Oak lumber is one of the most attractive and durable woods available in the United States and for that reason we’d like to give you some tips about what to look for when buying oak lumber online at Rino’s Woodworking or at our showroom. If you’re ordering online you should verify that the wood meets your standards before it’s shipped, but in general we only sell lumber that is rated FAS 1 or 2 which are the highest ratings possible. If you are purchasing wood for interior finish work or a special woodworking project, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best wood possible. (FAS Rating)

Before we start, the first thing you need to establish is what type of project you’re undertaking. Are you looking for a beautiful wood and mostly focused on a perfect appearance or are you more interested in structural strength. This will be a guiding factor in your decisions. (more…)

Oak is one of the most popular woods used in woodworking today – specifically for molding – and it’s used by craftsmen in everything from flooring to furniture and everything in between. In fact, over one third of all hardwood produced in the United States is oak. Oak wood has been an important part of man’s history and it has served every conceivable purpose from supporting peasant shacks to building and decorating castles, mansions, churches and even grand battleships. Oak has become a dominant part of our lives and the world around us – especially with decorative oak molding in homes and on fine furnishings.

There are actually about 295 kinds of oaks, but for woodworking there are two broad categories: red oak and white oak – and we stock both. When you’re considering this choice you should first compare the shades of each species. Oak wood can vary from a bright white to a dark brown so the choice you make can influence the look of the room greatly. Next, consider what you’re using the wood for because each wood has it’s own special characteristics. (more…)

There are many different and high quality species of wood available for your woodworking and construction projects at Rino’s Woodworking Shop. In fact, we’re able to get almost any type of wood through our network of suppliers, so just ask. For many though, it may be difficult to know how to make the best decision. With all the factors involved, including quality, grade, cost, grain, color, durability and availability you might get lost. If you’re not sure about how to choose the right wood for your next project you should talk to the experts – your helpful and friendly staff at Rino’s Woodworking Shop. We’ll be able to guide you every step of the way.

As we’ve said, all wood is not created equal. Wood with good working properties such as basswood, or alder, may not have the strength or durability for your project. At the same time, other woods such as cherry, or oak that have nice finishing qualities may not be the color of choice for the project.

The following paragraphs will introduce you to the basics of choosing wood for your next woodworking project. (more…)