When choosing wood for woodworking or construction projects, it is important to consider the wide range of available types. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest species at the lumber yard, different wood types have specific uses. This article aims to assist you in selecting the appropriate type of wood.
Different types of wood
Wood can be used for various purposes, such as providing warmth, igniting fires, and preparing meals, as well as constructing furniture and entire homes. Since different types of wood possess distinct features, certain wood varieties are better suited for specific uses.
Let us examine the most prevalent wood species and their respective ideal applications.
1. Fir
Douglas fir trees, which are sometimes referred to as fir, can grow incredibly tall, reaching heights of up to 300 feet. Fir is a strong and long-lasting softwood that exhibits excellent resistance to insects and rot, though not on the same level as cedar wood. Despite being classified as a softwood, its durability is comparable to that of hardwood species.
Douglas fir has visible and straight grain, and is less costly compared to other wood varieties.
It is an ideal building material due to all of these qualities. In addition, it can also be utilized for decking and other woodworking projects. It has the attributes of durability and longevity, and it is simple to cut when construction saw blades are employed.
2. Cedar
Cedar is a valued softwood known for its beautiful appearance and long lifespan. Its most prized traits include its fragrant scent and its ability to resist insects and rot.
There are different types of coniferous trees that produce cedar wood, with the most common being red and white cedar. Red cedar has an amber-like appearance, while white cedar is lighter in color. If left untreated and exposed to the elements, both types of cedar wood will eventually turn silvery gray. Cedar is both durable and lightweight, making it suitable for various indoor and outdoor projects, regardless of the specific variation.
The straighter wood grain of red variety makes it suitable for building material for chests or dressers as well as for making decks, fences, and outdoor furniture. On the other hand, white wood has the ability to absorb paint more evenly.
Cedar, a member of the pine family, is known for its enhanced durability compared to typical pine wood. Unlike regular pine, cedar can be used for decking purposes without the need for staining or varnishing. Due to its natural ability to repel fungi, cedar can be safely left outdoors for many years, with reduced susceptibility to mold.
3. Pine
Pine, which is a softwood, is sourced from various trees in the US, including ponderosa, white, southern yellow pine, and sugar. While pine is easy to work with, it lacks the natural resistance to rot and insects that cedar possesses. Therefore, if you intend to utilize pine for decking or an outdoor project, pressure-treated southern yellow pine is necessary.
Pine wood has a light color, usually in shades of yellow or orange. It can have knots, which are referred to as “knotty pine,” as well as knot-free areas known as “clear pine.” In general, pine wood has a rough look and is suitable for staining and painting.
Due to its high moisture content, low-grade pine is susceptible to warping and cupping, which results in buckling and twisting when the wood loses moisture.
4. Redwood
Redwood, which is also called sequoia, has the ability to grow up to 400 feet, making it one of the tallest trees in existence. This type of tree has a light and pliable wood that is known for its softness. The color of redwood can range from delicate white, yellow, deep crimson, to reddish-brown. Typically, the wood grain is straight, especially in old-growth redwood where it tends to be tight.
These wood types possess a coarse texture and exhibit excellent resistance against decay and insect harm, rendering them a superb option for outdoor undertakings. When it comes to framing lumber, fences, decks, outdoor furniture, beams, and veneer, Redwood is frequently selected. If it undergoes pressure treatment, it can be employed for projects involving contact with the ground.
5. Birch
Birch, which is an economical hardwood, is extensively utilized. In the eastern United States, particularly in the Northeast region, birch can be found growing. Although these trees can reach heights of up to 70 feet, their trunks are slim. The most popular birch varieties include black, white, and yellow birch.
Birch wood has a uniform appearance because of its smooth grain. Its color can vary from white to yellow, with the specific type called black birch having noticeable black streaks. Birch wood is strong and solid but is also responsive to woodworking with sharp tools. During the drying process, it undergoes significant shrinkage.
6. Cherry
In addition to their fruit, cherry trees are also valued for producing one of the most desired types of wood. The black cherry tree, also referred to as the American cherry or wild black cherry, is widespread in the Midwest and eastern parts of the United States. Commercial production primarily occurs in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Cherry wood comes in a range of colors, from creamy white to red to reddish-brown, and its color intensifies as it matures and loses moisture. It is easy to work with due to its excellent milling properties, and its grain, which runs straight and tight, provides the wood with a consistent appearance. By staining and sealing it, cherry wood can achieve one of the finest finishes possible, resulting in an appearance of superior quality.
7. Mahogany
Mahogany is an upscale type of hardwood that is found in Central and South America, West Africa, and the West Indies. Its maximum height can exceed 150 feet, making it a towering tree.
Mahogany stands alone in elegance and quality when it comes to hardwoods for luxurious finishes and projects, surpassing even the beautiful wood of the cherry tree. The wood naturally exhibits a rich red or brown-red color, possessing a smooth and tight grain that adds to its appeal. Additionally, it is remarkably sturdy and durable, showcasing strength and resilience. Furthermore, mahogany’s exceptional density makes it resistant to both rot and insects.
Mahogany displays excellent stability as it demonstrates resistance against shrinking, swelling, and warping.
8. Maple
Red maples are one of the most prevalent types of hardwood trees found in the United States, however, the main source of maple wood is the less favored rock or sugar maple. These trees can grow up to 115 feet tall and possess expansive canopies of equal magnitude.
The hardwood produced by a rock maple is highly dense and strong, characterized by a pleasing light color that ranges from white to yellow and a rich golden shade. Its grain is typically straight and tightly packed, often displaying light brown bands. Another variation is curly maple, which exhibits intriguing wavy patterns. Both types of grain result in a smooth and finely textured wood that finishes beautifully.
9. Oak
Oak trees, either red or white, are prevalent trees in the United States and yield two highly sought-after types of hardwood. Oak trees have the ability to reach a height of 85 feet, and come autumn, they shed copious amounts of acorns.
There are two common types of oak: white and red. They are both dense and tough, with rough textures and straight grain. Red oak has a more reddish color, while white oak ranges from white to a pale yellow shade.
White oak is well-known for its distinct pattern called “fleck,” which becomes visible when the wood is cut. Oak is resistant to rot and bugs and, despite its durability, it has good flexibility. It is also capable of absorbing stain effectively, however, multiple layers of paint will still reveal its grain.
10. Poplar
Poplar wood, which is beloved by DIYers and amateur woodworkers for its utility, is obtained from various poplar tree species that can grow up to towering heights of 160 feet. These trees are widespread throughout the eastern United States.
Poplar, a light-colored hardwood, varies in shade from cream to yellowish brown and is characterized by streaks of gray or green that tend to darken with age.
The grain of poplar is uniform and straight, and it is a softer hardwood that can be easily machined with hand or power tools. However, it tends to leave rough edges, so using extremely fine-grain sandpaper may be required to achieve a smooth finish. Although it is not aesthetically appealing, poplar wood accepts paint exceptionally well.
11. Teak
Teak is considered one of the best options in the hardwood market when it comes to combining durability and attractiveness. This type of wood is sourced from the teak tree, which is originally found in southern Asia but is also cultivated on plantations in Latin America, Africa, and other tropical areas.
Teak wood has a generally straight-grain and coarse, uneven texture. The presence of natural oils in teak wood makes it highly resistant to rot and insects. Despite these oils, teak wood is easy to work with and can be glued and finished nicely. While teak and mahogany are similar in many aspects, teak is distinctly brown in color whereas mahogany often exhibits a red hue.
12. Ash
If provided with sufficient space, ash, which is obtained from different types of ash trees, can grow up to 60 feet in height and 80 feet in width. The commonly found variations of these wood types include blue, white, green, and black ash.
The tint of ash lumber ranges from white to gold and is accompanied by gray streaks. It shares a similar color palette with maple wood, but its texture resembles oak with a rougher surface. Although ash is tough, it is lighter in weight compared to its stiffness and durability. Additionally, it possesses excellent shock-resistant properties.
