Le bois EN • Learning to choose, identify, and buy wood
Understand wood through simple basics
This course will teach you how to identify different types of wood, assess their characteristics, and choose the right material for your projects. You’ll learn how to spot defects in wood and select raw lumber with confidence.
You’ll also learn about the main physical properties of wood and how to identify more than a dozen native species. You’ll leave with a set of identification cards so you can continue learning at home.
Prerequisites for the course
Level 1 course – No prerequisites
Number of sessions
1 session
Training duration
6 hours
Cost
250 $ + txs
Wood discovery course in pictures
Schedule
Group 1
Sunday, February 7, 2027, 9 AM to 4 PM
These dates don’t work for you? Find a course that fits your schedule.
Frequently asked questions about wood basics
Why does wood warp?
Wood expands and contracts mainly due to changes in moisture content. The way the wood is cut also affects its stability and how it warps over time.
This course will help you understand the key characteristics of wood—such as density, grain, moisture content, and cutting—as well as strategies for minimizing warping.
How do you choose the right wood for a piece of furniture?
The choice of wood depends on the intended use of the furniture, the desired look, and your budget. In woodworking, hardwoods are generally preferred because they are harder and more resistant to wear and impact, making them particularly well-suited for furniture. We’ll help you understand how to choose the right wood for your projects.
How can you identify the main types of wood?
Wood species are most easily identified by their color, grain, and texture. Their smell, weight, and hardness can also help identify certain species. You’ll have the opportunity to identify more than a dozen wood species from Quebec.
What should you know before buying wood near Montreal?
Before purchasing high-quality woodworking, it is important to check the grade, moisture content, and defects in the wood, as well as to know how to calculate the board feet (BFT).
This course provides you with the basics needed to identify wood defects, calculate the required volume (BFT), and better understand how to select and purchase your raw lumber. We also share our top recommendations for sourcing quality lumber in the Montreal area.
Course plan
- Wood samples
- Books
- Wood physics
- Wood species identification
- Wood characteristics
- Calculating and purchasing wood
- Course notebook
- Wood samples
None
Schedule for the wood basics course
- Presentation and course objectives
- Trees and wood : the basics
- How to identify wood species : characteristics to observe
- Indigenous species : characteristics and usage
- Milling and drying logs
- Selecting and calculating your wood needs
- Purchasing from a supplier
Woodworking training programs
This course is part of two programs bringing together a series of courses that allow progressive and in-depth learning of cabinetmaking techniques.
Participants
Unless otherwise specified, ÉÉAM general public courses are only open to people 18 years of age and older.
As openness and inclusion are essential values for the ÉÉAM, the school strives to accommodate everyone who is interested in cabinetmaking. If you live with a functional limitation and have questions regarding your ability to attend training, please contact us to discuss.
