If you are new to buying hardwood lumber, I will tell you this right up front. You do not need to know everything before you walk into a lumber shop. You do not need the right terminology, a perfect plan or years of experience.
You just need an idea of what you want to build and the willingness to ask questions.
At Fish Brothers Board company, I have been helping people choose wood for a long time. Beginners, experienced woodworkers and people who just want to build one good piece. Everyone has to start somewhere. This guide is here to make that first step easier.
What is Hardwood Lumber?
Hardwood lumber comes from trees like oak, walnut, maple and cherry. These are the woods people usually use for furniture, tables, shelves, desks and projects that need to last.
Hardwood is different from softwood like pine or fir, which is mostly used for framing and construction. If you are building something you care about and want it to hold up over time, hardwood is usually the right choice.
Start With the Project, Not the Wood.
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is trying to pick wood before they know what they are building.
You do not need a full set of plans. You do need a rough idea.
Ask yourself a few simple questions:
- What am I building?
- Is it going inside or outside?
- Does it need to support weight?
- Do I care more about looks or durability?
If you can answer those, I can help you choose the right wood. That conversation happens every day in the shop.
Good Hardwood Choices for Beginners
Some woods are easier to work with than others, especially when you are starting out.
Maple is consistent and durable. Oak is strong and widely used for tables and shelving. Cherry works smoothly and darkens nicely over time. Walnut is popular for furniture and statement pieces because of its color and grain.
You do not need exotic wood to build something good. Most beginners do just fine starting with domestic hardwoods and learning as they go.
How Hardwood Lumber is sold at Fish Brothers Board Company:
Hardwood lumber is not sold the same way as boards at a big box store.
All of our lumber is sold by the board foot, except S4S boards and mouldings, which are sold by the linear foot. The definition of a board foot is rather simple: a piece of lumber that is 1 foot wide, 1 foot long and 1 inch thick, or its volumetric equivalent. For example, a board measuring 1” thick in the rough and 6” wide and 8’ long would be 4 board feet. Use the following formula: thickness (inches) x width (inches) x length (feet) divided by 12.
Pricing is based on board feet, which is a volume measurement. If that sounds confusing, that is normal. You do not need to calculate it on your own. We do that with you and make sure you get what you need.
Why Buying Hardwood Locally Matters
Buying hardwood lumber locally in Tulsa, OK lets you actually see what you are buying.
Wood is not uniform. Every board is different. Grain, color and character matter, especially for furniture or visible projects. Seeing boards in person helps you avoid surprises later.
It also gives you a chance to ask questions, compare options and make decisions based on your project instead of guessing online.
Choosing Boards in the Shop
When you are looking at boards, pay attention to straightness, grain and color. Decide whether you want clean boards or character like knots and variation.
There is no perfect board. There is only the right board for what you are building. If you are unsure, that is normal. That is why we are here.
Asking Questions Is Expected
I will say this plainly. If you walk into the shop and say, “This is my first project,” that is completely fine.
You are not wasting anyone’s time by asking questions. Helping people choose the right wood is part of the job. It saves you money and frustration down the road.
No one expects you to know everything when you walk in.
What to Expect When You Visit the Shop
When you come into Fish Brothers Board Company in Tulsa, you should expect a relaxed environment.
You can walk the shop, look at the wood, pick up boards and talk through your project. You do not need to rush. Our goal is to help you leave with the right material and the confidence to use it.
Final Thoughts from Andrew…
Buying hardwood lumber for the first time does not need to be complicated. You need a rough idea, some curiosity and a place where people are willing to help. That is what we offer at Fish Brothers.
If you are in Tulsa and thinking about a woodworking project, stop by the shop. Ask questions. Look at the wood in person.
