Comprehensive Guide to Hardwood and Softwood Types
Wood is a versatile and timeless material used in construction, furniture-making, and a wide range of applications.
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1/1/20253 min read


Understanding the properties and uses of different wood types is crucial for making the right choices in your projects. In this guide, we will explore every wood type listed in the chart, breaking them down into hardwoods and softwoods, and discussing their unique features, advantages, and applications.
Hardwood vs. Softwood: Understanding the Basics
The distinction between hardwood and softwood lies not in their hardness but in their botanical classification.
Hardwoods come from angiosperms, trees that produce seeds enclosed in fruit. They are generally denser and more durable, making them suitable for furniture, flooring, and construction.
Softwoods come from gymnosperms, trees that produce seeds without a covering. They grow faster and are often more affordable, making them ideal for framing, paneling, and general-purpose construction.
Let’s dive into the individual characteristics and uses of each type of wood listed in the chart.
Hardwoods
1. African Padauk
Janka Hardness: 1725
Appearance: Bright orange-red that darkens over time to a deep maroon or brown.
Uses: High-end furniture, musical instruments, flooring, and veneers.
Features: Resistant to insects and decay, with excellent durability and stability.
2. Ash
Janka Hardness: 1320
Appearance: Pale beige to light brown with a straight grain.
Uses: Tool handles, sports equipment (e.g., baseball bats), furniture, and flooring.
Features: Strong yet flexible, making it perfect for dynamic applications.
3. Beech
Janka Hardness: 1300
Appearance: Light cream with a fine, even texture.
Uses: Furniture, cabinetry, veneers, and flooring.
Features: Excellent workability and shock resistance, often used in plywood.
4. Birch
Janka Hardness: 1260
Appearance: Light reddish-brown with a straight, closed grain.
Uses: Furniture, cabinetry, and plywood.
Features: Affordable and widely available, but less resistant to decay.
5. Blackwood
Janka Hardness: 1160
Appearance: Dark brown to black with a fine texture.
Uses: Musical instruments, furniture, and decorative veneers.
Features: Highly durable and prized for its rich color.
6. Cherry
Janka Hardness: 950
Appearance: Reddish-brown with a smooth grain that darkens with age.
Uses: High-end furniture, cabinetry, and paneling.
Features: Easy to work with and finishes beautifully.
7. Ebony
Janka Hardness: 3220
Appearance: Deep black with a dense, smooth grain.
Uses: Musical instruments, decorative inlays, and luxury furniture.
Features: Extremely hard and durable but expensive and rare.
8. Hickory
Janka Hardness: 1820
Appearance: Pale yellow to reddish-brown with a straight grain.
Uses: Tool handles, flooring, and sports equipment.
Features: Exceptionally tough and shock-resistant.
9. Mahogany
Janka Hardness: 800-900
Appearance: Deep reddish-brown with a straight grain.
Uses: Furniture, boatbuilding, and decorative veneers.
Features: Known for its workability, beauty, and durability.
10. Oak (Red and White)
Janka Hardness: Red Oak: 1290, White Oak: 1360
Appearance: Light to medium brown with a prominent grain.
Uses: Furniture, flooring, barrels, and cabinetry.
Features: Durable and resistant to decay, especially white oak.
11. Teak
Janka Hardness: 1000
Appearance: Golden-brown with a straight grain.
Uses: Outdoor furniture, boat decks, and high-end flooring.
Features: Naturally weather-resistant and durable.
12. Walnut
Janka Hardness: 1010
Appearance: Rich chocolate brown with a fine grain.
Uses: Furniture, cabinetry, and gunstocks.
Features: Easy to work with and highly valued for its aesthetic appeal.
Softwoods
1. Cedar
Janka Hardness: 350-900
Appearance: Reddish-brown with a straight, fine grain.
Uses: Shingles, siding, outdoor furniture, and decking.
Features: Naturally resistant to rot and insects.
2. Douglas Fir
Janka Hardness: 620
Appearance: Light brown with a hint of red and a straight grain.
Uses: Construction lumber, beams, and plywood.
Features: Strong and versatile with good structural properties.
3. Pine
Janka Hardness: 380-870
Appearance: Light yellow with a straight grain.
Uses: Furniture, flooring, and paneling.
Features: Affordable and easy to work with, but less durable.
4. Spruce
Janka Hardness: 510
Appearance: Light creamy-white with a fine grain.
Uses: Musical instruments, construction lumber, and paper production.
Features: Lightweight and resonant, ideal for acoustic applications.
5. Redwood
Janka Hardness: 450
Appearance: Reddish-brown with a straight grain.
Uses: Decking, outdoor furniture, and siding.
Features: Naturally resistant to decay and weather.
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Project
Furniture: Hardwoods like mahogany, oak, and walnut offer durability and beauty.
Flooring: Hickory and oak are excellent for high-traffic areas.
Outdoor Use: Cedar and teak are ideal for their weather resistance.
Construction: Douglas fir and pine are reliable and economical choices.
Acknowledgment
This guide references the chart provided by The Wood Database, a comprehensive resource for wood enthusiasts and professionals.
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Website: ProHands Handyman
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