Back when I started building things out of wood, I had no idea what I was doing. I would go up to the man in the hardware store and describe what I wanted and he would help me the best he could. Over the years and over numerous simple projects I am not an expert by any measure, but I’ve picked up a few bits of information that might help someone who’s just starting to think about giving simple carpentry a try. I’ve put some observations together the beginner can use as a nudge into a first project.

1. Don’t fear the lumber department of the Home Center. Well, maybe fear it just a little. Look out for the forklifts and stay out when they have it cordoned off with that expanding gate. Otherwise, it’s a perfectly legitimate place for you to be even if you didn’t just step out of a crew cab with a bunch of burly guys. You might feel out of place, but don’t hesitate to ask for guidance–they are very helpful and are apparently trained not to laugh at you when you ask dumb questions. I should know.

2. Be prepared. Aside from taking your supplies list with you, it’s very helpful to bring a pair of work gloves that will protect your hands from splinters. Put some old towels or blankets in your car to protect your upholstery from dirt and splinters and dings. Unless you drive a truck, grab your tape measure and write down the dimensions of the available space in your vehicle to haul lengths of lumber. I have a station wagon and can haul up to a 10′ long board. If you know the boards you need for your project will not fit in your car, you have a few options:

a. If the actual cut-to-size length (just not the stock length) will fit in your car, take your measurements with you to the store and they will cut it for you. This is a work-saving option for you even if the stock-sized boards will fit in your vehicle. They may charge a nominal fee (in all my years having pieces cut I have never actually been charged the cutting fee), but it’s well worth it over the premium of having something built by a carpenter or buying it pre-made.

b. You can rent their truck for about $20 to drive your lumber home yourself.

c. Find a friend with a truck or other vehicle the lumber will fit into.

3. Be selective. This is where those gloves will come in handy. Once you have located the type, length and width of board you need for your project, you want to find the pick of the litter. This will make getting your project to fit together that much easier. Take a board and examine it. Look for boards that are:

a. Clear. This means a board with no knots or fewer, smaller knots. A big ol’ knot may look pretty and rustic, but it can complicate your project. Knots contain concentrates of rosin and are harder to cut through. They may also decide to chip right out while being cut. A few insignificant knots are fine unless you want to pay a higher price for absolutely clear boards, but stay away from boards chock full of “character” for most projects.

b. Straight. Take the board and lay it on an even floor. Turn it on all four faces. Does it lie flat or does it arch up off the floor? Take it and eye down its edge. Does it look straight? If it doesn’t look straight or nearly straight, put it back and try another one until you find the straightest ones. It may seem awkward at first, but soon you will know what you are looking for.

c. Undamaged. Check for milling and handling damage. Look closely all down the board. Some will have cracks along the grain that are hard to see at first glance. Make sure there are no bad gouges that can’t easily be sanded away or chunks of wood missing on the ends.

d. Clean. This is getting a little picky, but that thing is going in your car. If the clearest, straightest board just happens to be a little dirty, you may have to overlook this, especially if you prepared your car with some protection, but a dirty board means more work for you, cleaning and sanding.

There’s a lot more you can learn about lumber, of course, but these are a few starter tips.

Ivory has recently started down the path of basic woodworking by building a fence for Sylvie and Lily (her goats), and she called me up to tell me how empowering it was to tackle a project like that for herself. I know!, I told her. It can be a real charge.  Give it a try and you’ll see what I mean.

TL