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Selecting Lumber for Best Results

We all know to avoid lumber with large, loose knots, and twisted, warped, split, cupped or checked lumber... but how do you tell which boards will most likely do those bad things AFTER you buy them and use them? Here are some photos to show you what to look for and what to avoid. The pieces on the left are desirable and those on the right side of the photos are to be avoided. This is based on how wood behaves depending on ring shape, density and orientation. The last photo shows you what the pith looks like on the face rather than end of the board.

18 Comments

Miriam I New York, NY

Brian, this is an amazing post! I'm saving it for future reference, and I shared it on the Hometalk 'how to' board on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/hometalk/hometalk-how-t...

on Oct 17, 2012 · Like 1
Vicki Smyrna, GA

thank uy for the sharing. it is good to know.

on Oct 17, 2012 · Like 1
Building Moxie Baltimore, MD

So basic it is often overlooked, BUT selecting quality materials is important to the outcome of any job. a fantastic visual point Brian Campbell well done.

on Oct 18, 2012 · Like 1
Vintage Headboards Frisco, TX

I was always told to look for materials with more growth rings that are as close to one another as possible.

on Oct 18, 2012 · Like 1
Hiline Builders Inc. Fair Oaks, CA

Great post Brian. Very informative!

on Oct 18, 2012 · Like 2
Brian Campbell, Basswood ... Saint Paul, MN

Nice dense rings are great if you can get them. Even without the most desirable ring density, you can look for these other desirable things, and avoid the pith, etc. The result will be straighter lumber, less checking, etc. I only find about 1/3 of the lumber for sale to be of decent quality, by my standards.

on Oct 18, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

Wow this is great information! I was proud I knew to look for straight and non-warped, and also about avoiding the pith, but had no idea about the growth rings going diagonally or about more is better....Really thank you for this, the quality of materials makes all the difference in teh quality of the end product AND how long it will last...

on Oct 18, 2012 · Like 2
Brian Campbell, Basswood ... Saint Paul, MN

Sharron W Quarter sawn (or vertical grain), lumber is the most stable, followed by flat sawn. Diagonal grain often results in twisting and warping.

on Oct 18, 2012 · Like 2
Kelly S Bremerton, WA

high standards on the materials increases the durability and strength of the end product and thus it lasts longer. Great info Brian.

on Oct 20, 2012 · Like 1
MellowMoonbat Peeler

Thanks, Brian! I really appreciate this information.

on Oct 20, 2012 · Like 1
M A Keene, NH

This is a great posting, but I had trouble reading the text. Can you make the font darker?

on Oct 21, 2012 · Like 2
Brian Campbell, Basswood ... Saint Paul, MN

Hi ALL, Yeah the text looked fine on my computer, then I posted and the resolution and contrast is different. I will see if I can repost with better contrast.

on Oct 21, 2012 · Like 2
Brian Campbell, Basswood ... Saint Paul, MN

I just tweaked the photos so the text is easier to read. I also plan on starting a blog at some point, where I can post higher resolution photos than these, that will be even easier to read.

on Oct 21, 2012 · Like 3
Laurie Anderson

Thanks for the info.

on Oct 22, 2012 · Like 0
Kathleen Antioch, CA

Thanks for the tutorial. this will help a lot. I didn't know what to look for, but now I do!

on Oct 23, 2012 · Like 0
Brian Campbell, Basswood ... Saint Paul, MN

Laurie Anderson and Kathleen Good the hear that you got something out of this post. This information does help me a lot in my work.

on Oct 23, 2012 · Like 0
Jessica @ Dear Emmeline Frederick, MD

thanks so much for the tips!

on Jan 16, 2013 · Like 0
Brian Campbell, Basswood ... Saint Paul, MN

Jessica @ Dear Emmeline You are welcome. Simple, but often overlooked, keys to successful woodworking. :)

on Jan 16, 2013 · Like 0