There are many different types of hardwoods, each with their own unique characteristics. To choose the right type of hardwood for your project, it’s important to understand the different properties of each.

What are hardwoods?

Hardwoods are a type of wood that come from angiosperm trees. These are trees that have seeds that are enclosed in a protective casing, such as a fruit or a nut. In contrast, softwoods come from gymnosperm trees, which have seeds that are not enclosed in a protective casing. Hardwoods are typically denser and more durable than softwoods.

What are the different types of hardwoods?

There are many different types of hardwoods, each with their own unique characteristics. Some of the most common types of hardwoods include:

Oak: Oak is a very strong and durable hardwood. It’s often used in furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. There are two main types of oak: red oak and white oak. Red oak is slightly softer than white oak, but both types are very strong.

Maple: Maple is a hardwood that’s often used in flooring and cabinetry. It has a very smooth grain and is available in both hard and soft varieties. Hard maple is slightly more difficult to work with than soft maple, but it’s more durable.

Cherry: Cherry is a hardwood that’s often used in furniture and cabinetry. It has a very distinctive reddish color that can darken over time. Cherry is a relatively soft hardwood, so it’s not as durable as some of the other options.

Birch: Birch is a hardwood that’s often used in furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. It’s available in both hard and soft varieties. Hard birch is more difficult to work with than soft birch, but it’s more durable.

What are the benefits of hardwoods?

Hardwoods are prized for their beauty, durability, and strength. They’re often used in high-traffic areas because they’re less likely to scratch or dent than softwoods. Hardwoods are also less likely to warp or shrink over time.

What are the drawbacks of hardwoods?

Hardwoods can be more expensive than softwoods. They’re also more difficult to work with because they’re harder to cut and sand.

How do I choose the right type of hardwood for my project?

When choosing a type of hardwood for your project, it’s important to consider the specific characteristics of each type. Consider the hardness, color, grain, and price to find the best option for your needs.

Other types:

Alder, Red
Ash, White
Ash, European
Balsa
Basswood
Beech
Birch, Yellow
Boxwood
Brazilwood
Bubinga
Butternut
Cherry, Black
Chestnut
Cocobolo
Ebony
Elm, white
Elm, Dutch & English
Hickory
Jelutong
Kingwood
Lime
Mahogany
Maple, Hard
Maple, Soft
Oak, Red
Oak, White
Oak, European
Plane, European
Purpleheart
Rosewood, Brazilian
Rosewood, Indian
Sycamore
Sycamore, European
Teak
Tulipwood
Walnut, Black
Walnut, European
Yellow Poplar
Softwoods