Material Selection
Finish carpentry materials are chosen for appearance, workability, and dimensional stability. For painted trim: MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is smooth, stable, and inexpensive but cannot handle moisture. Primed finger-joint pine is a step up—the joints are hidden by paint, and pine machines well. Poplar is the premium painted choice—tight grain, stable, takes paint beautifully. For stained trim: oak (prominent grain, traditional), maple (fine grain, contemporary), cherry (rich color that deepens with age), or walnut (dark, luxurious). For sheet goods: 3/4-inch cabinet-grade plywood (birch or maple veneer) for shelving and cabinet boxes; 1/4-inch plywood or MDF for panel backs. Always acclimate materials to the room for 48-72 hours before installation—wood adjusts to ambient humidity.