In this article, we shall see the different types of wood and their application. We have also provided a PDF for the same
Introduction
Wood is the most widely used versatile material in the world. For thousands of years, it is used to build everything from intricate to simple homes. They are available in different types each with its unique characteristics and properties. In this article, we shall dive into softwood and hardwood and explore its types in detail
Wood from trees like Oak, Maple, and Cherry is considered a hardwood. These hardwoods are heavier and denser than softwood and are generally used for flooring, decorations, and mostly furniture. Softwoods are cheaper compared to hardwoods. This price difference is due to the aesthetic value and durability of hardwood. However, Softwood on the counterpart is produced from evergreen trees like spruce, pine, or cedar. In comparison to hardwood, they are lightweight and less dense and are used for applications of construction such as decking, fencing, and framing.
Softwood is cheaper than hardwood which makes them the preferred choice for large-scale production and DIY projects. Apart from soft and hard woods we also have other species of wood with their unique applications and characteristics. Other examples of softwood are Douglas Fir, Redwood, and Hemlock and similarly other types of hardwood are Mahogany, Walnut, Teak, etc.
Overall, wood is a versatile and durable material that has been used for centuries for a wide range of purposes. Whether building a home, crafting furniture, or creating decorative accents, understanding the different types of wood and their uses is essential for achieving the desired outcome.
How to Identify Hardwoods and Softwoods
Types and Uses
The different types of wood available today are as follows
- Alder Wood
- Ash
- Aspen
- Balsa Wood
- Bamboo
- Basswood
- Beechwood
- Birch Wood
- California Redwood
- Cedar Wood
- Cherry
- Douglas Fir
- Ebony
- Hardboard (Commonly known as HDF: High-Density Fibre Board)
- Hardie Board: Fibre Cement Board
- Larch / Tamarack
- Luan
- Mahogany
- Maple
- MDF: Medium Density Fibreboard
- Oak
- Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
- Pine
- Plywood
- Pressure Treated Lumber
- Poplar wood
- Rosewood
- SPF Lumber
- Spruce
- Teak
- Walnut
- Whitewood
- Zebrawood
Alder wood
Alder wood is a versatile type of wood that is commonly used in the construction of furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. This wood is known for its light color and straight grain, which gives it a clean and uniform appearance. Alder wood is also relatively soft, which makes it easy to work with and shape. Additionally, it has a moderate density and hardness, which makes it durable enough to withstand frequent use.
Due to its resistance to warping and swelling, Alder wood is also an excellent choice for outdoor applications such as decks and patios. Its stability and durability make Alder wood a popular choice for intricate carvings and decorative pieces. In summary, Alder wood is a versatile and reliable option for a range of applications, making it a popular choice among woodworkers and builders.
Ash Wood
Ashwood is a hardwood that is known for its strength, durability, and flexibility. It is commonly used in furniture making, flooring, and sports equipment such as baseball bats and hockey sticks. The unique grain pattern of ash wood adds to its aesthetic appeal and makes it a popular choice among designers and woodworkers.
Ashwood is also resistant to shock and does not split easily, making it an ideal choice for tool handles and construction applications. Its light color and ability to take stains well make it a versatile wood for modern and traditional interiors. Overall, ash wood’s characteristics and uses make it a valuable and sought-after wood in the woodworking industry.
Aspen wood
Aspen wood is popular among woodworkers and carpenters due to its unique characteristics and versatile uses. Aspen wood is a light-colored, softwood that has a fine, uniform texture and straight grain pattern. Its low density and fine consistency make it easy to work with, making it a favorite choice for carvings, toys, and other decorative objects. Additionally, aspen wood is used in furniture manufacturing, particularly for chairs and tables, due to its durability and resistance to warping.
Its light weight also makes it ideal for use in musical instruments, such as guitar bodies and soundboards. Overall, aspen wood is a versatile and reliable choice for many woodworking projects, and its unique characteristics make it a desirable option for many artisans and craftspeople.
Balsa and Bamboo Wood
Balsa wood is a light, soft, and porous type of wood that is commonly used for making model airplanes, boats, and other lightweight objects. Its light weight and strength make it an ideal choice for constructing models that need to fly or float. Balsa wood has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which means it is relatively strong despite its lightness.
This makes it an excellent choice for creating models that need to be both strong and lightweight. Balsa wood is also used in the construction of furniture, musical instruments, and insulation. Bamboo wood is another type of wood that has become increasingly popular due to its sustainable and eco-friendly properties. It is a fast-growing grass that is easily renewable and can be harvested without damaging the environment.
Bamboo wood has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it stronger than most types of wood. It is also highly resistant to water and insects, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture and flooring. Bamboo wood is also used in the construction of houses, boats, and bicycles. Its versatility and durability make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.
Basswood and Beechwood
Basswood, also known as American Linden, is a lightweight hardwood that is commonly used in furniture making, carving, and construction. Its soft texture and even grain make it ideal for carving intricate designs, while it’s light color and easy workability make it a popular choice for decorative trim and moldings.
Basswood is also commonly used in the manufacturing of musical instruments, such as guitars and drums, due to its acoustic properties. Additionally, it is a popular material for crafting wooden toys, as it is non-toxic and easy to shape.
Beechwood is a dense and durable hardwood that is commonly used in furniture making, flooring, and cabinetry. Its attractive grain patterns and warm color make it a popular choice for high-end furniture, while its durability and resistance to wear make it ideal for flooring and heavy-use furniture. Beechwood is also used in the manufacturing of tools and handles, due to its strength and shock resistance. Additionally, it is a popular choice for smoking meats and cheeses, as it imparts a mild and sweet flavor.
Birch Wood
Birchwood is a popular type of hardwood that is known for its unique characteristics and versatile uses. Its pale color and fine-grain texture make it an ideal choice for a variety of woodworking projects. Birchwood is also known for its strength, hardness, and durability, making it a reliable material for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.
Its resistance to wear and tear, as well as its ability to hold up well against moisture, makes it a favored material for outdoor furniture and decking. In addition to its functional benefits, birch wood is also valued for its aesthetic appeal. Its natural beauty and light color make it a popular choice for decorative items and crafts. Overall, birch wood is a highly versatile material that offers a range of benefits for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
California and Cedar Wood
California and cedar are two popular types of wood used in various industries. California, also known as Oregon pine, is a softwood with a light, creamy color with a straight grain pattern.
It is commonly used for construction, interior trim, and cabinetry. Its low density makes it easy to work with and ideal for intricate designs. Cedar is a durable softwood that has a reddish-brown color with a distinct aroma. It is also used for outdoor furniture, decking, and siding. Its natural resistance to decay and insect infestation makes it an excellent choice for exterior applications.
Both California and cedar have unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific uses, and selecting the right type of wood for a particular project is crucial for achieving the desired results.
Cherry wood
Cherry wood is a popular type of hardwood known for its rich color and beautiful grain patterns. It has a fine, straight texture with a uniform grain that is easy to work with. Cherry wood is a very durable and strong wood that is ideal for use in furniture-making and cabinetry. It is also used for flooring, paneling, and decorative trim. One of the unique characteristics of cherry wood is that it darkens with age, developing a beautiful reddish-brown hue. This makes it a popular choice for high-end furniture, as it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.
Cherry wood is also a popular choice for carving and turnery, as it is easy to shape and has a beautiful finish. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, cherry wood is also highly resistant to decay and insect infestation. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture and other outdoor applications. Overall, cherry wood is a versatile and durable type of hardwood that is highly prized for its unique beauty and strength.
Douglas Fir & Ebony Woods
Douglas fir is a popular type of wood that is commonly used in construction and woodworking. It is known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for use in framing, flooring, and decking. Douglas fir has a distinctive reddish-brown color and a straight grain pattern, which gives it a beautiful appearance.
It is also easy to work with and can be stained or painted to match any decor. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Douglas fir is also resistant to decay and insects, making it a popular choice for outdoor projects. Ebony is a dense and heavy hardwood that is prized for its dark color and fine-grain pattern.
It is a rare and expensive wood that is often used in high-end furniture and musical instruments. Ebony is also used in the production of billiard cues, knife handles, and other decorative items. Due to its density, ebony is difficult to work with and requires specialized tools and techniques. Despite its high cost and difficulty to work with, ebony is a highly sought-after wood that adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to any project.
HDF (Hardboard) & Hardie Board
HDF (High-Density fiberboard) is a type of wood that is made from compressed wood fibers and resin. It is an engineered wood product that is known for its durability and strength. HDF is commonly used in furniture making, flooring, and construction due to its high density and resistance to moisture.
Additionally, HDF is easy to work with and can be cut, drilled, and shaped to fit any project. Its smooth surface also makes it an ideal material for painting or laminating. Hardie wood is a type of siding material that is made from cement fibers. It is known for its durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Hardie wood is commonly used in construction for its resistance to fire, insects, and rot. It also requires very little maintenance, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance option. Additionally, Hardie wood comes in various colors and textures, allowing for endless design possibilities.
Larch and Luan
Larch and luan are two types of wood widely used for different purposes. Larch is a type of softwood that comes from the larch tree. It has a pale yellow color and a straight-grain pattern. Larch is known for its durability and resistance to rot, which makes it ideal for outdoor projects such as decks, fences, and siding. It is also commonly used in construction for timber framing, flooring, and paneling.
Luan is a type of hardwood that comes from the Lauan tree, also known as the Philippine mahogany. It has a light to medium brown color and a straight-grain pattern. Luan is a versatile wood that can be used for a variety of applications, including furniture, cabinetry, and interior trim.
It is also commonly used in the manufacturing of plywood and veneers due to its affordability and ease of use. Larch is best suited for outdoor projects that require durability and resistance to rot, while luan is ideal for indoor projects that require a versatile and affordable hardwood
Mahogany Wood
Mahogany is a popular type of hardwood that is known for its durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. Its reddish-brown color and smooth grains make it a favorite among furniture makers and interior designers. Mahogany is also resistant to rot and decay, making it suitable for outdoor applications such as decking and boat building. In addition to its beauty and durability, mahogany is also easy to work with due to its moderate density and grain structure.
This makes it ideal for intricate carving and shaping. Mahogany is commonly used for furniture, musical instruments, decorative paneling, and flooring. Its high cost, however, can make it an expensive option for some projects. Nevertheless, the unique characteristics and uses of mahogany make it a valuable and sought-after wood in the construction and design industry.
Maple wood
Maple is a hardwood that is known for its durability and strength. It is a popular choice for furniture makers and carpenters alike, as it is both easy to work with and resistant to wear and tear. Maple wood is characterized by its light color and fine grain, which makes it a popular choice for decorative finishes.
It is also known for its ability to hold up under pressure, making it a great choice for flooring and other high-traffic areas. In addition to its strength and durability, maple wood is known for its resistance to water and decay, making it ideal for outdoor applications such as decks and fences. Due to its versatility and wide range of uses, maple wood is a popular choice for both commercial and residential projects alike.
MDF
MDF, or medium-density fibreboard, is a material made from wood fibers and resin. It is an engineered wood product that is widely used in construction and furniture making due to its affordability and versatility. MDF is known for its smooth surface and consistency, making it an ideal choice for painting, laminating, and veneering. One of the key characteristics of MDF is its density, which makes it highly durable and resistant to warping and splitting.
This makes it a popular choice for kitchen cabinets, shelving units, and other furniture items that require strength and stability. Additionally, MDF is easy to shape and cut, making it a preferred material for intricate designs and carvings. Overall, MDF is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a cost-effective and durable wood product that can be used in a variety of applications.
Oak wood and OSB
Oak is a popular hardwood that is widely used in furniture making, flooring, and construction. It is known for its durability, strength, and resistance to moisture and decay. Oak wood can be categorized into two types: red oak and white oak. Red oak is commonly used for flooring, cabinetry, and furniture, while white oak is preferred for outdoor furniture and boatbuilding due to its water-resistant properties.
Oak wood is also used for making wine barrels, as it imparts a unique flavor to the wine. On the other hand, OSB (oriented strand board) is a type of engineered wood made from strands of wood that are bonded together with resin and wax.
It is commonly used in construction for sheathing, subfloors, and roof decking. OSB has several advantages over traditional plywood, including its affordability, strength, and resistance to moisture and fire. It is also eco-friendly, as it is made from fast-growing trees and recycled wood waste. Oak is a durable and attractive hardwood that is used for furniture, flooring, and construction, while OSB is an engineered wood that is affordable and strong, making it ideal for construction projects.
Plywood
Plywood is a popular type of wood used in various applications due to its versatility and durability. It is made by gluing together thin layers of wood veneers, which are then pressed together to form a single sheet. Plywood is known for its strength, stability, and resistance to warping and shrinking, making it a popular choice for construction, furniture making, and other applications.
Some of the characteristics of plywood include its ability to resist moisture, its high strength-to-weight ratio, and its ability to be sanded and painted easily. Plywood is commonly used in flooring, walls, roofing, and furniture making. It is also a popular material for DIY projects and home renovations. The versatility and durability of plywood make it a must-have material for any woodworker or construction professional.
Pressure Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is a popular type of wood that is commonly used in outdoor construction projects. It is known for its durability and resistance to rot, decay, and insects. Pressure-treated lumber is created by injecting chemicals into the wood under high pressure, which helps to protect it from damage and extend its lifespan. This type of wood is typically used for outdoor decks, fences, and other outdoor structures.
One of the key characteristics of pressure-treated lumber is its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor construction projects. Additionally, it is relatively affordable and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for DIY projects as well. Overall, pressure-treated lumber is a versatile and durable option for outdoor construction projects that require a wood material that can withstand the elements.
Poplar Wood & Rosewood
Poplar and rosewood are two types of wood that are commonly used in woodworking and furniture making. Poplar wood is a light-colored hardwood that is known for its durability and strength. It is commonly used in building structures, such as cabinets, drawers, and shelves. Poplar wood is also used for making musical instruments, such as guitars and drums, due to its excellent acoustic properties. Its smooth texture and ability to take on stains and paint make it a popular choice for finishing projects.
Rosewood is a dark-colored hardwood that is prized for its beauty and unique grain patterns. It is commonly used for making fine furniture, decorative items, and musical instruments. Due to its hardness, rosewood is also used in flooring and decking. Rosewood is known for its unique aroma and natural oils, which make it resistant to insect damage and decay. Its high density and strength make it a popular choice for making high-end guitar fretboards and other musical instrument components.
In summary, poplar wood is known for its strength, durability, and versatility, while rosewood is prized for its beauty, unique grain patterns, and natural oils. Both of these types of wood have their unique characteristics and uses and are highly valued in the woodworking and furniture-making industries.
SPF Lumber & Spruce
SPF lumber, which stands for Spruce, Pine, and Fir lumber, is a popular choice for construction and woodworking projects due to its affordable cost and versatile nature. This type of wood is known for its strength, durability, and ability to resist warping, making it an excellent choice for structural applications. SPF lumber is commonly used for framing, roofing, and flooring, as well as for outdoor projects such as decks and fences.
Spruce is a type of softwood that is known for its light weight and strength. It is commonly used for furniture, musical instruments, and decorative moldings due to its fine grain and attractive appearance. Spruce is also used in the construction of aircraft and boats due to its strength-to-weight ratio and ability to withstand moisture.
Both SPF lumber and spruce have their unique characteristics and uses, making them valuable assets in the world of woodworking and construction. Whether you’re building a new home or crafting a piece of furniture, these types of wood are sure to provide the strength, durability, and beauty that you need for your project.
Teak wood
Teak is a highly sought-after and prized hardwood due to its unique characteristics and uses. Teak is known for its durability and strength, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture and structures such as decks and boats. It is resistant to rot, insects, and weathering, which makes it perfect for use in humid and wet environments.
Additionally, teak has a beautiful golden-brown hue that deepens over time, giving it a classic and timeless appearance. This makes it a popular choice for high-end indoor furniture, flooring, and decorative objects. Due to its high demand and limited availability, teak is considered a luxury wood and is often quite expensive. Nevertheless, its exceptional qualities and aesthetic appeal make it a highly sought-after material for a variety of purposes.
Walnut
Walnut is a hardwood that is known for its beautiful, rich, and warm color. It is a popular choice for furniture makers and craftsmen who value its durability, stability, and strength. Walnut wood is also known for its unique grain patterns, which can range from straight and uniform to irregular and wavy. The wood has a medium texture, with a natural luster that makes it perfect for finishing. One of the most popular uses of walnut wood is in the production of high-end furniture, such as dining tables, chairs, and cabinets.
The wood’s natural beauty and durability make it an ideal choice for creating heirloom pieces that can last for generations. Walnut wood is also commonly used for flooring, as it is resistant to wear and tear and has a unique character that adds warmth and richness to any room. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, walnut wood is also prized for its strength and stability.
It is an excellent choice for structural applications such as beams, posts, and trusses. The wood’s natural hardness and resistance to decay and insect damage make it a top choice for outdoor projects such as decks and pergolas.
Overall, walnut wood is a versatile and valuable material that is prized for its beauty, durability, and strength. Its unique characteristics make it a favorite among furniture makers, craftsmen, and builders alike. Whether you are looking to create a stunning piece of furniture or build a sturdy structure, walnut wood is a top choice for any project.
Whitewood and Zebra Wood
When it comes to woodworking, choosing the right type of wood is crucial. Whitewood, also known as spruce, is a softwood that is commonly used for construction purposes such as framing, roof trusses, and interior paneling. It is lightweight and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. Whitewood also has a pale color and straight grain, which makes it ideal for painting or staining to match any decor.
Zebrawood is a hardwood that is distinctive for its striking appearance. It gets its name from the dark stripes that run through its golden-brown background. Zebrawood is a popular choice for decorative projects such as veneers, furniture, and musical instruments. It is durable and resistant to decay, making it ideal for outdoor projects as well. Zebrawood can be difficult to work with due to its interlocking grain, but the result is worth the effort.
In conclusion, the characteristics and uses of whitewood and zebrawood vary greatly. While whitewood is known for its versatility and ease of use, zebrawood is prized for its unique appearance and durability. Understanding the properties of different types of wood is essential for creating successful woodworking projects
FAQ
Which Wood Type Should I Choose for My Furniture?
What are the types of wood used for cabinets
Cabinets can be made from various types of wood, each with its unique characteristics. Some of the most commonly used woods for cabinets include oak, maple, cherry, birch, and walnut. These woods offer different levels of durability, color, grain patterns, and texture, allowing homeowners to choose the one that suits their style and needs.
What are the types of wood grains
There are three main types of wood grains: straight, spiral, and irregular. Straight grain runs parallel to the length of the wood and has a consistent pattern. Spiral grain follows a spiral pattern around the length of the wood. Irregular grain has an unpredictable pattern, making it unique and often prized for its aesthetic appeal.
What are the types of wood used for decking
Decking can be made from a variety of woods, including cedar, redwood, pressure-treated pine, and tropical hardwoods such as ipe and mahogany. Each type of wood has its unique characteristics, including durability, hardness, color, and grain pattern. Homeowners should consider factors such as budget, maintenance requirements, and desired aesthetics when choosing the type of wood for their decking.
What are the types of wood stains
There are three main types of wood stains: oil-based, water-based, and gel-based. Oil-based stains penetrate deep into the wood and provide rich, long-lasting color. Water-based stains are easy to clean up and offer low odor and VOC emissions. Gel-based stains are thicker and provide more controlled application, making them ideal for vertical surfaces or detailed work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various types of wood available in the market, each with its unique characteristics and uses. Hardwoods, such as oak and mahogany, are durable and ideal for furniture making, cabinetry, and flooring. Softwoods, such as pine and cedar, are more economical and commonly used for construction, outdoor decking, and fencing. Exotic woods, such as teak and rosewood, are highly sought after for their unique grains and colors and are commonly used in high-end furniture and cabinetry. Wood also finds its application in paper-making, carving, and various handicrafts. In conclusion, the type of wood selected depends on the intended use, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
