Learn the Basics. Choose Better Wood. Start Your Build With Confidence.
If you're new to woodworking and searching for the best wood to start with in Edmonton or across Canada, this guide is for you.
Whether you’re building your first cutting board or planning a furniture project, the wood you choose shapes everything ease, stability, and the final look.
At Kingma Lumber, we help beginners, DIYers, and first-time builders make clear, confident choices every weekend. This Starter Kit gives you the essentials so you can walk into the shop knowing exactly what to look for.
Understanding Wood Grain (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
Grain affects how the wood behaves, how easy it is to work with, and how your project turns out.
Straight Grain (Best for Beginners)
– Stable
– Predictable
– Sands cleanly
Ideal for: cutting boards, shelves, small furniture
Curved or Figured Grain
– Beautiful but more difficult
– Can tear out when planing
Ideal for: charcuterie boards and decorative projects
Tight Grain
– Dense and durable
– Good for long-lasting builds
Wide Grain
– Softer and easier to shape
Beginner Tip: Start with straight-grain Maple or Walnut — the easiest, most predictable hardwoods for new builders.
Best Wood Species for Beginners in Canada
Walnut
Rich colour, stable, and beginner-friendly.
Perfect for: cutting boards, small furniture, trays
Maple
Durable, clean, and bright.
Perfect for: boards, shelves, and tabletops
Cherry
Smooth to work with, ages beautifully.
Perfect for: decorative projects and lighter furniture
White Oak
Strong grain, classic look.
Perfect for: tables, benches, frames
Beginner Recommendation:
Start with Walnut or Maple — both forgiving and widely used by Canadian woodworkers.
Rough Lumber vs S4S — What’s the Difference?
Rough Lumber
– Most affordable
– Gives you full control
– Requires tools to flatten and square
For: woodworkers with jointers/planers
S4S (Surfaced Four Sides)
– Already jointed and planed
– Square, flat, ready to use
– Saves hours of prep
For: beginners, DIYers, hobby woodworkers
If you’re just starting out, choose S4S.
It removes the hardest part of woodworking and lets you begin immediately.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Project
4/4 (1 inch)
Shelves, cutting boards, small builds
5/4 (1.25 inches)
Heavier boards, trays, more durable pieces
6/4 (1.5 inches)
Legs, frames, thicker builds
8/4 (2 inches)
Tabletops, benches, furniture parts
Unsure what you need?
Ask us in-store — we’ll guide you quickly.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them)
1. Choosing warped wood
Fix: Always sight down the board.
2. Picking the wrong thickness
Fix: Use the chart above or ask us.
3. Buying wood with high moisture
Fix: Buy from a trusted Edmonton hardwood supplier.
4. Starting with the wrong species
Fix: Begin with Walnut or Maple.
5. Trying to mill everything yourself
Fix: Use S4S to avoid frustration.
The Easiest Beginner Project: A Cutting Board
A hardwood cutting board is simple, confidence-building, and incredibly rewarding.
Why beginners love this project:
– Quick to make
– A great introduction to wood grain
– Lets you practice glue-ups
– Makes a beautiful first project
Kingma Lumber carries cutting-board-ready lumber that is:
✔ Pre-milled
✔ Ready to glue
✔ Sized for straightforward builds
Visit Kingma Lumber in Edmonton
📍 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton
🕘 Friday: 9–5
🕒 Saturday & Sunday: 9–3
We carry everything you need to start building:
– Rough Lumber
– S4S Hardwood
– Cutting Board Stock
– Charcuterie Slabs
– Epoxy & Pigments
– Router Templates
– Osmo Finishes
– Accessories
– Local Delivery
– Membership: 15% off all year
Whether you're a beginner or experienced woodworker, we’re here to help you build with confidence.
Save 15% on Every Order This Year
If you're planning even one project, membership pays for itself.
Members get:
✔ 15% off every board
✔ 15% off every slab
✔ 15% off epoxy, pigments, templates, and finishes
✔ Early access to stock
✔ Local woodworker support
Want more info?
Ask us in-store or contact us anytime.