One of the questions I get asked most often is: "How do you know which wood to use?" Honestly, a lot of it comes with time and experience — but there are a few things I wish someone had told me early on that would have saved me a lot of wasted timber.

Green or Seasoned — Does It Matter?

Short answer: yes, quite a lot actually.

Green wood is freshly cut and still full of moisture. It's lovely to turn — soft, almost buttery — but it has a mind of its own as it dries. It'll move, warp, and sometimes crack. That's not always a bad thing though. Many turners (myself included) will rough out a bowl in green wood, set it aside for a few months, then come back and finish it once it's settled. The results can be stunning.

Seasoned wood has already done its drying. It's more predictable, which is great when you need precision — but it's harder on your tools, so make sure your edges are sharp.

Hardwood Is Your Friend

Most of what you'll want to turn is hardwood. Oak, ash, cherry, walnut, sycamore — these are the classics for good reason. They hold detail, take a finish beautifully, and just look the part.

Softwoods like pine can be done, but they're a bit of a headache. They tear out easily and don't always reward you with a clean surface. Save yourself the frustration until you've got a feel for things.

What I Actually Look For

When I'm picking a piece of timber, I'm thinking about a few things:

• Grain — The more interesting, the better. Burls, figuring, natural edges — these are what make a piece truly one of a kind.
• Density — Denser wood = finer finish, but you'll need sharp tools and a bit more patience.
• Moisture — If it's wet, dry it slowly. Rushing this is how you end up with cracks.
• Defects — A knot or a split isn't automatically a problem. Sometimes it's the best part of the piece. Just make sure it's safe to put on the lathe first.

Good Woods to Start With

If you're new to turning, these are forgiving and easy to find:

• Sycamore — Pale, clean, and very easy to work with
• Ash — Strong with a lovely open grain
• Cherry — Turns like a dream and gets more beautiful as it ages
• Lime — Super consistent, great for detail work

Where to Find Good Timber

This is where it gets fun. Forget the big timber yards — get to know your local tree surgeons and sawmills. You'll get access to species you'd never find on a shelf, often for next to nothing. Some of my favourite pieces have come from a neighbour's fallen apple tree or a council-felled oak down the road. There's something really satisfying about that.

Every piece I make at E11 Woodturning starts with timber I've chosen by hand. The wood tells you what it wants to be — you just have to listen.

👉 Want to see what great timber can become? Browse our handcrafted wooden bowls and serving boards — each one made from hand-selected British hardwood.