As a beginner woodworker, there is likely an overwhelming amount of information to learn regarding the various types of wood available for woodworking. It goes beyond just hardwoods and softwoods, as there are countless subcategories within those two main classifications. Familiarizing yourself with the ideal wood for crafting furniture and which varieties are most appropriate for outdoor projects is crucial prior to making a selection.
Hardwood and Softwood
Softwoods and hardwoods are distinguished by the type of tree they are obtained from. Conifer trees, which bear cones and needles, are the source of softwoods. Some examples of softwood trees are pine, fir, cedar, spruce and redwood.
Unlike softwoods, which come from trees bearing cones or needles, hardwoods are derived from deciduous trees that have leaves and seeds. Among the popular types of hardwood are oak, walnut, mahogany, cherry, and maple.
Softwood’s common name might imply that it’s a soft material. Though, certain hardwoods are more robust and challenging to manipulate, while several hardwood varieties are gentler than their softwood counterparts. The variation between hardwood and softwood is not determined by their level of hardness or softness. Instead, it pertains to the tree species they derive from.
It is worth mentioning that despite not being deciduous trees, bamboo and palm are classified as hardwoods because they originate from monocotyledonous plants and exhibit comparable characteristics to other hardwoods.
1. Cedar
Several cedar varieties exist, but the western red cedar is the most commonly used due to its reddish hue and extreme softness. It also possesses a slight aromatic scent and a straight grain texture. Western red cedars are readily accessible at most stores and are typically priced affordably.
Cedar is occasionally utilized to construct storage trunks and wardrobes because some people think that the fragrant odor of the wood serves as a deterrent to moths and other types of pests.
Cedar is highly sought-after for outdoor construction endeavors due to its resistance to decay and suitability for harsh outdoor conditions. Common uses of this wood include fence construction, siding, deck building, and outdoor furniture. It’s important to note that the natural oils and fragrances found in cedar may cause discomfort or irritation to some individuals, making it unsuitable for prolonged contact with the skin such as kitchen utensils.
2. Pine
Many different applications can utilize pine, a prevalent softwood known for being durable, affordable, and sustainable. Thanks to its softness, pine is easy to carve. Moreover, its abundance as pine trees grow quickly means woodworkers can frequently work with it. Although not all types of pine bear the same color, some are distinctly yellow while others are white.
Unless it has been specifically treated for outdoor use, pine is typically utilized for indoor purposes. Pine wood can be painted, stained, or finished according to personal preferences. When it comes to wood selection for furniture, there are numerous options available, but opting for pine is a wise decision. It is widely regarded as one of the most suitable woods for novice woodworkers.
3. Redwood
Redwood is a wood that is moderately soft and displays a reddish color. This wood variety is obtained from redwood trees, which have a grain that is straight. It can be effortlessly cut and molded into the desired shape and size. You can easily acquire it at a reasonable cost in most home stores.
Due to its moisture resistance, redwood is an excellent wood for outdoor projects. Typical applications include using it to build decks, garden borders and retaining walls. It can also be used indoors for cabinets, tables and veneers.
4. Fir
Frequently acknowledged as Douglas fir, the reddish-brown wood has a reasonable price and considerable strength. Despite its unappealing grain pattern and difficulty in staining, fir is frequently painted to conceal the grain and enhance its attractiveness.
Because of its tight wood grain, this type of softwood is stronger than many others, making it a popular choice for utility and construction undertakings.
5. Spruce
The wood from the spruce tree has a pale complexion and a smooth, unobtrusive pattern. It is fairly malleable, much like soft pine. It lacks durability against the elements unless it undergoes specific treatments, so builders should prioritize using it indoors rather than outdoors.
Mature spruce trees are often harvested to create musical instruments due to their exceptional acoustic properties once they reach their highest level of growth.
There are numerous guitar, piano, and string instrument options that utilize spruce for their construction. Spruce is also available as lumber, most commonly utilized for framing interior walls and other functional purposes. SPF lumber may be a term used to encompass spruce, pine, and fir options.
6. Mahogany
Anyone with woodworking knowledge, and even those without it, are likely familiar with mahogany due to its stunning appearance, rich shades, and ability to create incredible projects. Yet, it’s important to note that premium exotic mahogany distinguishes itself from the typical variety.
Honduras Mahogany is a unique mahogany variety recognized for its remarkable durability despite being relatively lightweight and soft. It is especially suitable for marine applications and possesses a strength that surpasses that of numerous other rare wood species.
In addition to this, exquisite tropical hardwoods such as mahogany are renowned for their stunning amber hue that intensifies over time. The radiance of a fresh item crafted from this rare timber is truly unparalleled.
Thankfully, exotic mahogany doesn’t carry the highest price tag within this list. Nonetheless, it may require a considerable effort to find a superior piece. But should you stumble upon a piece showcasing the exquisite uniformity of its grain, you would regret not embracing this timber.
7. Canary
Canaries are commonly associated with small songbirds perched on trees, but not with the trees themselves. Nonetheless, Canary is an alluring and distinct variety of exotic wood that you shouldn’t miss out on discovering.
Despite the gorgeous golden tint of orange and yellow that is present in this lovely wood, it is still strong and sturdy despite its lighter color.
On the contrary, Canary is recognized for its exceptional ability to resist decay due to its extraordinary strength, which is considerably greater than that of various other wood species. This unique type of wood is also reputed to be comparatively heavier and denser than other wood varieties, thus making it more suitable for bigger woodworking endeavors.
Despite its higher density compared to other woods, this particular kind of wood can be immensely valuable in the realm of woodworking due to its delightful finish and ease of manipulation.
Despite some variations in grain, this particular type of rare wood is easy to work with and worth the investment for its exceptional quality.
8. Jarrah
For numerous reasons, Jarrah is included on the list of exotic woods. Not only is it a visually stunning wood to work with, but it also has many other benefits. If you desire to create a distinctive item, Jarrah would be the optimal choice of wood.
Jarrah is especially recognized for its graceful curved edges or curls, which make it an excellent choice for embellishing more intricate projects. However, it is advisable to exercise care when working with this type of rare wood due to the precision needed to handle the “curled” pieces of wood.
If you’re familiar with working with it, this amber-colored brick blend can add depth and variety to any woodworking endeavor. The crosswise pattern of this particular piece might even persuade you to solely use it going forward.
Due to its regional availability in Southwest Australia, acquiring it may prove to be somewhat challenging, but this is precisely what lends it its exotic status. If you manage to obtain this particular wood, do not hesitate to bring it to your workspace and entrust it to a skilled woodworker.
9. Bamboo
Bamboo is a well-known plant that most of us are familiar with. Although not every woodworker views it as an exotic wood since it is technically a plant, it’s essential to note that it can bring a unique element to the craft.
Working with bamboo is distinctly different from working with other woods. Nevertheless, the demand for bamboo has surged in popularity as global environmental awareness increases, making it a common request for a wide range of projects.
Bamboo is currently widely used to make various items, including utensils, cutting boards, and furniture. To follow the popular trend, consider jumping on board the bamboo bandwagon.
10. Ebony
Explore the breathtaking world of dark woods with ebony – an exotic wood that you simply cannot ignore. This is not limited to the striking black and white keys on your keyboard, as there are countless possibilities with the deep, lustrous black of ebony wood.
It’s fortunate that ebony, a dark wood, can add a touch of elegance to your project effortlessly, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or not. While your woodworking abilities will naturally be showcased in your creation, the stunning hue of ebony is highly sought after for its sophistication.
Not only is ebony sought after for its stunning dark hue, but also for its fine texture that is comparable to silk when polished. Despite its heaviness, this type of wood is incredibly durable and perfect for large-scale projects. It’s no surprise that this exotic wood is highly coveted for its unique properties.
11. Katalox
If you adore the appearance of stunning dark ebony wood but cannot afford the high cost, then Katalox may become your preferred type of exotic wood. Katalox presents a similarly lush and dark hue, albeit not as ebony’s deep shade.
Although unfamiliar to many, Katalox is often wrongly identified as the more popular ebony which could actually work to your advantage, as the utilization of dark wood may strike a chord with the person you wish to leave a lasting impression on.
And let me tell you, it will definitely leave an impression. Katalox boasts a rich black hue with a touch of purple, and if you’re lucky, you may even come across a piece with a hint of red. These stones are truly remarkable.
Interestingly, this type of wood is significantly less common in types of dark wood, but it has a straight grain, is exceptionally strong, and is known to be one of the most durable and stiff types of wood globally. This means that if you are trying to build a legacy or statement piece to be passed down for generations in your family, this is the way to go.
12. Burmese Blackwood
Although we are still examining the dark woods, Burmese blackwood distinguishes itself from its counterparts, ebony and Katalox. Each type of wood has its distinct attributes, and this exotic wood is often mistakenly perceived as a generic version of true ebony when it is a different species altogether.
It is highly uncommon to find this kind of dark wood, which makes it one of the pricier types of exotic wood. Nonetheless, skilled woodworkers will easily appreciate its worth once they lay their eyes on it.
The grains of Burmese blackwood are extremely distinct and remarkable, featuring twists and turns that make it impossible to become bored while admiring a piece of the wood for hours.
If you come across this rare wood, make sure to bring it back to your workshop as it is difficult to obtain and highly valued for the craft of woodworking.
13. Oak
Even though oak is a dense wood, it remains manageable for woodworkers. Oak is available in two colors, red and white, with the white species being more commonly used in furniture making due to its alluring appearance. Red oak, on the other hand, is less firm than white oak and usually more accessible at household stores.
Oak is resistant to decay and, if treated and sealed properly, can be utilized for outdoor tasks. Its durability enables it to endure for numerous lifetimes, which is ideal for producing valued possessions.
Oak can be utilized for flooring and cabinets, aside from furniture. However, it’s essential to note that oak tends to expand and contract based on moisture and temperature fluctuations. Therefore, it’s crucial to allow the oak to adjust to your workspace before commencing its usage.
14. Maple
There are two main varieties of the beautiful hardwood, maple – hard maple and soft maple. While hard maple is very tough on tools, many prefer soft maple for its ease. Regardless, both types of maple are tougher than other wood varieties.
Maple is often regarded as the ideal choice for furniture due to its alluring grain and stability, which is bolstered by its fine and straight texture. Additionally, maple is relatively affordable in contrast to other types of hardwood.
Since hard maple is more challenging to cut and hard on tools, it’s primarily used for hardwood flooring. In contrast, soft maple is one of the best woods for furniture. Home stores typically don’t carry maple, so you’ll have to go to a lumberyard to purchase it.
