Project Lumber Selection Guide

Choose the Right Wood Species for Your Project—Faster

A downloadable wood species selection guide that helps you quickly identify the best lumber for common woodworking projects.

The Wood Project Matrix compares 10 common board species using simple Best / Good / Avoid ratings. Use the matrix to match your project type with suitable wood species based on durability, workability, movement, cost, and typical use.

Whether you're building furniture, cutting boards, shelves, outdoor projects, or other woodworking projects, this quick-reference guide helps you narrow down your lumber choices before you buy.

How to Use the Wood Project Matrix

• Start with your project type in the rows.

• Scan across the row to compare the recommended wood species.

• Prioritize species rated Best for the most suitable combination of characteristics.

• Choose Good when you're comfortable with the listed tradeoffs, such as denting, wood movement, cost, or finishing challenges.

• Use Avoid ratings to help prevent unsuitable lumber choices—and save time, money, and frustration.

Quick Wood Selection Tips

• Know exactly what species you bought. For example, "maple" can mean hard maple or soft maple, while "pine" can refer to several different species with different characteristics.

• For food-contact projects, such as cutting boards, choose appropriate tight-grained hardwoods and use a food-safe finish.

• For outdoor woodworking projects, consider naturally durable wood species or properly rated pressure-treated lumber, and plan for ongoing maintenance.

• When staining wood, always test the stain on scrap from the same board or species first. Some woods can blotch, absorb stain unevenly, or produce unexpected results.

A Practical Lumber Selection Tool for Woodworkers

Keep this woodworking wood species chart handy when planning your next project. The matrix gives you a fast way to compare common lumber species and make a more informed choice before cutting, building, or buying materials.