For true 2 x 2 hardwood stock, the Barrington walnut and cherry turning squares offer short, species-specific blanks, while the Exotic Wood Zone and Barrington variety packs provide multiple species in longer lengths. The Novabright set is included as a related hardwood option, but its boards are 3/4 inch thick, not 2 x 2. Compare dimensions and wood types before choosing for a project.
| Product | Best For | Listed Size |
|---|---|---|
| Barrington Black Walnut Squares | Walnut turning projects | 2 x 2 x 8 inches |
| Exotic Wood Zone Mixed Species | Longer blanks and variety | 2 x 2 x 24 inches |
| Barrington Cherry Squares | Cherry turning projects | 2 x 2 x 8 inches |
| Novabright Exotic Boards | Thin decorative work | 3/4 x 2 x 18 inches |
| Barrington Variety Pack | Several turning species | 2 x 2 x 18 inches |
Barrington Black Walnut Turning Squares
This four-piece Barrington Hardwoods set contains black walnut blanks measuring 2 x 2 x 8 inches. The listed features describe beautiful grain and kiln-dried lumber. The seller also says the pieces are guaranteed to clean up at 1-3/4 inches, which is useful when planning a finished turning that can use a smaller final dimension.
Best for: Woodworkers who want short walnut blanks for turning or small projects and can work within the stated cleanup dimension. It was selected because it directly matches the 2 x 2 hardwood search and identifies the wood species and piece count.
Limitation: The 8-inch length is shorter than the mixed-species 18- and 24-inch options. Do not plan on retaining a full 2-inch finished dimension based on the listing’s cleanup note.
Exotic Wood Zone 24-Inch Mixed Blanks
This set includes six kiln-dried square blocks listed at 2 x 2 x 24 inches. The named species are black cherry, black walnut, and hard maple. Its longer stock can suit projects that need more length than an 8-inch turning blank, and the mixed species give buyers several wood types in one set.
Best for: Turners and woodworkers who want longer 2 x 2 blanks and a mix of cherry, walnut, and maple. It was selected for its stated dimensions, six-piece quantity, and species variety.
Limitation: The listing does not specify how many pieces of each species are included, so check the product details if an exact species count matters. The 24-inch length may also require more storage and cutting space than shorter blanks.
Barrington Cherry Turning Blanks
Barrington Hardwoods lists four cherry square blanks measuring 2 x 2 x 8 inches. The features describe the lumber as kiln dried and surfaced hit-or-miss at 1-15/16 inches. That surfaced measurement is slightly under two inches, an important distinction for projects that require a precise finished size.
Best for: Buyers seeking short cherry blanks for turning or small-scale woodworking. It was chosen as a direct 2 x 2 option for people who prefer cherry to walnut or want a single-species set.
Limitation: The listed surfaced dimension is 1-15/16 inches, not a guaranteed full 2 inches after surfacing. Measure the blanks and allow for additional machining where needed.
Novabright Exotic Hardwood Board Set
This set contains eight boards: two each of padauk, zebrawood, purpleheart, and merbau. Each strip is listed as approximately 18 x 2 x 3/4 inches. The product details describe natural grain and color and identify small cutting boards, decorative panels, and crafts as possible uses.
Best for: Buyers who want several contrasting hardwood species in thin strips for decorative work or small projects. It was included as a related hardwood choice for shoppers comparing stock sizes and species.
Limitation: These are not 2 x 2 blanks. At 3/4 inch thick, they are a poor match for projects requiring square turning stock or a full 2-inch thickness.
Barrington Maple Walnut And Cherry Pack
This six-piece variety pack is listed as maple, walnut, and cherry turning blanks measuring 2 x 2 x 18 inches. The seller describes the stock as surfaced hit-or-miss at 1-15/16 inches. Compared with the 8-inch species-specific sets, its 18-inch length offers more stock per piece while retaining a mix of wood types.
Best for: Buyers who want a selection of three named hardwoods in longer square blanks. It was selected for its combination of variety, six-piece quantity, and 2 x 2 nominal dimensions.
Limitation: Surfacing is listed at 1-15/16 inches, so the blanks may not provide a full 2-inch finished cross-section. The listing does not state the exact number of pieces per species.
Buying Guide: Choosing 2 x 2 Hardwood
What size should you confirm?
Check all three dimensions, not just the “2 x 2” label. Length determines how much stock is available for a project, while the actual surfaced cross-section can be smaller than the nominal size. The products here range from 8 to 24 inches long, and some listings specify a finished or surfaced dimension below two inches.
Should you choose one species or a variety pack?
A single-species set, such as the walnut or cherry squares, is a straightforward choice when the project calls for a particular wood. Mixed packs offer more species for comparing grain and appearance, but the listings may not identify the exact count of each species. Confirm that detail if your project needs matching pieces.
Does kiln-dried stock matter?
Some listings explicitly describe their blanks as kiln dried. Treat this as a listed product feature, not a guarantee that the wood is ready for every workshop or environment. Follow your usual inspection and acclimation practices before machining.
Which blank is best for turning?
Choose a square blank with enough length and cross-section for the intended turning. The walnut and cherry sets are 8 inches long; the Barrington mixed pack is 18 inches, and the Exotic Wood Zone set is 24 inches. Allow for material removal, especially where a listing gives a surfaced dimension below 2 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all the listed products 2 x 2 hardwood?
No. Four products are listed as 2 x 2 blanks. The Novabright boards are 2 inches wide but only 3/4 inch thick, so they are not 2 x 2 stock.
Which option has the longest blanks?
The Exotic Wood Zone set has the longest listed blanks at 24 inches. The Barrington mixed variety pack is 18 inches long.
Which products are single-species sets?
The Barrington black walnut and cherry products are identified as single-species sets. The other square-blank listings include multiple named species.
Are the listed dimensions guaranteed finished dimensions?
Not necessarily. The Barrington cherry and variety pack listings specify surfacing at 1-15/16 inches, and the walnut listing mentions cleanup at 1-3/4 inches. Check the size notes and allow for machining before buying.