Wood Selection 101: Understanding Different Types of Wood

Building furniture or shelves for your home? Or making picture frames or other decorative objects? Any type of woodworking project requires the use of the right kind of wood. Some types may not offer the durability you need. Other species might not be the best choice for outdoor use.

You’ll find different types of wood to choose from — but which one is the right choice for your project? We’ll go over the various kinds of wood used for woodworking, including their pros and cons.

Wood Categories

Different types of natural wood for woodworking fall into two main categories — hardwoods and softwoods.

Hardwoods are typically from slow-growing deciduous trees that have seeds and leaves. A few common characteristics of hardwoods include the following:

• Tend to be more expensive than softwoods
• Usually have darker tones compared to softwoods
• Have a dense, hard grain and heavier weight

Softwoods come from fast-growing evergreen trees with cones and needles rather than leaves and seeds. A few characteristics that softwoods share include:

• Tend to be less expensive than hardwoods
• Have a lighter weight and a softer grain
• Usually have lighter tones than hardwoods

Note that softwood doesn’t mean this type of wood is fragile or delicate. Softwoods get their name from being easier to use for woodworking projects in general. But they’re not always the most suitable choice.

Types of Hardwood

Several kinds of hardwood are used for flooring, furniture, and other wood structures thanks to its durability and natural beauty. Below, we’ll explore the many hardwood types that are commonly available.

1. Acacia

This richly colored wood comes from several species of trees in Australia and Africa. It’s a solid choice for floors and smaller household wood items. You can use acacia indoors and outdoors — but it needs to be sealed to prevent sun and rain damage.

Pros:

• Irregular grain patterns for an eye-catching appearance
• Resistant to water and pest damage
• Eco-friendly type of wood

Cons:

• Tough to work with due to its heaviness
• Prone to swelling and/or cracking
• Higher cost than other hardwoods

2. Ash

This hardwood comes in lighter shades than other types of hardwood. You can find ash with streaks of white and gold, creating an elegant look. And this kind of wood also bends easily — making it a great choice for carving decorative furniture, toys, jewelry, and more!

Pros:

• Variety of colors, from light brownish-gray to reddish-brown hues
• Curves and bends with ease for making intricate items
• Strong yet relatively lightweight
• Looks similar to white oak

Cons:

• The ash tree is vulnerable to insect pests, including the invasive emerald ash borer
• Doesn’t resist water as well as other hardwoods
• Not as durable as other hardwoods

3. Bamboo

Bamboo isn’t technically a hardwood — but it’s usually grouped with hardwoods. It’s actually made from the giant bamboo species of grass. Its density gives it a high amount of durability and tensile strength, making it suitable for flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and similar items.

Pros:

• Fast-growing grass that offers a lot of sustainability and eco-friendly qualities
• Water-resistant for indoor or outdoor use
• Contemporary appearance for added visual appeal
• Can is dyed virtually any color

Cons:

• Vulnerable to scratches that can mar its appearance
• Sensitive to humidity changes that can cause cracks or warping
• Quality varies widely, depending on the source

4. Beech

This hardwood shares similarities with birch in terms of color, ranging from pale hues to reddish-brown tones. It also tends to become darker as it ages. Beech doesn’t handle the outdoors well. But it’s a good hardwood to use for cabinets, floors, and other structures that have stained or painted surfaces.

Pros:

• Smooth surface that’s ideal for many stains, finishes, and paints
• Even, consistent appearance for a uniform look
• Lower costs compared to other hardwoods

Cons:

• Splits easily, making it difficult for some woodworking projects
• Absorbs moisture and can swell, making it unsuitable for outdoor use
• Vulnerable to insect damage

5. Birch

Birch is another lighter colored type of hardwood that can be easily stained to change its appearance. It’s also a strong wood, making it perfect for cabinets, furniture, and other larger woodworking projects. And it doesn’t crack or split as other hardwoods do when using tools to cut or carve it.

Pros:

• Fine, tight grain and smooth surface for aesthetic appeal
• Lower cost than other hardwood types
• Heavier weight, making it a good option for sturdy furniture pieces and similar objects
• Is similar in appearance to beech

Cons:

• Vulnerable to moisture and humidity, resulting in warping
• Not as durable as some hardwoods
• Vulnerable to insect damage

6. Cherry

Cherry’s distinctive dark reddish-brown coloring makes it a favorite hardwood for luxury desks, chairs, tables, and other furniture pieces. It’s also used for musical instruments. Its deep coloring and straight, fine grain give it an upscale appearance. It’s also strong — but easy to work with while carving shapes and other designs.

Pros:

• Rich tones that grow darker with age
• Durable and strong for long-lasting wood items
• Simple to cut and carve as needed for making intricate or decorative objects and designs

Cons:

• Higher cost than many other types of hardwood
• May become discolored when exposed to the sun’s UV rays
• Sensitive to humidity that might cause warping
• Not as dense as most other hardwoods

7. Ebony

Looking for hardwood with a lot of elegance and quality? Ebony is one of the rarest — and most expensive — kinds of hardwood. Its dark, nearly black coloring offers a luxurious look. And it’s a top choice for carving complex designs for decorative headboards, cabinets, and other furniture items.

Pros:

• Hardness that handles finely detailed carvings and designs well
• Lustrous dark brown to black tones for a high-end look
• Surface holds finishes well for a polished look

Cons:

• One of the highest costing hardwoods available
• Can crack if it isn’t handled carefully
• Can be difficult to work because it's extremely dense and hard
• Limited availability due to environmental and trade restrictions

8. Mahogany

For a high-end reddish or deep brown tone, mahogany is a top pick for woodworking projects. Its density and smooth grain give it an elegant — and visually striking — appearance. Mahogany comes from trees in several regions, including West Africa and Central America. It’s a good hardwood to use for larger woodworking projects or luxurious, custom-made items. And it’s hardy enough to handle indoor and outdoor use.

Pros:

• Warm tones and even grain pattern for added visual appeal
• Highly durable and resistant to rotting and insect damage
• Easy to work with when sanding, carving, and shaping

Cons:

• Heavier weight that can make it tricky to handle for some projects
• Sustainable sources can be hard to find
• Higher cost than many other hardwoods

9. Maple

Baseball bats, cupboards, floors, and violins are just a few of the items commonly made with this hardwood. Maple’s versatility makes it one of the most widely used types of hardwoods! It’s also a dense wood with a lot of durability.

Pros:

• Lighter colors than some other hardwoods, including golden blond and even white hues
• High amount of stability, making it less prone to warping and wear and tear
• Incredible strength for making items that require sturdiness

Cons:

• Heavy weight that can be tough for some woodworking projects
• Higher grades can cost more than other hardwoods
• Prone to staining unevenly

10. Red Oak

Red oak is one of the most popular and versatile hardwoods for many woodworking projects — from cabinets and floors to boats and barrels. Red oak provides a rich russet hue. White oak offers lighter tones in yellow and white. Planning to make items that last for decades? Oak’s long lifespan makes it the ideal hardwood for these projects!

Pros:

• Richly textured wood grain for a rustic appearance
• Resistant to wear and tear and moisture damage
• Highly durable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Vulnerable to shrinking when used in a dry environment
• Heavy weight that can be harder to work with
• Vulnerable to some insect pests that are attracted to wood

11. Poplar

Need a hardwood that’s easy to work with for beginner woodworking? That’s what poplar offers. This hardwood is simple to handle, thanks to its lighter weight. Poplar’s a versatile wood that ranges in color from cream and off-white to yellowish-green tones. It’s softer than other hardwoods, but it's an ideal choice for woodworking projects that involve painting.

Pros:

• Holds a variety of stains and paints well for more design options
• Highly sustainable type of hardwood
• One of the most affordable hardwoods

Cons:

• Vulnerable to scratches and other flaws due to its softer quality
• Not as durable or pest- and moisture-resistant as other hardwoods
• Plain wood grain is not enhanced by staining

12. Teak

Looking for a hardwood for outdoor use, such as decking or patio furniture? Or need a hardwood for indoor use? Teak can handle both outdoor and indoor uses with ease. Some types of teak have golden brown hues for a stunning appearance. Others have grayish-yellow tones for a contemporary look. Teak is among the most versatile kinds of wood available — but it can also be tough to find!

Pros:

• Resistant to high heat levels, water, insects, and rot
• Aesthetic appeal thanks to its straight grain and rich hues
• Handles varnish, paint, and other finishes well
• Hard, dense grain is very durable

Cons:

• One of the most expensive kinds of hardwood
• Harder to find high-quality teak for woodworking projects

13. Black Walnut

For a hardwood with waves and earthy brown hues, there’s walnut. This hardwood ranges from light brown shades to dark chocolate tones with occasional blond streaks. It joins oak and maple as a common type of hardwood. It’s a common choice for making luxury furniture items and custom cabinetry. But it does have a few drawbacks to keep in mind.

Pros:

• Warm, elegant colors to choose from
• Less likely to shrink or become warped over time
• Strong and sturdy without the heavier weights that make other hardwoods hard to work with

Cons:

• Vulnerable to insect infestations
• Higher costs than some other hardwood types
• Softer than other kinds of hardwoods

Types of Softwood

Exploring different kinds of wood that offer more affordability and versatility for your woodworking projects? You may want to take a closer look at softwoods. These types of wood usually aren’t as costly as hardwoods — since they grow at a faster rate. Below, we’ll go over several types of softwood.

1. Red Cedar

Red cedar is best known for its pleasant, aromatic scent. This softwood is often used for making chests, linings for closets, dressers, and similar items. But it also has some outdoor uses, like decking and fencing. Cedar’s lightweight qualities make it simple to handle for DIY woodworking projects. And its reddish and white varieties give it visual appeal.

Pros:

• Resistant to rot and decay, making it suitable for outdoor use
• Repels moths and other insects
• Easy to carve and cut in intricate patterns

Cons:

• Color may get darker or change as it ages
• Vulnerable to dents and other physical flaws
• May become warped with moisture exposure

2. Douglas Fir

Need a reliable softwood for decking or other construction work around the house? Douglas fir gives you good durability and high density. This type of softwood has a reddish-light brown coloring. But it doesn’t hold stains well, making it more suitable for projects involving unfinished wood.

Pros:

• Lower cost than many hardwoods
• Versatility that makes it a good choice for many kinds of projects
• Repels insects, protecting it from infestations and damage
• For a softwood, Douglas fir is relatively hard and durable

Cons:

• Can develop wear and tear over time without regular maintenance
• May splinter when cutting or carving it
• Less resistant to rot than cedar, giving it less durability overall

3. Pine

Trying to find a wood that’s easy to work with? Pine is among the easiest kinds! This softwood has several varieties, including southern yellow pine and ponderosa. Its lighter weight and inconsistent coloring make it a suitable choice for woodworking projects with a more rustic look, such as furniture items or wall shelves.

Pros:

• Lightweight that makes it simple to handle for many projects
• Sustainable source of softwood, making it eco-friendly
• Lower cost than other softwoods and hardwoods

Cons:

• Grain and color can have a lot of variation and inconsistencies for a less uniform look
• Not as durable as hardwoods and some other softwoods
• Contains sap that can seep out onto finishes
• Is typically riddled with knots
• Clear pine, containing no knots, is expensive

4. Redwood

Redwood’s durability and ruggedness makes it a great option for decking and other outdoor structures. But you can also use it for indoor woodworking projects. This softwood has rich reddish-brown hues or pale yellow hues — depending on the source. Redwood comes from towering sequoia trees that offer straight grains and a rough texture.

Pros:

• Resistant to moisture, insect infestations, rot, and decay
• Lightweight for easier handling — but also hardy
• Distinctive reddish appearance for high aesthetic appeal

Cons:

• Higher cost than other softwoods
• High-quality redwood can be difficult to find
• Can dent or develop other physical flaws

5. Spruce

This softwood doesn’t just offer beautiful hues — it also has good acoustics! In fact, spruce is used to make string instruments, like guitars. It’s also a suitable choice for other types of woodworking projects, including furniture and crates. Its striking light colors and straight grain give it a soft, smooth look.

Pros:

• Lighter weight that makes it simple to cut and carve
• Tonal characteristics that make it ideal for different kinds of musical instruments
• Lower cost compared to many hardwoods

Cons:

• May swell or decay due to moisture exposure
• Not as durable as other kinds of softwoods and hardwoods
• Colors and grains can be inconsistent, resulting in an irregular or uneven appearance

Engineered Wood

Natural wood isn’t the only option for woodworking. You can also use engineered wood for your projects if desired. This kind of wood is manufactured from wood mixed with various binders and glues, rather than being milled directly from trees.

Examples of this wood include:

• Particleboard
• Oriented-strand board
• Plywood
• Medium-density board
• Hardboard

Pros:

• Affordable and tends to cost less than natural wood
• Versatile usage for different woodworking projects
• Made from sustainable material
• Comes in large sheets

Cons:

• Not as durable as solid wood
• May split or warp unless it’s sealed
• Has multiple layers that can make it more difficult to work with

FAQs About Types of Wood

Have questions about different kinds of wood? Not sure what’s the strongest — or the highest quality wood? We’ll answer a few of the most commonly asked questions about wood below!

How to identify types of wood?

It’s helpful to know about different types of wood. But how do you know what kind of wood you’re working with? There are a few ways to identify wood types, including the following:

• Check end grains: Do they have natural lines or growth rings? That means it’s real wood rather than composite or manmade wood.
• Look at the grain pattern: What kind of pattern do you see? Hardwoods tend to be more porous. Softwoods usually have a smoother look.
• Check the weight: Does it feel heavy or light? Oak and maple tend to be heavier, for example, while pine and other softwoods tend to have a lighter weight.
• Look at the coloring and texture: What color is your wood? Is the texture smoother or rougher? Cherry has a dark red color that’s easy to identify. But other woods may be harder to identify, such as those with brownish hues.

How many kinds of wood are there?

As mentioned, wood comes in a few main types — hardwoods, softwoods, and engineered woods. But within these categories, you’ll find several types of wood. Note that there are thousands of tree species! Not all of them are suitable for woodworking. But we’ve explored some of the main types of hardwood and softwood used for these projects.

What is the strongest wood?

Which kind of wood is known for its stunning strength? A few kinds of hardwoods have this honor, including:

• Maple
• Oak
• Beech
• Teak
• Walnut

These types of wood are strong enough to be used for making sturdy objects or structures. But keep in mind that some tougher woods can also be a bit more difficult to work with. Some are heavy, making them awkward to handle. Others are tough to cut or carve without heavy-duty saws and other woodworking tools.

What is the highest quality wood?

That depends on what you’re using it for. You’ll want a high quality wood that can handle the elements if you’re making outdoor furniture or building decking. But for high-end decorative objects, you’ll want a different kind of high-quality wood that’s ideal for carving intricate designs.

Overall, some of the highest quality wood includes:

• Cherry
• Walnut
• Maple
• Oak
• Teak
• Ebony

Which type of wood is easiest to work with?

Just starting out with woodworking? Your best bet might be going with pine. As mentioned before, this softwood has a lot to offer beginners. It’s easy to work with, so you can practice carving and making different kinds of cuts. It’s also affordable —giving you a budget-friendly source of wood for your projects!

As your skills improve, though, you can try out other kinds of wood for various projects. Other softwoods may be easier to handle than hardwoods. They're also typically more readily available. Save the toughest hardwoods for challenging projects!

What kind of project are you working on? With so many types of wood available, our guide can help you narrow down your options. Weigh the pros and cons of each — and consider the kinds of projects each one is most suitable for. These factors can help you choose the best kind of wood for your woodworking projects!