When starting as a woodworker, it can be overwhelming to learn about the various types of wood for woodworking. Apart from hardwood and softwood, there are many other wood options within these main categories. Before making a decision, it’s important to thoroughly understand the ideal wood for furniture and the ones suitable for outdoor use.
Increase your knowledge of the dissimilarity between hardwoods and softwoods, alongside the general advantages of different species and their main uses.
Difference between hardwood and softwood
The distinction between softwoods and hardwoods is based on the source of the trees they are obtained from. Conifer trees, which bear cones and needles, provide softwoods. Some well-known examples of softwood trees are fir, redwood, pine, cedar, and spruce.
On the other hand, hardwoods are obtained from trees that do not bear cones or needles. These trees, which shed their leaves, produce seeds and leaves instead. Walnut, cherry, oak, mahogany, and maple are among the typical examples of hardwood.
There is a common misconception that softwoods are soft because of their name, but many hardwoods are actually softer than softwoods. The difference between hardwood and softwood is not determined by their hardness or softness, but rather by the type of tree they come from.
It is worth mentioning that bamboo and palm, although not deciduous trees, are classified as hardwoods. They are derived from monocotyledonous plants but nevertheless exhibit numerous resemblances to other hardwoods.
Softwoods
As you conduct your search for suitable wood for your projects, it is important to have knowledge about the various types of softwoods that are available. With a better understanding of the different varieties of softwoods, you will be able to make a more informed decision when purchasing and select the wood that is most appropriate for your projects.
Hardwoods
Woodworkers have access to a diverse range of hardwoods for their projects. Additionally, hardwood offers numerous possibilities, enabling you to choose the most appropriate type of hardwood for your desired project completion. Understanding the distinctions between various hardwood types will assist in determining the most suitable option based on your budget and project needs.
Different categories of woods
1. Cedar
There are a few types of cedar that are available, and the western red cedar is the most popular among them. This particular wood has a reddish color and is considered to be one of the softest woods. Additionally, it has a straight grain and a subtle aromatic smell. Western red cedars can be easily found at most home stores and usually have a moderate price.
Cedar is often utilized for constructing storage chests and closets due to the belief that its aromatic scent deters moths and pests. Furthermore, it is extensively preferred for outdoor construction endeavors due to its ability to resist decay and its suitability for demanding outdoor uses. Cedar is commonly employed in the construction of fences, sidings, patio furniture, and decks.
Because of its natural oils and aromatic properties, this wood can cause irritation for certain individuals, therefore it is not recommended for use in making kitchen utensils or other products that have prolonged contact with the skin.
2. Pine
Pine, a widespread softwood, offers versatile use for various applications. It is recognized as one of the most long-lasting, cost-effective, and eco-friendly wood options. Pine is relatively pliable and simple to sculpt due to its softness. Given the fast growth rate of pine trees, there is an abundance of pine available for woodworking endeavors. Distinct varieties of pine exhibit diverse hues, with certain types displaying yellow tones while others possess a white appearance.
Pine is typically used as an indoor wood, unless it has undergone treatment for outdoor purposes. It can be stained, painted, or finished. Among the various types of wood for furniture, pine stands out as a fantastic option. It is widely recognized as one of the top woods for those new to woodworking.
3. Redwood
Redwood, which comes from redwood trees, has a reddish tint and is fairly soft. The wood has a straight grain and is easy to cut and shape to your desired size and form. Generally, home stores carry redwood at a moderate price.
Redwood is an ideal wood for outdoor projects because of its moisture resistance. Its common uses involve constructing decks, garden borders, and retaining walls. Moreover, it can be utilized indoors for making cabinets, tables, and veneers.
4. Fir
Douglas fir, which is commonly known as fir, is a type of wood that has a reddish-brown color. It is a cost-effective and relatively durable wood. However, it has an unappealing grain pattern and can be difficult to stain. As a result, it is often painted to conceal the grain and enhance its visual appeal.
Because it has a tight wood grain, it possesses more strength than numerous other types of softwood. As a result of its strength, it is commonly utilized for utility and construction purposes.
5. Spruce
Spruce wood has a light color and a subtle, straight grain. In terms of hardness, it is similar to soft pine. Unless it has undergone specific treatment, the wood lacks weather resistance and is prone to swelling, making it more suitable for indoor projects rather than outdoor ones.
When spruce trees reach their peak maturity, they are often cut down to make musical instruments because mature spruce trees possess outstanding acoustic properties.
There is a wide variety of guitars, pianos, and string instruments that are constructed from spruce. Spruce can be found in the form of lumber, which is mainly utilized for framing interior walls and utility purposes. Spruce, pine, and fir lumber are occasionally referred to collectively as SPF lumber.
6. Birch
Ideal for: Furniture, millwork, flooring, cabinetry, and toys.
Birch wood is easily identifiable due to its white to yellow coloring and distinctive white bark with black streaks. It is a well-liked and reasonably priced type of wood. Birch trees are often cultivated in the eastern United States and can reach a height of 70 feet despite their slender trunks.
White birch, yellow birch, and black birch wood are available for DIYers who want to use them in furniture making, toy making, millwork, flooring, and cabinetry projects. Birch, being a dense hardwood, can be cut and shaped using sharp woodworking tools. However, it should be noted that birch wood tends to shrink considerably as it dries.
7. Poplar
Ideal for usage in plywood layers, furniture frames, shelves, doors, and cabinets.
Poplar trees, which are commonly cultivated in the eastern United States, have the ability to grow as tall as 160 feet. These trees yield a type of light-colored hardwood, typically cream in color. Due to its relatively soft nature, this particular wood is highly sought-after by individuals who enjoy do-it-yourself projects and amateur woodworkers that have a preference for utilizing manual tools.
Firstly, poplar wood is commonly utilized in the production of furniture frames as well as for constructing layers of plywood. Moreover, it has excellent paint adherence properties, therefore making it an ideal choice for shelves, doors, and cabinets that are intended to be painted. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that achieving a polished finish with poplar wood can be challenging unless a fine-grain sandpaper is employed.
8. Beech
Ideal for: Veneers, plywood, furniture, flooring, cabinets, and crafting musical instruments.
Beech wood, which has a straight grain and white to straw coloring, is a hardwood found in temperate forests across Asia, Europe, and North America. Beech trees can grow up to 120 feet tall, but their average height is about 60 to 70 feet.
Beech wood is a more suitable choice for outdoor projects or humid locations due to its resistance to insect damage and ability to repel moisture. Additionally, it is commonly used for making veneers or constructing plywood, as well as being a preferred material in the production of musical instruments and furniture building.
9. Cherry
Ideal for: Creating top-quality furniture, cabinetry, paneling, flooring, intricate wood carving, as well as constructing musical instruments.
Cherry trees provide what you need, whether you desire a quick snack or are constructing high-end furniture. With a reddish-brown to blond color, cherry wood presents fine, straight grain lines. Commonly cultivated in the Midwest and the eastern United States, these trees can grow up to approximately 35 feet tall.
This type of hardwood has grain patterns that are tightly packed together, resulting in a consistent look. This makes it popular for producing furniture, cabinetry, paneling, and flooring. When stained and sealed, it has a sleek surface. Additionally, cherry wood can be utilized in the construction of musical instruments. Due to its excellent response to sharp milling tools, cherry wood is frequently chosen for wood carving projects.
10. Teak
Ideal for: Construction of furniture, carving wood, as well as the building or mending of boats.
Teak wood is highly favored in shipbuilding and outdoor construction projects due to its natural oil that provides exceptional resistance to rot and insect damage. As a result, it remains in optimal condition, even when it is used underwater as the foundation for luxurious yachts and ships.
Teak trees are commonly extracted from areas such as southern Asia, South America, and Africa, along with other tropical regions worldwide. They possess a straight grain and a rough, inconsistent texture, accompanied by a brown hue. Additionally, teak is employed in the manufacturing of furniture and is sought after by novice woodcarvers.
