Frankly, the wood you use in your woodworking project will have a big impact on how your design turns out. While you can repurpose leftover firewood or wooden pallets, some crafts may require specific wood for a professional finish. “3/4-inch plywood is perfect,” Char Miller-King told House Digest exclusively. Plywood is versatile, durable, and generally inexpensive. It's used for a variety of applications, from doors to railings. “Look for cabinet-grade plywood for the best finish,” says Miller-King. “Cabinet-grade plywood is knot-free and has a consistent look.”
If you want something fancier, Miller King suggests using plywood veneer, which has a top layer of hardwood like cherry or walnut. Plywood veneer creates the appearance of solid wood, but if you look at the edges you can tell it's not the real thing. To prevent this, you need an edgeband, which is a top layer of veneer that you apply to the edges of your board to maintain the hardwood look.
Woodworking experts also cite pine as a third choice. “The finest pine generally has few imperfections,” she says. The softwood is lightweight, easy to work with, and stains better when treated with a pre-stain conditioner. That means you have some expert-approved choices when it comes to picking the foundation for your woodworking project. Combine the perfect wood with the right tools, and your finished piece won't look cheap.