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.

1) Decide what you’re building first

This may seem like an obvious point but you must know what you are building before you select your wood. If your project requires durability and strength – like a dresser, table or molding – then you will need a suitable wood that is strong enough to take the load, such as maple or oak. On a sidenote, here is some information about oak molding for your further reading.

If your project involves intricate wood carvings then a softer wood like poplar or pine might be in order. If your project is to be placed outdoors, then you will need a wood that can last out in the elements. Choose a wood like teak, that does not take a finish well, but its natural oils will protect it outside. You might also choose Mahogany wood which is used for projects requiring exposure to the elements like outdoor furnishings, deck chairs and tables.

2) Hardwood or softwood

The wood you choose for your project will depend on how durable you need it to be as well. There are many woodworking projects that are rarely touched or used after the initial creation and then there are projects that are used constantly like kitchen tables and everyday furniture. Making the right choice will ensure that your creation will stand the test of time. Here is a list of popular woods that have been ranked from low durability to high durability: Alder, Birch, Ash, Poplar, Spruce, Teak, Oak, Spanish Cedar, Iroko, and Chestnut.

The first step in making this choice is the understanding that wood falls into two main categories. Hardwood and softwood.

Hardwood lumber is a type that comes from deciduous trees. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall. The best thing about hardwoods is that they do not dent, chip, or scratch as easily as softwoods so they’re ideal for projects that require durability like hardwood moldings around your house and furniture. I don’t mean to complicate things here but there are actually about two hundred different hardwood types that are appropriate for woodworking. Home centers like Home Depot and Lowes normally only stock a few types – red oak and poplar – so let it be known that your options can be expanded here at Rino’s Woodworking Shop. We stock many popular domestic species such as Red and White Oak, Mahogany, and remember, we can special order.

Now that we understand hardwoods, I’m guessing that you know what’s coming. Softwoods come from what we call coniferous trees. These are the trees with needles like pine trees and evergreens. These woods tend to be much softer as the name implies and the grain is much less defined. When the wood is finished it’s possible that you won’t even see the actual grain of the wood. Softwoods are mostly used in the construction and home building industries but they can be used for other applications too like outdoor and indoor furniture. Just keep in mind that it’s not a durable wood. In other words, don’t build a kitchen table out of pine.

3) Choose the right grade

Not all wood is created equal. If you simply told a lumber yard to give you an oak plank, you could get almost anything. Rino’s Woodworking is proud of the product we produce. We only use hardwood with a FAS rating which is the highest grade. This grading scale was established by the National Hardwood Lumber Association and it stands for “First and Seconds”. It is ideal for the finest woodworking projects. In descending order of quality here are the grades for hardwoods: FAS, FAS 1-Face (F1F), Selects, No. 1 Common, No. 2A Common, No. 2B Common, Sound Wormy, No. 3A Common, and No. 3B Common.

When you’re talking softwoods, there are really two main types: Construction and remanufacture. The construction grade wood is normally what you’ll see if you go to your local lumber yard. There might be times when you require a non-construction grade wood and that’s where you might consider the wood in the remanufacture category but the quality of the wood will be much lower and contain more knots, splits and large waste areas. Softwoods are graded from 1 (construction) to 5 (economy) but you’ll most likely only see grades 1-3 in your local lumber yard. Rino’s always strives for the highest quality softwoods whenever possible.

Cool Fact: Did you know that only about one quarter of all evergreen trees are suitable for woodworking?

4) Cost

Like most things in life, cost is a factor. Choosing your wood type will definitely involve weighing the costs of each type of wood. To keep it breif and general you need to know that generally hardwoods are simply more expensive than softwoods. Their durability and attractive grains are an important factor in their price but all woods have their purpose. Choosing a more affordable wood for your needs is always an option. Just make sure to understand all the differences between the wood types available to you and then make the best decision. Hardwoods get you a recognizable grain and a wood that won’t easily scratch and dent. Softwoods scratch and dent easily and don’t show grain but they’re much more affordable.

Again, we’re here to help. Call us anytime for answers to your questions. To get you started, visit our Hardwood 101 section on our website that contains detailed sections about  Poplar, White Maple, Spanish Cedar, Red Oak, Cherry, White Oak, and Mahogany or browse further through our woodworking blog to learn more about oak, hardwood molding, mahogany lumber and more.

Related Information:

• Bar Rail
• Building the perfect bar with Chicago Bar Rails
• Free shipping announced on Bar Rail and all High Quality Wood Moldings

At Rino’s Woodworking we take great pride in both our workmanship and the wood products that we sell and use. The only wood that we sell is with an FAS rating (The highest wood grade). Our wood and woodworking is proudly displayed around the country and the world in the homes of Senators and Dignitaries, homes of royalty, in such countries Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. So, when we say that we offer only the highest quality wood for your project, you can trust our word. Please feel free to call us to discuss your project in advance to ensure that you get the perfect bar rail and advice.

Here are some additional tips to help you make the best choice when buying your wood bar rails:

1) Make sure that you’re familiar with the various wood grades and initials that the wood working industry uses. Again, our wood bar rails only come with an FAS rating. We can get you started if you read about the wood working basics on our site.

2) Contact us to discuss the best wood species for your needs. We’re always here to help and guide you in the right direction.

3) Make sure that the wood you purchase is marked with an S-DRY rating . This rating means that the wood has a low, 19-percent moisture
content. You can use this wood immediately for assembling your bar and bar rails.

4) Consider Oak bar rail. Oak wood is very good for steam bending and has great wear-resistance. Curved chicago bar rails are a great way to add some style to your custom bar. Mahogany bar rail is another attractive choice for a high end look.

5) Ensure that the lumber you’re purchasing is certified by a regional or national lumber organization. Each lumber stamp contains an organizational certification, as well as a mill identification number for quality assurance purposes.

Please feel free to contact us anytime or buy bar rails online here on our website. Free shipping is available so please contact us for more information. We look forward to working with you and helping to create a beautiful custom bar.

Related Information:

• Free shipping announced on Bar Rail and all High Quality Wood Moldings
• Bar Rail
• Curved Bar Rail
• Woodworking Wood – How to choose

The effort has been announced to provide woodworkers and contractors the luxury of ordering the best materials without the added expense of shipping.

Contractors and woodworking enthusiasts will also enjoy additional aggressive discounts for repeat ordering throughout the year.

Dan Ritosa said recently “By offering a simple way for your business to order moldings for both small and large projects, we feel we offer a unique service for you. Your loyalty will always be rewarded at Rino’s.”

Information about the free shipping on bar rail and all wood moldings available through Rino’s Woodworking can be found on their website along with an explanation of the Contractor Discount Program.

For additional information about the high quality wood moldings and custom woodworking provided by Rino’s Woodworking Shop, Inc. please contact Dan Ritosa or visit www.rinoswoodworking.com.

About Rino’s Woodworking Shop, Inc.:

Rino’s Woodworking is a local leader in custom hardwood interior design. Many prominent homes, businesses, and city buildings have sought out Rino’s unique style and quality craftsmanship to enhance their architectural motifs. Builders throughout the world have turned to Rino’s Woodworking to offer their customers high quality moldings and cabinetry for their construction projects. We are proud to offer our exclusive line of moldings on the Internet, allowing both contractors and “do-it-your-selfers” the ability to order these moldings direct from our millwork facility.

Contact:

Sales and Questions:
Dan Ritosa
440-946-1718
Website Help/Inquiries:
Sanctuary Media Group

Related Information:

• Bar Rail
• Building the perfect bar with Chicago Bar Rails
• Curved Bar Rail
• Woodworking Wood – How to choose

When you want to add a high quality bar to your home entertainment space, nothing makes your project a success or adds more class and style than a high quality custom bar rail. A bar just isn’t a bar without an old fashioned wooden bar rail.

Today, everyone is spending more of their free time entertaining at home, and bars are the perfect place for informal gatherings and fun with friends and family. Nothing brings everyone together better than a beautiful bar with high quality, custom woodwork. Rino’s is always your source for the best wood materials for your project.

What is Wood Bar Rail?

A “Bar Rail” is the decorative edge of the bar top where patrons usually rest their arms. It’s meant to be installed at a slight angle to give a slightly downward slope. To accomplish this you usually offset the edges of the bar top layers.

A solid wood bar railing is a beautiful bold feature on any bar, and at Rino’s Woodworking Inc. we specialize in custom wood bar rails. There’s no limit to your options; if you can dream it, we will build it.

Your Bar Rail Options are Endless

Bar rail can greatly enhance a beautiful entertainment bar or home pub in your basement; even a home espresso bar in your kitchen. Rino’s Woodworking has the expertise and the highest quality materials for your bar project and wood bar rail needs.

Wood bar rails at Rino’s are available in Poplar, White Oak, Red Oak, White Maple, Cherry or Mahogany for a beautiful rich look. We also have mahogany lumber available for that high end, classic bar finish. Custom bar top rail moulding profiles and other hardwood species not listed on our website are available upon request. Enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all qualified orders too! For more information please call us at 440-946-1718 or email us from our website.

Please feel free to stop into our showroom for samples of the wood grain and styles before you buy.

Buy bar rail from Rino’s or call us to discuss your options.

Related Information:

• Free shipping announced on Bar Rail and all High Quality Wood Moldings
• Building the perfect bar with Chicago Bar Rails
• Mahogany Lumber
• Curved Bar Rail
• Woodworking Wood – How to choose