A Woodworker’s Guide to Common Woods for Carpentry
One of the best parts of woodworking is picking the wood itself. Different species bring their own personality—color, grain, strength, even scent—and knowing the basics can help you match the right wood to the right project. Here’s a high-level look at the main categories and some of the most common choices.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in winter). They’re generally denser and more durable than softwoods, making them great for furniture, cabinetry, and high-end trim.
Popular Picks:
Oak: Strong, easy to work, and widely available. Red oak has a warm, reddish hue; white oak is slightly more durable and water-resistant.
Maple: Smooth and pale with a fine grain—great for tabletops and cabinetry. Hard maple is tough, soft maple is easier to work.
Walnut: Rich, dark brown with beautiful grain. Often used for statement pieces.
Cherry: Reddish-brown that deepens with age, perfect for fine furniture.
Why choose hardwoods: Durability, beauty, and excellent finishing qualities. They cost more, but they last.
Softwoods
Softwoods come from coniferous trees (evergreens). They’re lighter, often less expensive, and easier to cut. Common in framing, outdoor work, and projects where weight matters.
Popular Picks:
Pine: Affordable, easy to work, and widely available. Takes paint well, but dents more easily.
Cedar: Lightweight and naturally resistant to rot and insects—great for outdoor furniture, fences, and closets.
Fir: Strong, stable, and often used for construction lumber and trim.
Why choose softwoods: Budget-friendly, easy to shape, and good for larger builds or projects that will be painted.
Engineered Woods
Engineered woods are man-made panels or boards created from wood fibers, veneers, or particles. They’re consistent, stable, and often more affordable than solid wood.
Common Types:
Plywood: Layers of wood veneer glued together. Strong, stable, and available in many grades.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Smooth and uniform, great for painted projects and cabinetry.
Particleboard: Low-cost, lightweight option—best for light-duty indoor use.
Why choose engineered woods: They make efficient use of materials, resist warping, and are perfect for projects with a painted finish or hidden structure.
Exotic Woods
Exotics are imported species with unique colors, patterns, or hardness. They’re used for accents, inlays, and statement pieces.
Examples:
Mahogany: Warm reddish-brown with a straight grain—classic for fine furniture.
Teak: Golden brown, oily, and highly weather-resistant—ideal for outdoor furniture and boatwork.
Purpleheart, Zebrawood, Padauk: Vivid colors and striking patterns for decorative work.
Why choose exotics: Unique appearance and durability, though they can be expensive and sometimes challenging to source responsibly.
Choosing the Right Wood for the Job
For furniture: Hardwoods like oak, walnut, maple, and cherry give durability and beauty.
For outdoor work: Cedar, teak, or pressure-treated softwoods handle the elements.
For painted projects: Softwoods or engineered woods save money and prep time.
For accents: Exotic woods add flair in small doses.
The wood you choose sets the tone for your entire project. Whether you’re going rustic with knotty pine, refined with walnut, or practical with plywood, understanding your options means your projects will not only look great but stand the test of time.