Whether your dream is to construct gleaming parquet flooring, a solid dining-room table, or a set of antique timber gates, it is vital to choose the correct timber - not just in terms of visual appeal, but also in terms of workability, density, and price. Other considerations include purpose of use - for example, is your finished project intended for outdoor or indoor use? In the former case, hardwood is often the best choice as most are far more resistant to warping, cracking and other wear-and-tear associated with long-term exposure to the elements.
Depending on your area, you may wish to look into options that provide resistance to termites, bushfires or damp. Hardwoods commonly used in outdoor projects include cedar, teak, mahogany and eucalyptus. However, some treated softwoods can be suitable for outdoor use, including pine and cypress.
For indoor projects, either type of timber can be used, depending on the requirements. For solid, fixed pieces such as banisters, wall panels and parquet flooring, hard timber such as oak or beech is a popular choice. Lighter or more portable items, such as interior doors, cupboards, and cabinets, may often be made of soft timber, for example pine. It is important to remember - the distinction is in fact between deciduous (hardwood) and coniferous (softwood) timber; not all deciduous timber is hard and dense, just as not all timber from coniferous trees is light and soft. However, it is generally true that deciduous timber is typically harder and denser, with smaller grains or pores in the wood itself.
As well as the type of timber wood you choose, it is important to weigh up other factors such as price, durability and value for money. Pressure-treated pine is among the cheapest options for outdoor decking, but can be poorer in terms of durability and visual appeal compared with some of the more expensive hardwoods. At the other end of the scale, the most exotic deciduous species can look fantastic, but may offer no more in terms of longevity than a cheaper local variety. They may also be far harder to work successfully; pine and other coniferous trees, on the other hand, can be cut and shaped with relative speed and ease.
