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From Cherry to Walnut, learn the special characteristics of different wood types. This handy matrix is a great addition to any wood enthusiast's workshop.
Name | Type | Uses | Weight | Strength | Grain/Texture |
Alder, red | hard | inexpensive furniture, brittle millwork, interior trim | light | moderate | indistinct, fine |
Ash, black | hard | furniture, veneer | medium | strong | figured, coarse |
Beech | hard | furniture, flooring | heavy | strong | uniform, very little figure, fine |
Birch | hard | furniture, cabinets plywood, doors, veneer | heavy | strong | uniform, fine |
Cherry | hard | furniture, veneer, paneling | heavy | strong | delicate figuring, fine |
African Mahogany | hard | furniture, cabinets, veneer | medium | moderate | figured, coarse |
American Mahogany | hard | furniture, cabinets, veneer | medium | strong | figured, coarse |
Philippine Mahogany | hard | plywood, furniture, cabinets, flooring | heavy | strong | figured, coarse |
Maple | hard | flooring, furniture | heavy | strong | delicate, figuring, fine |
Oak, red & white |
hard | flooring, furniture, millwork | heavy | strong | figured, especially when quarter-sawn, coarse |
Pine, knotty | soft | construction | light | weak | straight, fine |
Pine, ponderosa | soft | rim, doors | light | weak to moderate | uniform, fine |
Pine, white | soft | pallet, trim | light | weak | uneven, fine |
Poplar | hard | furniture, cabinets, siding | medium | moderate | delicate figuring, fine |
Rosewood, Brazilian & Indian | hard | veneer, furniture | heavy | strong | figured, coarse |
Teak | hard | veneer, furniture, flooring | heavy | strong | figured, coarse |
Walnut | hard | furniture, cabinets, woodwork | heavy | strong | delicate, uniform, figuring fine |
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