Wood Species
Below are the eight wood species we typically work with. We can also create our products using any wood species you choose. Visit our Custom Work page to learn more about our custom process. To better understand natural wood variations and how to manage your finish expectations, visit our Appearance Selection page.
We use Western Red Cedar as the default wood for all our products.
Western Red Cedar is a beautiful, durable wood known for its rich, warm color and fine texture. Its natural resistance to decay and insects makes it perfect for outdoor projects like architectural woodwork, decking, and siding. Easy to work with and lightweight, it’s also ideal for indoor applications such as paneling and furniture. Additionally, its pleasant aroma and sustainable sourcing add to its appeal.
Quick Notes
- Hardness: 350
- Hardness Category: Softwood
- Relative Cost: $$ (#1 or better $$$$)
- Stain Suitability: Excellent
- Paint Suitability: Good
- Suggested Use: Exterior (Naturally Rot-resistant)
- Durability/Rot Resistance: Excellent
- Grain Pattern & Appearance: Straight, knotty
Eastern White Pine
Eastern White Pine is a versatile and attractive wood known for its light, creamy color and straight grain. Its softness and ease of workability make it ideal for various applications, from furniture to interior paneling and vaulted ceiling trusses. Naturally resistant to decay, it's also used for exterior projects like siding, trim, wood brackets, braces, and rafter tails. Its sustainability and affordability further enhance its popularity.
Quick Notes
- Hardness: 380
- Hardness Category: Softwood
- Relative Cost: $
- Stain Suitability: Excellent
- Paint Suitability: Excellent
- Suggested Use: Interior (general use)
- Durability/Rot Resistance: Moderate
- Grain Pattern & Appearance: Straight, knotty
Poplar
Poplar is a versatile softwood known for its light, creamy color, and fine even texture. Its softness and easy workability make it ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and interior trim. Due to its smooth surface, poplar is often used as a paint-grade wood. Affordable and widely available, it's popular for many woodworking projects.
Quick Notes
- Hardness: 540
- Hardness Category: Softwood
- Relative Cost: $
- Stain Suitability: Excellent
- Paint Suitability: Excellent
- Suggested Use: Interior (paint grade)
- Durability/Rot Resistance: Low
- Grain Pattern & Appearance: Straight, uniform
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is a durable and versatile wood known for its light reddish-brown color and straight, pronounced grain. It is strong and easy to work with, making it ideal for structural applications, flooring, and furniture. Its natural resistance to decay and insects also makes it suitable for outdoor projects. Sustainable and readily available, Douglas Fir is a popular choice for both construction and woodworking.
Quick Notes
- Hardness: 660
- Hardness Category: Softwood
- Relative Cost: $$
- Stain Suitability: Good
- Paint Suitability: Good
- Suggested Use: Interior (structural) or Exterior (with treatment)
- Durability/Rot Resistance: Moderate
- Grain Pattern & Appearance: Straight, tight knots
Red Oak
Red Oak is a strong, durable hardwood known for its warm reddish-brown color and prominent grain pattern. It is highly workable, making it ideal for flooring, cabinetry, and furniture. Its natural strength and resistance to wear make it suitable for high-traffic areas. Red Oak is also valued for its ability to take stains and finishes well, enhancing its rich appearance.
Quick Notes
- Hardness: 1290
- Hardness Category: Hardwood
- Relative Cost: $$$
- Stain Suitability: Excellent
- Paint Suitability: Good
- Suggested Use: Interior (flooring, furniture) or Exterior (with treatment)
- Durability/Rot Resistance: Moderate
- Grain Pattern & Appearance: Open, prominent grain
White Oak
White Oak is a highly durable hardwood known for its light to medium brown color and distinctive grain. It is exceptionally strong and water-resistant, making it ideal for flooring, cabinetry, and outdoor projects like boatbuilding. Its closed-grain structure allows for a smooth finish and stains well, enhancing its natural beauty. White Oak is also valued for its longevity and versatility in various woodworking applications.
Quick Notes
- Hardness: 1360
- Hardness Category: Hardwood
- Relative Cost: $$$
- Stain Suitability: Excellent
- Paint Suitability: Good
- Suggested Use: Interior (flooring, furniture) or Exterior (with treatment)
- Durability/Rot Resistance: Moderate
- Grain Pattern & Appearance: Closed, subtle grain
Maple
Maple is a strong and versatile hardwood known for its creamy white to light reddish-brown color and smooth, fine grain. It is highly durable and easy to work with, making it ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. Maple's uniform texture and excellent resistance to abrasion make it perfect for high-traffic areas. Additionally, it takes stains and finishes well, enhancing its natural beauty.
Quick Notes
- Hardness: 1450
- Hardness Category: Hardwood
- Relative Cost: $$$$
- Stain Suitability: Excellent
- Paint Suitability: Excellent
- Suggested Use: Interior (cabinetry, furniture)
- Durability/Rot Resistance: Moderate
- Grain Pattern & Appearance: Closed, subtle grain
Sapele
Sapele is an exotic hardwood known for its rich, reddish-brown color and interlocking grain that creates a striking ribbon-like pattern. It is durable and resistant to decay, making it ideal for both interior and exterior applications such as furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. Sapele is also valued for its excellent workability and smooth finish. Its natural luster and distinctive appearance make it a popular choice for high-end woodworking projects.
Quick Notes
- Hardness: 1510
- Hardness Category: Hardwood
- Relative Cost: $$$$
- Stain Suitability: Fair
- Paint Suitability: Good
- Suggested Use: Interior (veneer, furniture)
- Durability/Rot Resistance: High
- Grain Pattern & Appearance: Interlocked, ribbon figure