Is It Worth It to Use Hardwoods for Small Projects?

I mainly use salvaged pine from dumpsters or leftover materials from friends. It’s amazing how much you can do with cheap wood, but once in a while, I wonder about hardwoods too. My local Home Depot mostly has basic hardwoods like Red Oak and Walnut, but I haven't ventured into buying them yet since I stick with pine.

Absolutely, there are several reasons to consider hardwoods. Firstly, softwoods can be quite prone to dents, splitting, and generally don’t carve or cut as nicely. If you’re crafting something that you want to last, hardwood definitely provides more durability. Also, construction lumber tends to be more warped or not fully dried out, which can lead to movement over time—definitely not ideal for projects like tabletops. Hardwoods can finish beautifully, allowing for sleek edges and stunning textures, plus they accept stains much better and show fewer splotches than softwoods. Lastly, don't underestimate the prices; sometimes you can spot great deals on hardwoods depending on what's available locally. Regularly checking with your local suppliers might score you some nice finds.

If you’re interested in trying hardwoods, I say go for it! You don’t need a lot to start—maybe pick up just a few planks and try making a simple box. You might enjoy the different feel and how it works compared to softwoods. Definitely worth experimenting with! Keep in mind that while MDF and softwoods have their uses, hardwoods can really elevate your projects and give you a whole new perspective on woodworking.