Wood Wisdom

Eight common North American wood species — their qualities, typical uses, and how they compare in price.

Walnut $$$$$

• Very dense, strong, and prized for its rich, dark brown color (often chocolate to deep brown) and attractive grain.

• High-end hardwood: frequently used for furniture, gunstocks, high-quality cabinets, and decorative pieces.

• Machines well and finishes beautifully; often the most “premium” feel in this group.

Hard Maple (and Soft Maple) $$$$

• Hard Maple: extremely hard, very durable, with a tight, fine, consistent grain.

• Soft Maple: slightly less dense, easier to work, but still very stable.

• Light color (creamy white to pale tan) makes it ideal for flooring, butcher blocks, furniture, and anything requiring a smooth, clean finish.

• Takes both stain and clear finish well.

Cherry $$$$

• Medium-density hardwood with warm reddish-brown tones that deepen over time (patina).

• Very smooth grain; elegant and classic.

• Commonly used for fine furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments, and decorative woodwork.

Ash $$$

• Strong, tough, and flexible; often compared to oak in strength but lighter in color.

• Light-colored (pale tan to almost white) with an open, straight grain.

• Good for furniture, tool handles, sports equipment (like baseball bats), and architectural trim.

Red Oak $$$

• Very hard and durable; classic, strong wood.

• Prominent grain, especially in quarter-sawn or rift-sawn cuts.

• Excellent for flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and heavy-use applications.

Birch $$

• A strong hardwood, but softer than maple or oak.

• Light, even color (creamy to pale brown), fine grain.

• Ideal for plywood, furniture, cabinetry, or areas where strength matters but a more subtle look is okay.

Poplar $$

• Actually a hardwood, but on the softer side.

• Generally pale with sometimes greenish or purplish streaks.

• Very stable, easy to work with, and especially good for painted furniture, trim, drawer parts, and secondary structures.

Pine $

• Softwood, lightweight, and very easy to work.

• Knotted grain (in many grades), less dense, so prone to dents.

• Very budget-friendly. Common for framing, rustic furniture, trim, and DIY projects.