I'm planning to make some tables and chairs for my home and I'm seeking suggestions on budget-friendly yet sturdy types of wood to use for this DIY furniture project. Also, if anyone has tips for a new homeowner diving into furniture making, I'd love to hear them!
3 Answers
A great resource to check out is ana-white.com. They have tons of easy plans and helpful tips for beginners. It's super user-friendly and could really kickstart your DIY project!
You might want to consider using 2x4's and 2x8's. They're solid options for building furniture! If you go with the 2x8's, they can be ripped down for cleaner cuts with fewer knots or imperfections. Definitely a good choice for sturdy pieces.
If you're in the U.S., poplar is actually a great, inexpensive hardwood to work with. It's not the hardest or the prettiest, but it's much better than standard construction lumber. Red oak is another option, though it can be tougher to work with due to its splintery nature. I always recommend buying from a hardwood supplier instead of big box stores for better deals. If you're interested in how to work with cheaper lumber, here's a helpful video I found: [https://youtu.be/DnoQu7WFNS8?si=ged0fSng_h43zhem](https://youtu.be/DnoQu7WFNS8?si=ged0fSng_h43zhem).
I love this breakdown of options! My plan is to apply some varnish in the end and then paint it, so I'm not really going for the more expensive, pretty stuff like cherry or mahogany.