REFERENCES
References
Charts, tables, and specs designed to answer your question in ten seconds. Wood movement coefficients, Janka hardness values, drill-bit charts, fastener load tables — the data you need with glue drying on a panel.
11 guides
Reference pages are the lookup material — Janka hardness tables, drill-bit-to-tap charts, router-bit speed by diameter, sandpaper grit progressions, glue working times. They're the pages you open mid-project, find the number you need, and close. No reading required.
Format-wise, references are charts, tables, and quick-lookup matrices. A good reference page leads with the most-used lookup right at the top and groups secondary information in clear blocks below. The math is checked, the source is named, and the units are spelled out — you should never have to wonder whether a Janka rating is in lbf or kN.
The references below cover the lookup material across every discipline — species tables, hardware specs, finishing schedules, and the unit conversions that come up most often in a small shop.
Wood & Materials
7 guides1x4 Lumber: Actual Dimensions, Grades, and Uses
A 1x4 board measures 3/4" × 3-1/2", not 1"×4". Actual dimensions table, lumber grades, wood species, common uses, and when to size up to 5/4 or 2x4.
- Shelf
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
Beginner · Updated May 12, 2026
1x6 Lumber Dimensions: Actual Size 3/4" × 5-1/2"
Nominal vs. Actual, S4S Decoded, and When 5/4x6 Is What You Actually Want
1x6 lumber actual size: 3/4" × 5-1/2" after milling. Full nominal vs actual table, conversion tips, when to use 5/4x6 instead.
- Softwood
- Hardwood
Beginner · Updated May 12, 2026
How Far Can a 2x6 Span?
Floor Joists, Deck Joists, Shelves, and What the Numbers Mean
2x6 span chart: DF-L #2 spans 9'-9" at 16" OC. Full tables by species and grade, deck joists, shelf sag guidance, and safety margins.
- Outdoor
- Shelf
- Workbench
Beginner · Updated May 12, 2026
CDX vs ACX vs Marine Grade
Types, Grades, and How to Choose
Exterior plywood grades explained: CDX vs ACX vs marine grade, when pressure-treated is required, and how to pick the right thickness outdoors.
- Outdoor
Beginner · Updated May 12, 2026
Power Tools
1 guideJoinery
1 guideFinishing
2 guidesChoosing the Right Wood Stain
Types, Colors, and How to Choose
Pick the right wood stain for your project — types, opacity levels, color families, and what to do when you're staining pine or a weathered deck.
- Outdoor
- Furniture
Beginner · Updated May 12, 2026
Minwax Stain Color Chart: All 36 Oil-Based Colors
All 30+ Colors, How They Look on Oak, Pine, and Maple
Complete Minwax stain color chart with all 36 oil-based colors, red oak results, species behavior, and application specs. The reference you wish existed.
Beginner · Updated May 12, 2026
Recently Updated
Choosing the Right Wood Stain
Beginner
Minwax Stain Color Chart: All 36 Oil-Based Colors
Beginner
Choosing a Dado Stack for Your Table Saw
Beginner
1x4 Lumber: Actual Dimensions, Grades, and Uses
Beginner
1x6 Lumber Dimensions: Actual Size 3/4" × 5-1/2"
Beginner
How Far Can a 2x6 Span?
Beginner