What type of wood will best absorb stain?

Question

Another question: Does Home Depot (or Lowes) cut wood for you don't own a saw?

Answer 1

all wood absorb stain some have more knots then others , I like the knotty pine , it gives character to the wood, Home depot cuts wood to the size that you want  at no extra charge.

Answer 2

Balsa..

Answer 3

Light colored woods like Pine will take a greater variety of stains and show them off well.  A dark wood like Oak will only have a limited color range from it's original color to black.  

It all depends on what you're doing.  Pine is also much softer and easier to work worth compared to other hard woods.  Cedar and Red wood are both excellent choices if you're building something for the outdoors.  

Generally hardware stores will make basic cuts for your for free.  If you buy a sheet of plywood they're cut it up how you'd like and not change you for it.  But don't expect them to do all the cutting work so you can build a book shelf, they're not going to be that accurate.  I think my local Home Depot says they'll be accurate within 1/2 an inch - which is fine if you're trimming up on your own, but no good if you're expecting them to do all the work for you.  

If you need something more, hire a handyman.  There's probably lots of guys (and gals) looking to make a few bucks and can help you out.  Check out crags list or free bulletin

boards around your local grocery store and drug store.

Answer 4

depends on what you are talking about.

like the rings you get on a Coffey table that has something wet then oak.  cigarette ashes will take the white look out of the ring.

they will cut the wood to a rectangle or square shape basically they won't do angles or arches.

Answer 5

I believe every store is different.  In my Home Depot we have the ability to charge .50 cents a cut, but for over a year we have done free cuts for people.  Pretty much lowes and Home Depot only cut wood and a few other things for you, because it seems the fear of lawsuits has stopped them from cutting anything else.  (say plexiglass.)