Choosing timber for simple indoor projects
Basic considerations when choosing timber for light indoor DIY projects.
Materials & Know-How
Wood Basics
Simple explanations of grain, splitting, pilot holes, sanding, finishes and common timber choices.
What you’ll learn
These pages explain choice, properties, limitations, terminology and safety checks before you use a material, fixing or method in a practical job.
Guides
View all guidesSanding basics for small projects
How to think about grit, direction and dust control for small DIY work.
Understanding wood grain in simple DIY
How grain direction affects cutting, sanding, splitting and screw holding.
Why wood splits and how to reduce it
Common reasons timber splits and practical ways to reduce the risk.
Wood finishes: paint, oil, varnish and wax basics
A simple comparison of common finishes for small home and workshop projects.
Glossary
View glossary
End grain
The exposed ends of wood fibres, seen at the cut end of a board.
Grain
The direction and pattern of fibres in wood.
Pilot hole
A small drilled hole that guides a screw and reduces splitting.
Sandpaper grit
The abrasive size rating that affects how coarse or fine sandpaper is.
Splitting
When wood cracks along the grain, often near edges or ends.
Varnish
A protective clear or tinted finish that forms a film on wood.
Wood movement
The way wood expands and contracts with changes in moisture.
Common mistakes
- Assuming one material or fixing is always best.
- Ignoring surface condition, age, moisture, heat or movement.
- Guessing strength or load capacity instead of checking the exact product and situation.