Just wondering

[red river]

I know that several people that frequent this website buy wood from Ocooch hardwoods. I recently bought some walnut and cherry for some diy picture frames and was pleased with the product. I'm fixing to make another buy, but a couple of questions for y'all.  ( 1 ) what kind of wood do you prefer for making picture frames? I noticed that ,before you hit the purchase button,they have a box for customer comments or requests regarding the wood you are about to buy. For instance do you want heartwood or sapwood. ( 2 ) does anyone here have a preference as far as heartwood or sapwood for picture frames? Also any other insights about their products and how to save money when you buy from Ocooch. Thanks in advance......forrest

[Dak0ta52]

My frames are usually more of a rustic look by choice so I typically go with pine to get the knots and grain. I have made frames from Maple and Oak but it depends mostly on the piece I plan to frame. You can get these woods from most any big box store at a reasonable price. The biggest task is selecting boards that are "fairly" straight. My orders from Ocooch Hardwoods have been primarily Baltic Birch ply and some Maple boards.

[Denny Knappen]

As a frame shop, I have access to all sorts of framing material, so this would be difficult to answer.

[red river]

About time to put this thread to bed. Thanks to the two people who responded. 

[Bill WIlson]

Generally speaking, sapwood isn't the most desirable.  That isn't to say that it can't be used.  I've made a couple frames out of cherry and used sapwood.  Not exclusively, but allowing the narrow stripes of white sapwood to contrast against the dark reddish/brown of the cherry.  I thought it gave the wood character and liked the look.  It worked...for that particular project.  I wouldn't necessarily use it that way all the time.

Is the sapwood cheaper at Ocooch?  I presume it would be.  if so, it may be a way to save a little $$ when buying wood.  Sapwood is usually narrow strips of lighter colored wood, on the edges of the board and if not desired, you could easily cut it out of the board, using only the heartwood portion and still end up being cheaper than buying #1 select grade, with no sapwood.  Something to consider.

[BadBob]

16 hours ago, Bill WIlson said:

sapwood isn't the most desirable.

This is taste. There is nothing wrong with using sap wood if you like the look of it.

[Bill WIlson]

3 hours ago, BadBob said:

This is taste. There is nothing wrong with using sap wood if you like the look of it.

I was thinking more along the lines of lumber grading.  Sapwood is considered a defect when grading hardwood for purposes such as cabinet and furniture making.  For the hobbiest, making craft type projects, sapwood can certainly be used. 

[BadBob]

4 minutes ago, Bill WIlson said:

I was thinking more along the lines of lumber grading.

I get it.