Category: Wood Types & Selection

You’re probably wondering, ‘how long can plywood withstand rain?’ It’s a concern for any DIY enthusiast or professional builder. A few showers of rain to your plywood is okay for as long as it is not exposed for too long. A few minutes would be okay but a longer exposure would ruin your plywood. However…

You’re probably wondering, ‘how hard is poplar wood?’ As a woodworker, you need to know your materials. Poplar’s unique characteristics make it versatile but somewhat challenging. It’s softer than most hardwoods, which affects its durability and how you’ll handle it. But don’t worry, we’ll guide you through understanding poplar wood’s hardness, comparing it to other…

You’ve found some pallet wood and you’re itching to start a DIY project. But wait! Is it treated? It’s crucial to know before you begin. Understanding markings, recognizing treatment signs, and knowing health risks are key. Let’s dive into how to tell if pallet wood is treated. Key Takeaways Understanding the Basics of Pallet Wood…

You’re about to embark on a journey to master the art of how to finish cherry wood. It’s not just about slapping on a coat of varnish. You’ll learn the unique characteristics of this beautiful hardwood, the tools you’ll need, and the steps to prep and apply the perfect finish. Moreover, we’ll share tips on…

Looking for an answer to how hard is birch wood? Well, you’re in the right place! We’ll dive into the hardness scale for this wood, analyze birch’s specific characteristics, and compare it to other woods. You’ll also discover practical uses for birch based on its hardness and learn about factors that can alter it. Ready…

Looking to enhance the natural beauty of your aspen wood? Discover the benefits of stained aspen wood and how to choose the right stain for your project. In this article, we’ll show you how to prepare your aspen wood for staining and share techniques for achieving a beautiful, long-lasting finish. Find out how to maintain…

Are you looking to start a new woodworking project but unsure which type of wood to use? Then, read on. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between hardwood and softwood, helping you make an informed decision. Hardwood and softwood come from different types of trees, offering unique qualities for your projects. By understanding…

Looking to embark on a woodworking project? You want the best wood species that will bring your creations to life. Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll guide you through the top wood choices for your projects. From versatile oak to durable walnut, and classic cherry to unique elm, we’ve got you covered. Get…

Two of the most common types of wood used by woodworkers are maple and cherry wood. The two are renowned for their amazing strength, fine beauty, and impressive workmanship. But when it comes to selecting the best of the two, let us find out more about their characteristics, their strengths, and their disadvantages in this…

Ebony is one of the most enchanting woods in the world. It has a dense black to brown wood which is so heavy that it can sink when placed in water. The surface of ebony wood has a fine texture with a striking mirror finish when it’s polished. This dense black wood is commonly used…

If you’re an avid woodworker, the one who prefers to work with exotic woods, you may have heard about two very popular, and very interesting hardwoods called bloodwood and Padauk woods. Bloodwood is well-known for its gorgeous bright red heartwood while Padauk is for its pale golden yellow to deep red heartwood. Here we will…

When it comes to expensive hardwoods, there are a few wood species that are impossible to purchase locally and extremely expensive to buy. One of these is Ceylon Satinwood. Let’s find out what is Ceylon Satinwood and why it’s one of the most expensive woods on the planet in this in-depth guide. What is Ceylon…

Bamboo is a wood source however, it is not a tree. Bamboos are overgrown grass with unique characteristics. In many countries, bamboo is a source of wood used to build houses, fences, and general construction. Bamboo is also useful in making furniture and various decors. So is bamboo a wood? Let’s find out more about…

Aspen and oak are two of the most popular wood species used to make furniture, flooring, and other woodworking projects. These two kinds of wood are also highly prized for their beauty and strength. So, aspen vs. oak; which one is better and which one is stronger, let’s find out in this comparative review. Aspen…

People looking for something exotic to use as cutting boards may ask: “Is bloodwood good for cutting boards?” Bloodwood is great for cutting boards. Despite being an imported wood species and some challenges during manufacturing, bloodwood will make great cutting boards because of its amazing strength and impressive density. Bloodwood is also very hard and…

Cutting boards are handy kitchen tools. A good cutting board will help you cut all kinds of ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits. There are many types of wood used to make cutting boards and one of these is mahogany. Is mahogany good for a cutting board or would you rather use other…

Pine is one of the most common woods for projects, furniture-making, and also for construction. This wood has many impressive qualities. It’s durable, sturdy, and easy to work with. However, there are also some disadvantages of using pine with many asking “Is pine good for woodwork?” Let us help you decide if pine is the…

There are many types of wood and we’re not talking about the different species of wood. When it comes to manufactured wood, you can count on different materials with various content, manufacturing processes, and uses. Manufactured boards are modified wood created by mixing and pressing various wood pieces. These pieces are held together by strong…

Exterior wood beams work by providing functionality, strength and aesthetic appeal of any woodworking project. They provide a good support to the roof, while playing a role in improving the appearance of a building. There are different types of timber that you can use for exterior beams. They usually go with different styles of homes.…

Back in the days, travelers bound for the West look for signs of the Cottonwood because having one in an area is a sign that there is water nearby. This is the reason why Cottonwood groves have served as a rendezvous for tired travelers. Homesteaders use Cottonwood timber as windbreaks, cutting them for firewood and…

In the world of woodworking, Poplar wood is one of the most popular options for almost any type of furniture making. This type of wood is distributed widely throughout regions in North Africa, North America, Asia and Europe. If you have gotten hold of this type of wood, you may now be thinking, is Poplar…

If you’re wondering what is kauri wood, then you came to the right place. Kauri is a Maori name for a coniferous tree belonging to the Araucariaceae native to the northern parts of New Zealand. Kauri trees are among the giant trees in the world. The largest kauri trees can rival the size of giant…

When selecting the best wood for making furniture, general construction, and other wood projects, you may wonder which type of wood works best. Two popular kinds of wood are pine and hemlock wood; each one has its exceptional characteristics and impressive strength. Let’s find out more about hemlock wood vs. pine wood and get to…

Walnut vs. cherry wood, which should you use when it comes to furniture? Which one is best for home fixtures? To find out which wood is better for your home, we need to consider the characteristics of each. So without further ado, let’s dive into walnut wood and cherry wood characteristics. Walnut Wood Characteristics Image…

Yes, lime wood is suitable for carving and a lot more. This guide will look at lime wood, its characteristics, and the benefits of making it great for carving. Let’s also explore the ways to use lime wood in carving and in other woodworking projects. Lime wood is a famous wood carving and woodworking wood.…

What is SPF lumber? SPF lumber, or Spruce-Pine-Fir lumber is a type of softwood that comes with fewer knots, with some growth rings. Most softwoods are categorized into several grades, ranging from A to D. The stamp on the SPF lumber gives details on the species, thus the SPF, as it uses Engelmann spruce, white…

Working with different kinds of wood is exciting. You get to learn more about various hardwoods and softwoods and find out the best woodworking woods. Let’s focus on a popular wood species used in different projects: cottonwood. Is cottonwood suitable for woodworking? Yes it is, but there are some limitations. We’ll find out in this…

Moisture is the number one enemy of wooden structures and projects. Because wood is made up of living cells and structures, water or moisture can easily seep in and attack the wood structure from within. Without proper protection, wood will eventually decay and lose its strength and form. If you’re using unprotected wood to build…

For people asking is cedar a hardwood or a softwood, we have the answer for you. Cedar is a softwood. Despite its tremendous strength and impressive durability, this iconic tree is softwood. Don’t be fooled by the words “soft” or “hard,” as this is not about how the wood feels when you touch its surface.…

You may have seen beautiful pine furniture or homes made from strong pine wood and wondered what is pine wood used for other than building furniture and homes? Are there other uses for this strong wood? Let’s discover the uses of pine lumber and the many pine species in this comprehensive guide. What is Pine…

Known for its deep red grains and impressive strength, the redwood is one of the most widely recognized hardwoods.  It has incredible qualities that make it the best for building furniture, decks, floors, fences, and other decorative items. Let’s find out what is redwood, its qualities, and its many uses in this complete redwood guide. …

While looking for the best type of wood for your projects and home construction, you may have stumbled upon Sande plywood. Most woodworkers and hobbyists admire Sande plywood because of its beauty and fantastic water and moisture resistance. Sande plywood is excellent for outdoor use because of its impressive properties. Let’s find out more about…

Cherry wood is no doubt one of the most popular furniture hardwood these days. This is backed up by its best-selling reputation across wood suppliers. What color is Cherry wood, you may ask. It is a reddish-brown, smooth grained hardwood of the American Black Cherry tree. Many wood aficionados and woodworkers adore Cherry because of…

Tupelo wood is one of the most widely known hardwoods native to many swampy and moist areas of eastern North America. Let us find out what is Tupelo wood, its many outstanding characteristics, and its uses in this comprehensive guide. What is Tupelo Wood? Image source Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is also known as black tupelo,…

The Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) is a wood species that thrives in the US Department of Agriculture 5b to 10a plant hardiness zones. What makes this wood a standout is its colorful leaves in the fall when grown in the northernmost portion of the range, while staying evergreen in the south. For this reason, this…

Cedar wood has earned a good reputation as it is being used for several woodworking projects. Among the many reasons of its popularity is its overall visual appeal and natural aromatic smell. Cedar wood is mostly seen in projects including clothing storage, musical instruments, shingles, and even in paneling. With the seemingly flexible nature of…

Marine plywood is a commonly used construction material that is used in a wide range of projects from residential construction to the manufacturing of shipping and shelving containers. As suggested by its name, marine plywood is mostly seen in the manufacturing of boats, ships and docks. The reason? When it comes to this industry, the…

Because of the several advantages offered by plywood as compared to traditional lumber, it certainly enjoys a favorable reputation among those in the woodworking industry. In fact, it is considered as among the most stable lumber products that is typically used in different types of construction. However, even though all plywood types are stable enough,…

Have you ever wondered why wooden knife handles feel so great on your hands? Also, why do most kitchen utensils have wooden handles? Most kitchen utensils and chopping boards are wood, such as oak. So, is oak good for knife handles as well? This guide will find out. Quick Answer Oak wood makes great knife…

Poplar wood earned its reputation of being one of the easiest and lightest woods to use for a variety of woodworking projects. As such, this wood is used commonly for different applications, such as in cabinetry, along with other interior furniture pieces, including kitchen work. With this you may ask, is Poplar good for cutting…

Poplar wood is often labeled as one of the most famous options for any type of furniture, along with several other projects in woodworking. It is distributed widely throughout the regions of Asia, Europe, North Africa and North America. Whether you are an amateur or a professional woodworker, you may be boggled by this question…

Oak furniture is beautiful and very expensive. From lovely oak cabinets to luxurious bed boards, the price can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars. But have you ever wondered why people pay more for oak? Is oak wood expensive? Let’s find out more about oak wood, its price, and why it’s so costly…

The industry has been dominated by wood decking for many years. Since the 1950s, tropical woods have created a name in the decking field. Ipe was one of the first woods that took the industry by storm, leading residential and commercial decking.  There are plenty of significant projects showcasing the contributions of IPE, such as…

Wood carving requires soft but strong woods for different types of carving, such as chip carving, carving in the round, whittling, and relief carving. This needs both soft and hardwoods for aesthetically pleasing results. Wood carving, as a process, includes production of furniture, musical instruments, and furniture.  Wood carving is regarded as one of the…

One of the most popular kinds of wood for furniture and woodworking projects is mahogany. This type of wood is known for its beauty and versatility but is mahogany a strong wood? Let’s find out why mahogany is a favorite among woodworkers, furniture makers, and hobbyists. Also, let’s learn about the background of mahogany and…

Balsawood and Basswood are valued for their lightweight compared to other commercially available wood varieties. Crafters also favor these two types of woods, considering their availability and workability. Balsawood is lightweight and used mainly in constructing bridges, buoys, and model airplanes. Basswood, on the other hand, is the preferred material by woodcarvers. This wood is…

When people from Southeast Asia build furniture, cabinets, and home fixtures, they turn to a local hardwood species called meranti wood. Also known as Philippine mahogany, meranti wood does not have any features of New Word mahoganies belonging to the Swietenia genus. Let’s find out what is meranti wood, why it’s very popular in the…

Spruce is a type of wood with cream, white to yellow hues, straight wood grain, and even texture. This wood is often used to construct crates, beams, foundations, etc. Many people are surprised by its excellent qualities when it comes to woodworking. But many are also curious to know what type of wood is Spruce.…

When woods are the topics of discussion, people inevitably give their views based on their familiarity and what they have learned about these woods. Aspen vs. poplar wood is something that people should learn so that the moment they are asked to share their views about these woods, it would be easier for them to…

There are different types of woods available all over the world, and each type has unique and impressive characteristics to boast. Among these types is Basswood. What is Basswood? This isn’t the only question lingering in people’s minds. If you are also curious and interested in knowing more about Basswood, this comprehensive guide can help…

Woods are common topics these days. With countless types of woods available, people can’t stop talking and evaluating what each type has to offer. Among the popular woods being talked about, these days is Ash wood.  Ash wood is a top choice when it comes to flooring, cabinetry, doors, furniture, and even food containers. This…

When it comes to woodworking projects, choosing the right wood is as important as expecting the final output. After all, there are different types of wood. Among the most commonly used ones are Aspen wood and Alder wood. Are you in a dilemma right now as you need to choose between the two? In this…

We hear about the many uses of Acacia wood. It can be seen as used in making furniture, carving wood, and for several construction uses. Because of its attractive and elegant looking grain, it is also known for use in decorations. How strong is Acacia wood? Well, it is considered as among the strongest woods…

There is no question that Acacia wood is among the most common varieties of wood used for making furniture. The reason? Acacia wood is beautiful, durable, and long-lasting. It is also ideal for making outdoor furniture, thanks to its capability to deal with extreme weather conditions, freezing winters included.  Unfortunately, Acacia wood is not all…

Both Acacia and Teak are considered as exotic varieties of hardwood. They are commonly used for making flooring, fixtures and furniture. With just one look, these two woods look similar. Sadly, it has become a practice among some to sell Acacia wood, saying that it is Teak, for a cheap price. They may be used…

What do you know about MDF vs HDF? When deciding on a material to use for a project, you can be tempted to use a material with a higher level of durability. However, this is the time that you correct this kind of perception because choosing the best product should not always depend on durability.…

There are various factors when buying and crafting wood furniture, such as color, quality, and cost, to name a few. Most importantly, you need to decide the type of wood you get. There are basically three types of woods commonly used in furniture-making-plywood, solid wood, and MDF. Given these types, there are low quality and…

The durability and beauty of natural wood aren’t debatable, but MDF is a great alternative for natural wood on the other spectrum. Though many people have heard about MDF, many are not sure how to appropriately use this material and if this building component is durable.  Is MDF wood durable? We suggest that you read…

There has been a rapid depletion or reduction of solid woods and challenges in obtaining large and flat panels. Due to these scenarios, people have learned to produce wood products to fulfill their needs. This is precisely where engineered woods come in. Under this wood, categories are Medium Density Fiberboard or MDF and particleboard.  Suppose…

Medium Density Fiberboard or MDF is engineered wood comprised of thin panels from wax, resin, and wood fiber. Compared to other engineered wood, MDF is more durable, stronger, and denser. This is one of the reasons why MDF is used in many different applications and construction.  Is MDF good for kitchens? Knowing that MDF is…

Some woodworkers, usually beginners, make a mistake of thinking that MDF and plywood are the same. While there are a number of similarities between the two materials, there are also some significant differences that will make you reconsider choosing one over the other for your next project. MDF vs plywood – which one is better?…

Wood is available in many types and species. Most of the wood used as building materials is readily available and affordable. But have you ever wondered about the most expensive wood species? Here is a list of the 11 top most expensive and the rarest wood species available. The 11 most expensive wood  1 African…

Among the most common concerns asked by those who are looking for wood, options include knowing the difference between manufactured wood vs particle board. For one, the term manufactured wood can be confusing. Is it not real wood? How about particle board? Is it just a board, and not made out of wood? In this…

You may have heard the term before, but now that you are focusing on improving your woodworking skills, you may be wondering – what is parawood? Is this type of material worth your attention, especially for your furniture building, home remodeling, or other DIY woodworking projects?  In this article, let us look at the characteristics…

You may have heard of this name before. But what is teak wood? Teak wood is popular among furniture makers. Some buyers also specifically look for this wood. There was a time when it was heavily used, which is why the deforestation of this species is controlled strictly, ensuring a consistent and rejuvenated supply of…

Fiberboard is a product of engineered wood made with wood fibers. There are different kinds of fiberboard, which include LDF (low-density fiberboard, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and HDF (high-density fiberboard. This dense product is often used in several industries. It is also covered often using some sort of veneer. In this article, we will answer the…

If you often do woodworking projects, familiarizing different kinds of woods can give you the advantage of having reliable outputs. Engineered wood and particle board, in particular, are common materials used in several wooden projects. However, not everyone knows and understands the traits of these materials, thus, they cannot easily determine which one is more…

Wood is the all-time most popular building material. There are many types of wood each one with specific characteristics and features. Some woods are darker while others are lighter. Some woods are best for use outdoors while others shine indoors. But have you ever wondered what are the world’s heaviest woods?  Characteristics of heavy wood…

There are many types of wood available but have you ever thought about using composite wood? What is composite wood and where does it come from? Let’s find out in this composite wood guide.  What is composite wood? Image source There’s no end to man’s insatiable need for wood. This building material is strong, aesthetically…

Oak is the wood material of choice for many building and decorative applications. However, another new and more favorable type of lumber is getting more attention: rubberwood. Let’s find out about rubberwood vs oak, which is better, stronger, more versatile, and more beautiful in this comparison article. Oakwood characteristics Image source Oakwood is a part…

Expect furniture made from acacia wood to be very durable, visually appealing, and very expensive. It’s the wood of choice because of its intricate grains, something that most woodworkers find alluring. But what is acacia wood really and what makes it stand out from all other types? Get to know more about acacia wood and…

Wood veneer as a furniture piece? Most homeowners immediately think of flat-pack, cheaply-made furniture. But it’s high time to look deeper, to learn what is veneer wood exactly so you’ll know what to expect when choosing veneer wood furniture and other materials.  What is veneer wood exactly? Wood veneer looks like natural wood because it’s…

When talked about veneer, the first thing that would come to your mind is that it is the coating of different furnishings and furniture, built from fine wood sheets of different types. Well, the veneer is a significant part of kitchen and bathroom layouts. It is also used for shop windows and shelving. Veneer comes…

Are you trying to decide between rubberwood and pine wood for your furniture or other woodworking projects? In this article, we’ll compare the origins, characteristics, environmental impact, durability and strength, suitability for various applications, availability and cost, aesthetics and visual appeal, as well as maintenance and care of rubberwood and pine. By considering these factors,…

Wood is one of the most precious building materials. It’s strong, durable, and beautiful however, there are also some downsides. Over time, wood can change color and can buckle due to moisture changes. These and many other reasons have made woodworkers turn to engineered wood. Let’s find out what is engineered wood and how it’s…

MDF or medium-density fiberboard is one of the most popular materials for interior or exterior construction projects. Learning what is MDF wood and understanding its advantages or disadvantages can help you decide if this is the right building material for your project.  What is MDF wood exactly? MDF wood is a type of engineered wood…

When it comes to woodworking projects, knowing the best wood option will play a huge role in the overall output of your project. Regardless of the style that you are trying to achieve, there is always a specific type of wood that will meet your requirements.  Wood, by nature, is beautiful, dynamic, versatile, and tough.…

Plywood has proved to be an affordable choice for different woodworking projects over time. For beginners, knowing that there are several types of plywood currently available could be overwhelming. Untrained eyes could easily choose out of superficial factors. This is the reason for the need to learn about the types of plywood, including other important…

Although solid wood highlights several good points which make it an ideal material for finishing, there is one thing that could probably stop you from using it – the cost. The durability of woods is something you cannot question. However, it can be very expensive if you will try to outfit the whole area with…

Plywood is one of the most prominently used materials in construction. From home construction to making decks or devising certain things, plywood makes an affordable and durable option. This material also comes in various types which are adaptable to people’s requirements. However, one downside of plywood materials is that most of them are not waterproof.…

Shopping for wood is getting tricky these days. Not only will you need to choose what wood you want, but you get to pick what kind and type they are. Maybe you want hardwood or softwood. Yet, there are different hardwood and softwood options. These questions can become all too confusing once you know more…

You might have heard of rubber trees. After all, the rubber trees are famous for their production of rubber. Today, rubber has been one of the most sought-after products in the world. However, only a few people are aware of rubberwood. But what is rubberwood?  You will find out a lot of helpful information about…

Discovering the different types of wood as well as their uses can give you the advantage of identifying the best wood for your project. Whether you are planning to come up with something from a certain wood or just want to get a piece of nice wood furniture for the house, the following list may…

You can be bombarded with plenty of choices if you try to look around to find the best material for your interior furniture. When we talk about the best material for home décor, many would agree that it will be solid wood. However, not everyone will have easy access to these materials because of their…

By now you probably know that wood comes in diverse colors, sizes, and at different ratings of strength. One important feature to always consider when selecting a wood species for a DIY project is how hard it is. If you don’t want to think too hard, you can always opt to pick one from the…

What is the strongest plywood available? Plywood is one of the strongest materials used in construction. Its toughness is influenced by the distinctive grain layers positioned straight-up to one another as they are gummed using glue through high pressure during the process of manufacturing. The entire process has made plywood essentially breach-proof. Other elements that…

Some may scorn the idea of painting treated lumber, thinking that this is something that is not safe. However, reality dictates that it is possible to do so. However, there are things that you need to know. For example, in order to achieve a great-looking and long-lasting finish, it is very important to assess the…

Plywood is a kind of laminated wood that started during archaic Egypt and China. It was in 1865 that the first concession for plywood was given to John K. Mayo. Currently, contemporary procedures of production and manufacturing have turned plywood into one of the most commonly used devised wood products in furniture, cabinet making, and…