WoodTypeGuide
Wood Type Guide
Wood Type Guide
Reference table for 20+ wood species with properties and uses
| Species | Type | Janka | Density (lb/ft³) | Grain | Common Uses | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alder | Hardwood | 590 | 28 | Straight, fine | Cabinets, furniture, turning | $$ |
| Ash (White) | Hardwood | 1320 | 41 | Open, bold | Tool handles, baseball bats, chairs | $$ |
| Beech | Hardwood | 1300 | 44 | Straight, fine | Chairs, turning, bending | $$ |
| Birch | Hardwood | 1260 | 38 | Straight, fine | Plywood, furniture, turning | $$ |
| Black Walnut | Hardwood | 1010 | 38 | Straight, moderate | Fine furniture, gunstocks, veneer | $$$$ |
| Cedar (Western Red) | Softwood | 350 | 23 | Straight, coarse | Outdoor projects, fencing, decking | $$ |
| Cherry | Hardwood | 950 | 35 | Fine, smooth | Fine furniture, cabinets, veneer | $$$ |
| Douglas Fir | Softwood | 710 | 32 | Straight, medium | Structural beams, flooring | $$ |
| Elm | Hardwood | 830 | 36 | Interlocked, bold | Chairs, boat building, bending | $$$ |
| Hard Maple | Hardwood | 1450 | 44 | Close, tight | Cutting boards, flooring, workbenches | $$$ |
| Hickory | Hardwood | 1820 | 48 | Open, bold | Tool handles, flooring, chairs | $$$ |
| Mahogany | Hardwood | 800 | 34 | Straight, fine | Fine furniture, boats, instruments | $$$$ |
| Pine (Eastern White) | Softwood | 380 | 25 | Open, straight | Framing, shelving, rustic furniture | $ |
| Pine (Southern Yellow) | Softwood | 690 | 35 | Open, straight | Framing, structural, decking | $ |
| Poplar | Hardwood | 540 | 28 | Straight, fine | Painted furniture, drawer sides | $ |
| Red Oak | Hardwood | 1290 | 42 | Open, cathedral | Cabinets, flooring, furniture | $$ |
| Redwood | Softwood | 450 | 26 | Straight, coarse | Outdoor furniture, decking | $$$ |
| Spruce | Softwood | 510 | 27 | Straight, fine | Musical instruments, framing | $ |
| Teak | Hardwood | 1155 | 41 | Straight, oily | Outdoor furniture, boat building | $$$$$ |
| White Oak | Hardwood | 1360 | 45 | Open, prominent | Furniture, flooring, barrels, outdoor | $$$ |
The Wood Type Guide provides comprehensive information on different wood species, characteristics, and applications. Learn about hardwoods, softwoods, workability, durability, and finishing.
Key Features
Browse extensive wood species database
Compare wood characteristics side-by-side
Review workability and grain patterns
Check color and appearance information
Learn finishing recommendations
Find suitable alternatives
Wood Type Guide
Search Wood Species
Use the search or browse function to find a specific wood type
Review Characteristics
Read details about hardness, grain, color, and workability
Check Applications
See recommended uses for that wood species
Learn Finishing Tips
Find finishing and care recommendations
Use Cases
Selecting appropriate wood for furniture projects
Finding wood alternatives based on availability
Understanding wood characteristics for design decisions
Learning finishing techniques for different species
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?
Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (oak, maple) and are generally denser. Softwoods come from conifers (pine, fir) and are less dense.
Is hardwood always harder than softwood?
Not always. Some softwoods are harder than some hardwoods. The names refer to tree type, not hardness.
How do I choose wood for a project?
Consider durability, appearance, workability, cost, and availability. Match the wood to the project requirements.
What wood is best for beginners?
Pine, poplar, and oak are good starter woods due to availability, affordability, and reasonable workability.
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