Which wood will you choose for your home building project? Lumber comes in many different types and each has inherent qualities that make them better for specific types of tasks. It is important to know the unique distinctions, textures, and qualities in order to know how they will respond to things like weather, wear, and stress before planning your home construction.

Some things to know when choosing wood for your building projects include:

Opt for softer wood with outdoor projects. For outdoor building projects, you will want wood that is fairly soft, that will soak up stain or paint, and that will be resilient to the elements. These are the types of wood that you would use for building projects that include homes, decks, gazebos, and roofing.

The best wood for outdoor projects include the following:

• Cedar. Soft and aromatic, cedar is a popular choice for decks and structures.
• Fir. Fir is a soft wood that is most resilient and resistant when painted, not stained.
• Pine. Inexpensive pine is a soft wood that holds stain well.
• Redwood. Redwood resists moisture, is easy to work with, and moderately priced.

Hardwood is key for carving. You can use any type of wood in the world for wood-carving, but the best carving woods are hardwoods with a beautiful grain. This includes hand-milled features like molding, trim, and architectural elements that you may want to incorporate in your custom home plans. These woods bring a distinction and an air of luxury to the rooms and design of your new build. 

The five most popular hard-woods for carving, molding, trim, and intricate projects are:

• Aspen.
• Basswood.
• Black Walnut.
• Oak.
• Butternut.

Go with the grain for indoor building projects. For indoor projects, such as building furniture or cabinetry, the best wood is hardwood and it tends to be more expensive. The beauty of the grain lends itself better to indoor projects where looks are important and where the wood won't be subjected to extreme weather or rigorous elements.

Some of the most popular hardwoods for furniture and finish-work are:

• Ash.
• Birch.
• Cherry.
• Mahogany.
• Maple.
• Walnut.
• Teak.
• Oak.
• Poplar.

Use these tips to find the perfect wood for your new home- or whatever you are building, from an outdoor deck to a fine piece of furniture, from a house to a carved figurine. Figuring out the nuances, grains, and textures of different types of wood makes a big difference in choosing the right wood for the job. These are all great features to include in your small luxury house plans.