The project we have in mind dictates a significant part of the choice of material that is used. For example, it would be highly unlikely that we would choose an exotic hardwood to make a saw horse. Likewise, it would also be unlikely to use construction grad 2 x 4’s for fine furniture.
I like to cut costs wherever I can. As a beginning woodworker I try to find the least expensive materials to practice my hobby.
We could go to the local home improvement store and buy some relatively inexpensive wood, such as pine. Another source might be the scrap bin of a local woodworking shop. They may welcome you to cart away their scrap, thus saving them the expense of hauling it to the dump.
These pieces could be perfect for the project you have in mind. And it sure beats paying retail prices.
Another material well suited for our needs is something known as MDF, or medium density fiberboard. MDF is a wood product that is produced by chipping wood into some very small particles. These particles are then pressed into a sheet.
The advantage of this material is primarily its’ low cost. It also is usually flat and easy to work, and is without knots.
Disadvantages include that it does not hold screws or fasteners very well. It dulls tools fairly quickly and it outgases formaldehyde. Workers should wear a dust mask and work in a well ventilated area. The formaldehyde problem can be reduced somewhat by painting.
Many woodworkers use MDF to build prototypes of the project the plan to build. This way, they can easily decide whether the project is truly one they would want to build, or possibly modify it in some way.