title=Top Hardwoods for Carving {{!}} Hardwood Distributors|website=www.hardwooddistributors.org|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-16|date=2015-05-19}}</ref> Because it has almost no grain and is notably soft, Basswood is particularly popular with beginner carvers. It is used in many lower-cost instruments like guitars and electric basses.<ref name="www.hardwooddistributors.org-2015" /> Aspen is similarly soft, although slightly harder, and readily available and inexpensive.<ref name="www.hardwooddistributors.org-2015" /> Butternut has a deeper hue than basswood and aspen and has a nice grain that is easy to carve, and thus friendly for beginners. It is also suitable for furniture.<ref name="www.hardwooddistributors.org-2015" /> While more expensive than basswood, aspen, and butternut, black walnut is a popular choice for its rich color and grain.<ref name="www.hardwooddistributors.org-2015" /> Lastly, oak is a strong, sturdy, and versatile wood for carving with a defined grain. It is also a popular wood for furniture making.<ref name="www.hardwooddistributors.org-2015" />