A curated selection of the lumber species I use in my work

Bolivian Rosewood, also known as Pau Ferro or Morado, features a rich, varied color palette, a Janka hardness between 1,780 and 2,117 lbf, and typically straight to wavy grain with coarse texture.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Highly varied, ranging from reddish-orange to dark violet-brown, often with dramatic black streaks.
• Visual impact: The contrast between colors and streaks gives it a striking, exotic look, often mistaken for true rosewood.
• Luster: Generally low, but polishes well to a smooth finish.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Typically straight, though wavy patterns are common in higher-grade cuts.
• Texture: Coarse, which can make finishing slightly more challenging.
• Workability:
• Machining: Good, but can dull tools due to its density.
• Gluing: Fair—may require care due to natural oils.
• Finishing: Accepts finishes well, though pre-treatment may help.
• Nailing/Screwing: Pre-drilling is recommended.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: Ranges from 1,780 to 2,117 lbf, making it significantly harder than Red Oak and Maple.
• Density: Around 57 lb/ft³ (865–1330 kg/m³)—heavy and robust.

Patagonian Rosewood (also known as Curupay or Cebil) is an exceptionally hard and visually striking exotic hardwood, with a Janka hardness of 3,840 lbf, a dramatic color palette, and interlocked grain.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of its key characteristics:

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Varies from pale to medium reddish brown, often with dark brown to black streaks that create a bold, high-contrast appearance.

• Sapwood: Typically pale yellow to pinkish brown, sharply distinguished from the heartwood.

• Color Change: Tends to darken with age and exposure to light, enhancing its richness over time.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Often irregular or interlocked, which can produce dramatic figure but may pose challenges during machining.

• Texture: Medium to coarse, with a natural luster.

• Workability:

• Machining: Can be difficult due to density and interlocked grain.

• Finishing: Accepts finishes well, though pre-treatment may be needed to avoid blotching.

• Gluing: May require care due to natural oils.

• Nailing/Screwing: Pre-drilling is recommended.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 3,840 lbf—one of the hardest commercially available woods, significantly harder than Brazilian Walnut (Ipe).

• Density: ~64 lb/ft³ (1,025 kg/m³), making it extremely dense and durable.

• Durability:

• Excellent wear resistance—ideal for high-traffic flooring.

• Good dimensional stability with moderate shrinkage (radial: 4.6%, tangential: 7.6%).

Black Walnut wood is prized for its rich chocolate-brown heartwood, fine grain, and moderate hardness, with a Janka rating of 1,010 lbf.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Ranges from light brown to deep chocolate brown, often with darker streaks.
• May exhibit subtle hues of gray, purple, or reddish tones depending on the cut and age.
• Sapwood: Typically pale yellow-gray to nearly white, creating a striking contrast with the heartwood.
• Figured patterns: Black Walnut can display curl, crotch, and burl grain figures, adding visual interest and value.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Generally straight, though it can be curly or wavy in figured pieces.
• Texture: Medium to fine, with a natural luster that polishes to a smooth, elegant finish.
• Workability: Excellent—easy to machine, carve, and finish, making it a favorite for fine furniture and cabinetry.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,010 lbf (4,490 N)—moderately hard, suitable for furniture and interior applications but softer than woods like oak or maple.
• Stability: Good dimensional stability with moderate shrinkage (radial: 5.5%, tangential: 7.8%).
• Durability: Naturally resistant to decay, though not as tough as tropical hardwoods.

Peruvian Walnut (Juglans spp.), also known as Tropical Walnut or Nogal, is a dark, elegant hardwood with a Janka hardness of 960–1,146 lbf, straight grain, and a rich chocolate-brown hue often tinged with purple.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of its properties:

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Deep chocolate brown, often with purplish or reddish hues and occasional darker streaks.
• Sapwood: Pale yellow to off-white, sharply demarcated from the heartwood.
• Luster: Naturally attractive with a low to moderate sheen.
• Color Change: Tends to darken slightly over time, enhancing its richness.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Typically straight, though it can be wavy or irregular in some cuts.
• Texture: Fine to medium, with a coarse and porous structure.
• Workability:
• Machining: Cuts cleanly with minimal tearout.
• Gluing: Generally good, though natural oils may require surface prep.
• Finishing: Takes finishes well, producing a smooth, refined surface.
• Nailing/Screwing: Pre-drilling is recommended for best results.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: Ranges from 960 to 1,146 lbf—softer than Black Walnut, but still suitable for furniture and cabinetry.
• Density: ~37–43 lb/ft³ (600–673 kg/m³).
• Shrinkage: Radial: 3.6%, Tangential: 7.5%—moderate dimensional stability.
• Durability: Moderately durable; not ideal for ground contact but performs well indoors.

Purpleheart is a dense, exotic hardwood known for its vibrant purple color, exceptional strength, and durability, with a Janka hardness of 2,520 lbf and typically straight to wavy grain.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Freshly cut: Starts as a dull grayish or purplish brown.
• After exposure: Transforms into a deep, rich eggplant purple within days.
• Aging: Prolonged UV exposure can darken it to a brownish-purple or dark brown, though finishes with UV inhibitors can help preserve the color.
• Sapwood: Pale yellow to grayish-white, sharply demarcated from the heartwood.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Usually straight, but can be wavy or irregular.
• Texture: Medium, with a natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Can be difficult due to density and potential for gumming up tools with resin.
• Gluing: Fair—may require surface prep due to natural oils.
• Finishing: Accepts finishes well, but sanding can cause resin buildup.
• Nailing/Screwing: Pre-drilling is essential.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 2,520 lbf (11,190 N)—extremely hard, making it ideal for high-wear applications.
• Density: ~56.4 lb/ft³ (905 kg/m³).
• Shrinkage: Radial: 3.8%, Tangential: 6.4%—moderately stable.
• Durability:
• Highly resistant to rot, decay, and insects.
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, including decking and heavy-duty flooring.

Tigerwood is a bold, exotic hardwood known for its dramatic reddish-brown color with dark striping, interlocked grain, and a Janka hardness of 2,160–2,170 lbf, making it both visually striking and highly durable.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Medium to deep reddish-brown with irregular dark brown to black streaks, resembling tiger stripes—hence the name.
• Sapwood: Pale yellow to light brown, sharply demarcated from the heartwood.
• Color Change: Tends to darken with age, enhancing contrast and richness.
• Visual Impact: Highly decorative, often used where bold aesthetics are desired.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Typically interlocked, but can also be wavy or irregular, contributing to its dynamic appearance.
• Texture: Medium to coarse, with a natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Fair—can be challenging due to interlocked grain and density.
• Finishing: Accepts finishes well, producing a smooth, glossy surface.
• Gluing: May require surface prep due to natural oils.
• Nailing/Screwing: Pre-drilling is recommended.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 2,160–2,170 lbf—harder than oak and maple, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Density: ~57 lb/ft³ (905 kg/m³).
• Shrinkage: Radial: 4.2%, Tangential: 7.8%—moderate dimensional stability.
• Durability:
• Excellent resistance to wear, decay, and insects.
• Suitable for both interior and exterior applications, including decking.

Zebrawood is a bold, exotic hardwood from West Africa, known for its dramatic striped appearance, interlocked grain, and a Janka hardness of 1,830 lbf.

🌍 Country of Origin

• Native Region: Central and West Africa

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Light brown or cream-colored base with dark brown to black streaks, resembling a zebra’s stripes.
• Sapwood: Typically pale yellow, sharply demarcated from the heartwood.
• Visual impact: Highly decorative and instantly recognizable—often used for statement pieces and accents.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Interlocked, which can cause difficulty during planing but adds to its visual appeal.
• Texture: Medium to coarse, with large pores and a natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Can be challenging due to interlocked grain.
• Finishing: Accepts finishes well, though care is needed to avoid tearout.
• Gluing: Generally good, but surface prep may help.
• Laser Engraving: Suitable for engraving and cutting.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,830 lbf (8,160 N)—harder than Red Oak, making it suitable for flooring and furniture.
• Density: ~50 lb/ft³ (805 kg/m³).
• Shrinkage: Radial: 7.6%, Tangential: 10.8%—moderate dimensional stability.
• Durability:
• Good wear resistance.
• Not ideal for outdoor use unless properly sealed.

Wenge is a dense, dark hardwood native to Central Africa—especially Cameroon, Gabon, and both Congos—with a Janka hardness of 1,930 lbf, coarse texture, and dramatic black-brown striping.

🌍 Country of Origin

• Native Region: Tropical Central Africa
• Primary Countries: Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo
• Botanical Name: Millettia laurentii

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Medium to dark brown, often with a reddish or yellowish hue, interlaced with nearly black streaks.
• Sapwood: Pale yellow to white, sharply demarcated.
• Color Change: May lighten slightly over time with UV exposure.
• Visual Impact: Bold, high-contrast striping gives it a luxurious, modern aesthetic.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked, which can cause tearout during planing.
• Texture: Coarse, with large pores and a low natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Can be difficult due to hardness and silica content (dulls tools).
• Gluing: Fair—natural oils may require surface prep.
• Finishing: Accepts finishes well, but open pores may need filling.
• Nailing/Screwing: Pre-drilling is essential.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,930 lbf (8,600 N)—very hard, suitable for high-wear applications.
• Density: ~54.2 lb/ft³ (870 kg/m³).
• Shrinkage: Radial: 4.8%, Tangential: 8.3%—moderate dimensional stability.
• Durability:
• Excellent resistance to wear, rot, and termites.
• Endangered species status—sourcing should be done responsibly.

White Wenge, also known as Lati or Yaya, is a tropical hardwood native to Central and West Africa, with a Janka hardness of 1,200 lbf, light yellow coloring, and grain patterns similar to traditional Wenge.

🌍 Country of Origin

• Native Region: Central and West Africa
• Primary Countries: Cameroon, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and surrounding areas
• Botanical Names: Amphimas pterocarpoides and Amphimas ferrugineus
• Common Names: White Wenge, Lati, Yaya

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood & Sapwood: Light yellow to pale cream, with little distinction between the two.
• Color Change: Darkens over time to a golden yellow.
• Visual Impact: Subtle and clean, with a fine, understated elegance compared to the bold striping of traditional Wenge.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked, similar in pattern to dark Wenge but botanically unrelated.
• Texture: Medium to coarse, with a moderate natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Works well with minimal tearout.
• Gluing: Reliable and easy to bond.
• Finishing: Accepts finishes smoothly.
• Tool Wear: Moderate blunting effect on cutting edges.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,200 lbf—harder than Red Oak, but softer than traditional Wenge.
• Specific Gravity: Ranges from 0.58 to 0.78.
• Durability:
• Suitable for interior applications like furniture and trim.
• Not ideal for outdoor or ground-contact use without treatment.

Birdseye Maple is a rare figure found in Hard Maple (Acer saccharum), prized for its distinctive “bird’s eye” grain pattern, creamy color, and a Janka hardness of 1,450 lbf.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Creamy white to light golden brown, sometimes with a slight reddish tint.
• Sapwood: Pale to nearly white, often indistinguishable from the heartwood.
• Figure: Characterized by tiny swirling knots resembling bird’s eyes—caused by aborted buds due to poor growing conditions.
• Visual Impact: Highly decorative and sought after for its unique, organic pattern.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Generally straight, but the birdseye figure creates swirling, irregular patterns.
• Texture: Fine and even, with a moderate natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Good, but care is needed to avoid tearout around figured areas.
• Gluing & Finishing: Excellent—takes stains and finishes well.
• Nailing/Screwing: Pre-drilling recommended.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,450 lbf—about 6% harder than White Oak.
• Density: ~44 lb/ft³ (705 kg/m³).
• Durability:
• Rot Resistance: Low
• Insect Resistance: Low
• Best used for interior applications.

Flame Maple, also known as Curly or Fiddleback Maple, is a figured grain pattern found in several maple species—especially Hard Maple—with a Janka hardness ranging from 950 to 1,450 lbf and a stunning three-dimensional ripple effect.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Base Color: Creamy white to light reddish-brown, depending on the species (often Sugar Maple or Red Maple).
• Figure: The “flame” or “curly” effect appears as horizontal ripples across the grain, creating a 3D shimmer that shifts with light.
• Visual Impact: Highly prized for its chatoyance (cat’s-eye effect), especially when finished with dyes or clear coats.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight to wavy, with the flame figure running perpendicular to the grain.
• Texture: Fine and even, with a smooth surface that finishes beautifully.
• Workability:
• Machining: Good, though tearout can occur in figured areas.
• Finishing: Excellent—flame figure becomes more pronounced with dye or oil-based finishes.
• Gluing & Screwing: Reliable, though pre-drilling is recommended in dense areas.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 950 to 1,450 lbf, depending on the maple species:
  • Curly Soft Maple: ~950 lbf
  • Curly Hard Maple (Sugar Maple): ~1,450 lbf
• Density: 30–44 lb/ft³ (485–705 kg/m³)
• Durability:
• Moderate resistance to wear and denting.
• Best suited for interior applications.

Ash wood, primarily sourced from North America and Europe, is a light-colored, strong hardwood with a Janka hardness of 1,320–1,480 lbf, straight grain, and excellent shock resistance.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Light to medium brown, sometimes with darker streaks.
• Sapwood: Beige to pale yellow, often wide and not sharply demarcated from heartwood.
• Visual Impact: Clean and neutral, ideal for both rustic and modern aesthetics.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight and uniform, with occasional interlocking.
• Texture: Medium to coarse, similar to oak, with a moderate natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Excellent—easy to cut, shape, and sand.
• Gluing & Finishing: Reliable and smooth.
• Steam Bending: Very good—commonly used in curved furniture components.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,320–1,480 lbf, depending on the species.
• Density: ~42–44 lb/ft³ (675–705 kg/m³)
• Shrinkage: Radial: ~5.7%, Tangential: ~9.6%—moderate dimensional stability
• Durability:
• Shock-resistant—ideal for tool handles and sports equipment.
• Not naturally rot-resistant—best for indoor use unless treated.

Ambrosia Maple is not a separate species, but a visual variation of soft maple (typically Acer rubrum or Acer saccharinum) caused by ambrosia beetle activity, resulting in distinctive streaks and color patterns. It has a Janka hardness of around 950 lbf and a fine, straight grain.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Base Color: Creamy white to light tan, typical of soft maple.
• Figure: Marked by gray, brown, blue, or green streaks caused by ambrosia beetles introducing fungi into the wood.
• Visual Impact: The streaks often radiate from small, dark holes (beetle entry points), creating a unique, marbled appearance prized for artistic and rustic applications.
• Color Change: May darken slightly over time, especially when finished with oil-based products.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Generally straight, though the beetle activity can cause irregularities.
• Texture: Fine and even, similar to other maples.
• Workability:
• Machining: Good, though softer than hard maple.
• Finishing: Takes stains and finishes well—figuring can be enhanced with dyes.
• Gluing & Screwing: Reliable, with minimal issues.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: Approximately 950 lbf—softer than hard maple, but still suitable for many interior uses.
• Density: ~33–38 lb/ft³ (530–610 kg/m³)
• Durability:
• Not rot-resistant—best for indoor use.
• Moderate wear resistance—not ideal for high-traffic flooring without protective finishes.

🪑 Common Uses

• Furniture and cabinetry
• Decorative panels and veneers
• Turned objects and bowls
• Musical instruments
• Artistic woodworking and accents

Ambrosia Maple’s dramatic, organic streaking makes it a favorite for statement pieces and rustic-modern designs. Each board is visually unique, offering a blend of natural imperfection and refined maple grain. Let me know if you’d like to compare it side-by-side with other figured maples like Birdseye or Flame.

Sapele is a tropical hardwood from West and Central Africa, known for its rich reddish-brown color, interlocked grain, and a Janka hardness of 1,410 lbf. It’s often used as a sustainable alternative to mahogany due to its similar appearance and performance.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Medium to dark reddish-brown, often with a golden or coppery sheen.
• Sapwood: Pale yellow to whitish, clearly demarcated from the heartwood.
• Figure: Frequently displays ribbon stripe, pommele, quilted, or wavy grain patterns, especially in quarter-sawn cuts.
• Color Change: Darkens slightly with age and exposure to light.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Interlocked, which can produce dramatic visual effects but may cause tearout during machining.
• Texture: Fine to medium, with a consistent surface and moderate natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Fair—interlocked grain can be challenging.
• Finishing: Excellent—takes stains and finishes well.
• Gluing & Screwing: Reliable, though pre-drilling is recommended.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,410 lbf—similar to White Oak, making it suitable for flooring and furniture.
• Density: ~42–45 lb/ft³ (670–720 kg/m³)
• Shrinkage: Radial: ~4.8%, Tangential: ~7.8%—moderate dimensional stability
• Durability:
• Good resistance to rot and insects.
• Suitable for both interior and exterior applications when properly sealed.

Poplar is a lightweight, pale hardwood commonly used in utility and painted applications. With a Janka hardness of 540 lbf and straight grain, it’s easy to work with and widely available across North America and Europe.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Light cream to yellowish brown, sometimes with green or gray streaks.
• Sapwood: Nearly white, often indistinct from the heartwood.
• Color Change: Slight darkening over time; often painted or stained due to its bland appearance.
• Visual Impact: Subtle and uniform—ideal for painted surfaces or hidden structural elements.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight and uniform, with minimal figure.
• Texture: Fine and even, with a low natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Excellent—cuts cleanly and easily.
• Finishing: Takes paint and stain well, though blotching can occur without conditioner.
• Gluing & Screwing: Very reliable.
• Carving: Good for hand tools and CNC work.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 540 lbf—softer than pine, making it unsuitable for high-wear surfaces.
• Density: ~29 lb/ft³ (465 kg/m³)
• Shrinkage: Radial: ~4.2%, Tangential: ~8.2%—moderate dimensional stability
• Durability:
• Low resistance to rot and insects.
• Best for indoor, non-structural applications.

South American Mahogany typically refers to Swietenia macrophylla—also known as Honduran or Genuine Mahogany—grown in countries like Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. It’s a premium hardwood prized for its rich reddish-brown color, fine grain, and excellent workability, with a Janka hardness around 800–900 lbf.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Pale pinkish brown to deep reddish-brown, often darkening with age and exposure to light.
• Sapwood: Whitish to pale yellow, clearly distinct from the heartwood.
• Figure: Can display ribbon stripe, blister, or quilted grain patterns, especially in quarter-sawn cuts.
• Luster: High natural luster, giving it a warm, glowing appearance.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight to interlocked, with occasional wavy or irregular patterns.
• Texture: Fine and even, contributing to a smooth, luxurious finish.
• Workability:
• Machining: Excellent—cuts cleanly with minimal tearout.
• Finishing: Takes stains, oils, and polishes beautifully.
• Gluing & Screwing: Very reliable.
• Carving: Ideal for detailed work due to its softness and consistency.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 800–900 lbf—softer than oak, but still durable for most interior applications.
• Density: ~36–40 lb/ft³ (590–640 kg/m³)
• Shrinkage: Radial: ~2.9%, Tangential: ~4.3%—excellent dimensional stability
• Durability:
• Resistant to rot and insects
• Highly stable, making it ideal for fine joinery and veneers

🪑 Common Uses

• High-end furniture
• Cabinetry and millwork
• Musical instruments (especially guitars and pianos)
• Decorative veneers and paneling
• Boatbuilding

South American Mahogany is considered the gold standard for fine woodworking—easy to work, visually rich, and structurally reliable. Its legacy in furniture and instrument making is unmatched, though it’s important to source it responsibly due to conservation concerns under CITES Appendix II. Let me know if you’d like to compare it to African Mahogany or Sapele.

Black Limba is a visually striking West African hardwood known for its golden base color streaked with dark brown to black veins. It has a Janka hardness of around 670 lbf, a coarse texture, and interlocked grain, making it both decorative and functional.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Light yellow to golden brown, often dramatically marked with dark brown to black streaks—this is what gives it the name “Black Limba.”
• Sapwood: Pale gray to off-white, usually narrow and clearly demarcated.
• Figure: Can exhibit striking contrast and wild grain patterns, especially in quartersawn or figured cuts.
• Color Change: Tends to darken slightly with age and exposure to light.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Interlocked to irregular, which can produce beautiful figure but may cause tearout during machining.
• Texture: Medium to coarse, with open pores and a moderate natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Fair—interlocked grain can be tricky, but it cuts cleanly with sharp tools.
• Finishing: Accepts finishes well, though grain filling may be needed for a smooth surface.
• Gluing & Screwing: Generally good, though pre-drilling is recommended.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: Approximately 670 lbf—softer than oak, making it easy to work but less wear-resistant.
• Density: ~32–36 lb/ft³ (515–580 kg/m³)
• Durability:
• Moderately durable—suitable for indoor use.
• Not rot-resistant—not ideal for outdoor or ground-contact applications.

Red Oak is a strong, open-grained hardwood native to North America, known for its warm reddish tones, excellent workability, and a Janka hardness of 1,290 lbf. It’s one of the most widely used domestic hardwoods in the U.S. for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Light to medium brown with a reddish cast—hence the name “Red Oak.”
• Sapwood: Nearly white to light brown, often blending subtly with the heartwood.
• Grain Pattern: Prominent and coarse, with distinctive rays and flecks in quartersawn cuts.
• Color Change: Tends to darken slightly over time, especially with oil-based finishes.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight and open, with a coarse, porous structure.
• Texture: Medium to coarse, with a dull to moderate natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Excellent—cuts, sands, and shapes easily.
• Finishing: Takes stain well, often used to mimic more expensive woods.
• Gluing & Screwing: Very good, though open pores may require filling for smooth finishes.
• Steam Bending: Fair to good.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,290 lbf—harder than cherry, softer than hard maple.
• Density: ~44 lb/ft³ (705 kg/m³)
• Shrinkage: Radial: ~4.0%, Tangential: ~8.6%—moderate dimensional stability
• Durability:
• Not rot-resistant—best for indoor use.
• Highly absorbent—not ideal for exterior applications unless sealed.

White Oak is a strong, durable hardwood native to North America, prized for its pale golden color, closed grain, and exceptional resistance to moisture and decay. With a Janka hardness of 1,360 lbf, it’s a top choice for both interior and exterior woodworking.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Light to medium brown, often with an olive or grayish cast.
• Sapwood: Pale cream to nearly white, usually narrow and well-defined.
• Figure: Quartersawn White Oak reveals ray flecks—a signature of the species, giving it a shimmering, flake-like pattern.
• Color Change: Darkens slightly over time, especially with oil finishes.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight and tight, with a closed-pore structure—unlike Red Oak, which is more porous.
• Texture: Medium to coarse, with a moderate natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Excellent—cuts cleanly and predictably.
• Finishing: Takes stain and finish well, though pre-treatment may be needed for even absorption.
• Gluing & Screwing: Very good, though pre-drilling is recommended for dense areas.
• Steam Bending: Outstanding—commonly used for curved furniture parts.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,360 lbf—harder than Red Oak, making it more wear-resistant.
• Density: ~47 lb/ft³ (755 kg/m³)
• Shrinkage: Radial: ~5.6%, Tangential: ~10.5%—moderate dimensional stability
• Durability:
• Highly rot-resistant—ideal for outdoor use, barrels, and boatbuilding.
• Tyloses in pores make it naturally water-resistant.

Red Grandis is a plantation-grown hardwood originating from Eucalyptus grandis, a species native to eastern Australia but now sustainably cultivated in South America—especially Uruguay. It’s prized for its consistent grain, warm pinkish hue, and a Janka hardness of 1,420 lbf.

🌍 Area of Origin

• Botanical Name: Eucalyptus grandis
• Native Range: Eastern Australia (Queensland and New South Wales), where it's known as rose gum or flooded gum.
• Commercial Source: Uruguay, where it is grown in FSC®-certified plantations for consistent quality and sustainability.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Pale pink to medium pink, sometimes with a subtle reddish or golden hue.
• Sapwood: Lighter and less distinct, often blending with the heartwood.
• Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked, with a uniform, moderately coarse texture.
• Visual Impact: Clean and modern, often used as a sustainable alternative to mahogany or Spanish cedar.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight and even, with minimal knots due to plantation growth.
• Texture: Moderately coarse, but uniform and easy to finish.
• Workability:
• Machining: Excellent—cuts cleanly with minimal tearout.
• Finishing: Accepts stains and finishes well.
• Gluing & Screwing: Very good—stable and predictable.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,420 lbf—comparable to White Oak, making it suitable for flooring and structural use.
• Density: ~43–45 lb/ft³ (690–720 kg/m³)
• Durability:
• Good resistance to wear and decay.
• Suitable for both interior and exterior applications when properly sealed.

Padauk is a vibrant, durable hardwood native to Central and West Africa, renowned for its brilliant reddish-orange color, coarse texture, and a Janka hardness of 1,970 lbf. It’s a favorite for bold, eye-catching woodworking projects.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Bright orange to vivid red when freshly cut—one of the most striking natural wood colors.
• Color Change: Over time, it darkens to a deep reddish-brown or purplish hue with UV exposure.
• Sapwood: Pale yellow to white, sharply demarcated from the heartwood.
• Visual Impact: Highly decorative, especially when finished with clear coats that preserve its fiery hue.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight to interlocked, sometimes wavy, contributing to a dynamic surface.
• Texture: Coarse and open, with a natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Generally good, though interlocked grain can cause tearout.
• Finishing: Excellent—takes oils and clear finishes beautifully.
• Gluing & Screwing: Reliable, though pre-drilling is recommended.
• Odor: Has a faint, pleasant scent when worked.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,970 lbf—harder than oak and maple, making it suitable for high-wear applications.
• Density: ~50–55 lb/ft³ (800–880 kg/m³)
• Durability:
• Highly resistant to rot, insects, and wear.
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Basswood is a soft, lightweight hardwood native to North America and parts of Europe, prized for its pale color, fine grain, and exceptional carving properties. With a Janka hardness of just 410 lbf, it’s one of the softest commercial hardwoods, making it ideal for hand tools and detailed work.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Pale cream to light brown, often uniform in tone.
• Sapwood: Nearly white, typically indistinct from the heartwood.
• Visual Impact: Subtle and clean, with minimal grain contrast—often used for painted or stained finishes.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight and even, with virtually no figure.
• Texture: Fine and smooth, ideal for carving and laser engraving.
• Workability:
• Machining: Excellent—cuts cleanly with minimal tearout.
• Carving: Outstanding—favored by woodcarvers and model makers.
• Finishing: Accepts paint and stain well, though blotching may occur without a conditioner.
• Gluing & Screwing: Very good—holds fasteners well despite its softness.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 410 lbf—softer than pine, making it easy to dent or scratch.
• Density: ~26 lb/ft³ (415 kg/m³)
• Durability:
• Low resistance to rot and insects.
• Best suited for indoor, non-structural applications.

Canarywood is a vibrant, exotic hardwood native to South America, especially Brazil, Bolivia, and Panama. It’s known for its striking color variation, fine texture, and a Janka hardness of around 1,520 lbf, making it both beautiful and durable.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Golden yellow to orange, often streaked with red, purple, or dark brown—sometimes all in the same board.
• Sapwood: Pale yellow to white, clearly demarcated.
• Color Change: Tends to darken slightly over time, especially with UV exposure.
• Visual Impact: Highly decorative—each board is unique, often used for showpiece applications.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight to irregular or wavy, contributing to dramatic figure in some cuts.
• Texture: Fine to medium, with a natural luster.
• Workability:
• Machining: Generally good, though interlocked grain may cause tearout.
• Finishing: Excellent—takes oils and clear coats beautifully.
• Gluing & Screwing: Reliable, though pre-drilling is recommended for dense areas.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 1,520 lbf—harder than oak, suitable for flooring and furniture.
• Density: ~45–50 lb/ft³ (720–800 kg/m³)
• Durability:
• Moderately durable—resistant to decay and insects, but not ideal for ground contact.
• Best for interior or protected exterior use.

Cherry wood, especially American Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), is a premium North American hardwood prized for its rich reddish-brown color, smooth grain, and excellent workability. It has a Janka hardness of about 950 lbf and is a favorite for fine furniture and cabinetry.

🎨 Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Light pinkish brown when freshly cut, maturing to a deep reddish-brown with age and exposure to light.
• Sapwood: Pale yellowish-white, sharply defined from the heartwood.
• Color Change: One of cherry’s most notable traits—it darkens significantly over time, developing a rich patina.
• Figure: Occasionally shows gum pockets, pitch streaks, and subtle curl, adding to its natural character.

🪵 Grain & Texture

• Grain: Straight and uniform, with a fine, satiny texture.
• Texture: Smooth and closed-pored, requiring minimal grain filling.
• Workability:
• Machining: Excellent—cuts cleanly and predictably.
• Finishing: Outstanding—takes stain, oil, and clear finishes beautifully.
• Gluing & Screwing: Very good—holds fasteners well.
• Carving: Smooth and responsive, ideal for detailed work.

🔨 Hardness & Durability

• Janka Hardness: 950 lbf—softer than maple or oak, but still durable for most interior uses.
• Density: ~35 lb/ft³ (560 kg/m³)
• Shrinkage: Radial: ~3.7%, Tangential: ~7.1%—excellent dimensional stability
• Durability:
• Moderately resistant to decay.
• Best for indoor applications—not recommended for exterior use without treatment.