The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Wood for Woodworking

Ok, so you know your next project and are ready to take it on but before you jump in head first here are some tips in selecting the right wood.

First, go through these six steps and think about where your project might fall in each category. 

1. Location: Will it be Indoors or Outdoors?
2. Type of Project: Is this an Art Piece or a Functional/Structural Project? 
3. Budget: Do you have Unlimited funds or Very Limited funds?
4. Tools Available: Do you have a Planer & Jointer or just Basic Tools?
5. Environmental Impact: How much do you care about harvesting practices? 
6. Purpose & Skill: Do you care if the wood is Durable and Tough to work with? 
7. Visual Preferences: Do you care what others think? 

Why do these matter? 

1. Location: Projects that will be exposed to the elements (rain, snow, and sun) will narrow your wood choices or at a minimum you’ll have to focus on applying sealants to the finished project. Cedar is a common outdoor wood selection because of it’s natural properties that make it resistant to the elements.
2. Type of Project: While art is in the eye of the beholder, structural or functional projects will require you to dig a bit deeper into the strength and moisture content of the wood you get. High-moisture woods, like home improvement bought pine, can dry and shift on you long after you’ve finished your project making it a poor option for some furniture builds. 
3. Budget: Woodworking can get outrageously expensive due to the pressures that some elites put on the community. You don’t have to use thousand-dollar saws if you are ok with fractional flaws in cuts by a circular/miter saw. The same can be said about the wood you use. For instance, if Pine checks all the other boxes for your project you SHOULD use it. On the other hand, if your budget is unlimited consider hardwoods. Since they come from trees that take longer to grow (hard maple, oak, walnut, mahogany, teak, etc) and are more expensive they are rarer and thus objectively more unique. Make sure you know woodworking isn’t only for hardwoods.  
4. Tools: The tools available to you will largely dictate what direction you go for your project. If you don’t have a planer and jointer make sure you don’t get rough-sawn lumber unless you are prepared to clean up your boards.
5. Environmental Impact: We are more and more aware of the impact we have on the planet and thus this can play a factor in your choice of lumber. First, the art of woodworking is directly opposite of the model of mass manufacturing cheap furniture that has a short shelf-life meant for tossing after a few years into a longer more thoughtful approach to sustainability. This is why buying and crafting a project that will last many years is actually a positive action. Now having said that, some lumber is considered more sustainable than others. Some hardwoods on this list include Tulipwood – Poplar, Black Cherry, Aspen, Elm, Soft Maple.
6. Purpose/Skill: Ok, so we know that we have hardwoods and softwood categories but did you know that there’s a definitive scale for how hard a wood is? It’s called the Janka Hardness Scale and it ranks every wood from softest to hardest. Harder woods will hold up better to wear and tear over time but will be harder to work with and tougher on tools.
7. What Matters: If you are building this project for yourself and it passes the all other tests go with whatever wood you find the most appealing. Keeping all other things the same and your top priority is choosing a wood that will have the highest chance of aesthetically appeasing the masses you’ll want to go with a hardwood. 

Strengths and Weakness of Common Wood Species

 

Pine: 

This softwood is a favorite of beginners. This is a common choice for cost, workability, and availability. Easily found at all home improvement stores.

Strengths – 

• Affordable – one of the cheapest woods available in the US. 
• Workability – Pine is a softwood which makes it easy to cut, shape, and sand. Great for shaping projects. 
• Appearance – Pine being such a readily available piece it can be associated with a particular rustic look in furniture and cabinetry. 
• Lightweight – Pine is light and strong so it’s easy to move. 
• Knots – Pine is a knotty wood which can add some character to show pieces but can also be a major weakness because it becomes more susceptible to splitting. 

Weakness – 

• Durability – Pine is a softwood and is not as durable as hardwoods since it’s more prone to dings, scratches, and dents. 
• Stability – Pine is not as stable as hardwoods, and is prone to wrap or twist over time. 
• Knots – As mentioned, pine is a knotty wood. This can cause kickback when cutting and make the wood more prone to splitting. 
• Staining and Finishing – Pine can be challenging to stain and finish evenly, due to it’s softness and open grain. 
• Color – To most, Pine just doesn’t have the desired color they want so they are forced to use a stain. As mentioned above, staining pine can be a risky challenge. 

 

Cedar:

Cedar is a softwood that is known for its natural resistance to decay, rot, and insects. It also has a natural aroma that can act as a repellent for moths and other insects. Cedar is a good choice for outdoor applications, but it requires regular maintenance to preserve its natural color and resist decay. 

Strengths –

• Durability: Cedar is a naturally durable wood that can withstand outdoor elements. When used for outdoor applications such as decks, siding, and fences, cedar can last for many years with proper maintenance.

• Aesthetics: Cedar has a warm, reddish-brown color and a fine, uniform texture. It is also naturally resistant to warping, twisting, and checking, which makes it a good choice for decorative woodwork.

• Insulation: Cedar is a good insulator, which makes it a good choice for outdoor saunas or hot tubs. It is also used in cold storage rooms to keep food fresh.

• Lightweight: Cedar is a lightweight wood, which makes it easy to work with and easy to transport.

Weakness –

• Softness: Cedar is a relatively soft wood, which makes it more prone to dents and scratches than harder woods.

• Cost: Cedar can be more expensive than other types of wood, such as pine or spruce.

• Knots: Cedar is a wood that is known for its knots. The knots can be a beautiful feature but can also weaken the wood.

• Natural decay resistance: While cedar is naturally resistant to decay and rot, it will eventually deteriorate when exposed to the elements over time.

 

Hard Maple:

Hard Maple is a type of hardwood that is known for its strength, and durability,  This wood is well-suited for heavy-use applications such as flooring and furniture. It can be a bit expensive and difficult to work with but the end result is a beautiful and long-lasting product.

Strengths –

• Durability: Hard maple is a hard and dense wood that is highly resistant to wear and tear. It is also durable enough to withstand heavy use and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

• Hardness: Hard maple is one of the hardest domestic hardwoods and is harder than most other hardwoods, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, flooring, and heavy-use furniture.

• Grain: Hard maple has a fine, straight grain that is uniform and provides a smooth surface. This grain pattern makes it a good choice for decorative woodwork and furniture.

• Color: Hard maple has a light, creamy color that can be stained to a variety of shades.

• Resistant to rot and decay: Maple is resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor applications such as decks, siding, and fences.

Weakness –

• Cost: Hard maple can be more expensive than other types of wood.

• Difficult to work with: Hard maple can be difficult to work with because of its density and hardness. It requires sharp tools and can dull cutting edges quickly.

• Hard on cutting edges: Hard maple can be hard on cutting edges and may require frequent resharpening of tools.

• Blotchy stains: Hard maple can have blotchy stains, and the staining can be inconsistent.

 

Walnut:

Walnut is a hardwood that is known for its rich, dark color and beautiful grain patterns. Durable and well-suited for high-end decorative woodwork and furniture its natural dark color and unique grain patterns make it a highly prized wood. It too is a bit expensive and difficult to work with but the end result is a beautiful and long-lasting product.

Strengths – 

• Aesthetics: Walnut is a beautiful wood that is prized for its rich, dark color and unique grain patterns. It is also naturally resistant to warping, twisting, and checking, which makes it a good choice for decorative woodwork and furniture.

• Durability: Walnut is a hard and dense wood that is highly resistant to wear and tear. It can withstand heavy use and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

• Hardness: Walnut is a hardwood, which makes it a good choice for high-traffic areas, flooring, and heavy-use furniture.

• Staining: Walnut has a beautiful dark color that can be further enhanced by staining.

• Insulation: Walnut is a good insulator, which makes it a good choice for outdoor saunas or hot tubs.

Weakness – 

• Cost: Walnut can be more expensive than other types of wood.

• Difficult to work with: Walnut can be difficult to work with because of its density and hardness. It requires sharp tools and can dull cutting edges quickly.

• Hard on cutting edges: Walnut can be hard on cutting edges and may require frequent resharpening of tools.

• Color consistency: Walnut can have a wide range of colors, from light to dark, and the staining can be inconsistent.

• Hard to find: Walnut can be hard to find and obtain, it’s not as common as other wood types.

 

Teak: 

Teak is a hardwood that is known for its durability, natural resistance to rot and decay, and natural oils that make it resistant to insects and weathering. This is our high-end choice for use in outdoor projects but still looks stunning indoor as well.  

Strengths – 

• Durability: Teak is a very durable wood that can withstand heavy use and last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

• Natural resistance to rot and decay: Teak contains natural oils that make it resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor applications such as decks, siding, and furniture.

• Natural resistance to insects: The natural oils in teak also make it resistant to insects such as termites, making it a good choice for outdoor use.

• Weather-resistant: Teak is naturally resistant to the elements and can withstand exposure to sun, rain, and snow without rotting or warping.

• Aesthetics: Teak has a beautiful golden-brown color that can be further enhanced by oiling. It also has a smooth, fine grain that is pleasing to the eye.

Weakness – 

• Cost: Teak can be more expensive than other types of wood.

• Difficult to work with: Teak can be difficult to work with because of its density and hardness. It requires sharp tools and can dull cutting edges quickly.

• Hard on cutting edges: Teak can be hard on cutting edges and may require frequent resharpening of tools.

• Environmental concerns: Teak is a slow-growing tree species, and it is mainly grown in tropical regions. The high demand for teak wood can lead to over-harvesting and deforestation in these regions.

• Maintenance: Similar to Cedar, Teak will turn grey if left untreated, and it needs to be oiled or sealed to maintain its color.

 

Mahogany:

Mahogany is a hardwood that is known for its rich color, durability, and also natural resistance to rot and decay. This favorite wood of Ron Burgundy is durable and easy to work with, making it a good choice for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and other applications. It’s quality can vary and its dimensional stability is affected by humidity changes.

Strengths – 

• Durability: Mahogany is a very durable wood that can withstand heavy use and last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

• Color: Mahogany has a rich, reddish-brown color that can be further enhanced by staining or oiling.

• Grain: Mahogany has a smooth, fine grain that is pleasing to the eye.

• Workability: Mahogany is relatively easy to work with and can be easily machined, glued, and sanded.

• Natural resistance to rot and decay: Mahogany contains natural oils that make it resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor applications such as decks, siding, and furniture.

Weakness – 

• Cost: Mahogany can be more expensive than other types of wood.

• Environmental concerns: Mahogany is a slow-growing tree species and is mainly grown in tropical regions. The high demand for mahogany can lead to over-harvesting and deforestation in these regions.

• Availability: Mahogany is becoming increasingly difficult to find due to over-harvesting and deforestation.

• Quality: Mahogany can be of varying quality, with some boards having knots, defects or color variations.

• Seasonal movement: Mahogany can expand or contract depending on the humidity levels. This can cause issues with tight-fitting joinery, and it can lead to cracks or warping in some applications.

 

Ash:

Ash is a type of hardwood that is known for its strength, durability, and shock-resistance. Yeah, I bet you didn’t see that one coming. Overall, Ash is a strong, durable wood with a light, creamy color and straight, open grain. It is also easy to work with, making it a good choice for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and other applications. However, it can be more expensive than other types of wood, its availability is limited due to the Emerald Ash Borer, and its quality can vary. Look out for the little maze-like lines from these pesky bugs. 

Strengths –

• Strength: Ash is a very strong wood that is known for its excellent shock resistance, making it a good choice for applications that will be subjected to heavy use.

• Durability: Ash is a durable wood that can withstand heavy use and last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

• Color: Ash has a light, creamy color that can be further enhanced by staining or oiling.

• Grain: Ash has a straight, open grain that is pleasing to the eye.

• Workability: Ash is relatively easy to work with and can be easily machined, glued, and sanded.

• Natural resistance to rot and decay: Ash contains natural oils that make it resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor applications such as decks, siding, and furniture.

Weakness – 

• Cost: Ash can be more expensive than other types of wood.

• Environmental concerns: Ash is a slow-growing tree species and is mainly grown in North America. Ash wood is considered endangered due to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation.

• Quality: Ash can be of varying quality, with some boards having knots, defects or color variations.

• Seasonal movement: Ash can expand or contract depending on the humidity levels. This can cause issues with tight-fitting joinery, and it can lead to cracks or warping in some applications.

 

Cherry:

Cherry is a type of hardwood that is known for its warm, rich color and attractive grain patterns. This strong and durable wood with a warm, reddish-brown color and attractive grain patterns will darken over time with sun exposure. It is easy to work with and is known for its dimensional stability. However, it can be more expensive than other types of wood and its quality can vary.

Strengths –

• Color: Cherry wood has a warm, reddish-brown color that darkens with age. It is known for its rich, warm tone that can range from a light pink to a dark red.

• Grain: Cherry wood has a fine, straight grain that is uniform and attractive. The grain patterns are often wavy or curly, adding to the wood’s natural beauty.

• Workability: Cherry wood is relatively easy to work with, making it suitable for a variety of woodworking projects. It can be easily machined, glued, and sanded.

• Durability: Cherry wood is strong and durable, making it suitable for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring.

• Natural resistance to rot and decay: Cherry wood contains natural oils that make it resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor applications such as decks, siding, and furniture.

• Stability: Cherry wood is known for its dimensional stability, it doesn’t expand or contract much in response to changes in humidity.

Weakness – 

• Cost: Cherry can be more expensive than other types of wood.

• Environmental concerns: Cherry is a slow-growing tree species, which can make it more expensive and harder to find.

• Quality: Cherry can vary in quality, with some boards having knots, defects or color variations.

• Light sensitivity: Cherry wood can darken over time if exposed to light, which may not be desirable for some projects.

 

Oak:

Oak is a type of hardwood that is known for its durability and strength. Suitable for a wide variety of woodworking projects this hardwood is actually relatively affordable and easy to work with. However, Oak can vary in quality, and it is a heavy wood that can darken over time if exposed to light.

Strengths – 

• Durability: Oak is one of the most durable types of wood, making it suitable for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. It has a Janka Hardness rating of 1360 which makes it highly resistant to dents, scratches and wear.

• Color: Oak wood has a light, yellowish-brown color that can be stained to match any desired color.

• Grain: Oak wood has a distinctive, open grain pattern that is often used to add visual interest to furniture and other decorative items.

• Workability: Oak wood is relatively easy to work with, making it suitable for a variety of woodworking projects. It can be easily machined, glued, and sanded.

• Stability: Oak wood is known for its stability, it doesn’t expand or contract much in response to changes in humidity.

• Environmental concerns: Oak is a fast-growing tree species, which makes it more affordable and widely available than other types of wood.

Weakness – 

• Cost: Oak is relatively affordable when compared to other hardwoods.

• Quality: Oak can vary in quality, with some boards having knots, defects, or color variations.

• Heavy: Oak is a heavy wood, making it difficult to move or handle.

• Light sensitivity: Oak wood can darken over time if exposed to light, which may not be desirable for some projects.

 

Purpleheart:

Purpleheart is the definition of an exotic wood with its almost fake-looking natural purple colors. These can range from a pale lavender to a deep purple. It is a dense and heavy wood, making it very durable and resistant to wear and tear. This wood is a great choice for those that want a natural shake-up or flair to their work.

Strengths – 

• Durability: Purpleheart is durable making it a good wood for hobbyists.

• Color: The wood is so strikingly purple it can turn some off from it’s rare color. The most impressive part of this wood is the effects light has on the color from the initial cut (grey) to a purple to a dark brown with purple tints (after sun exposure). These natural colors can be controlled with work.

• Grain: Purpleheart grain is typically straight but can have irregular patterns and a nice natural luster.

• Natural Resistance to Rot and Decay: This wood has some resistance to rot and most insect attacks.

• Cost: A very affordable exotic hardwood.

Weakness – 

• Workability: Purpleheart can present some unique challenges if the wood is heated with dull cutting tools it will exude a gummy resin that can clog tools and complicate the machining process. Depending on the grain orientation, can be difficult to plane without tear out. Purpleheart also has a moderate dulling effect on cutters.

• Light sensitivity: Purpleheart can be sensitive to lighting having an unwanted effect in certain scenarios. 

There are a number of good lumber options beyond those covered here but this is a good start. Next, you’ll want to decide if you should buy your lumber at a home improvement center, a local hardwood shop, or a local sawmill.  Since sawmills are the most intimidating check out this video to help you keep your options open when starting your search.