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Understanding Wood Species
Each wood species has unique characteristics that make it suited for specific applications. When selecting reclaimed lumber, the species determines not only the appearance of your finished project but also its structural performance, workability, and longevity. Understanding these differences is essential for making the right choice.
The Janka hardness rating listed below measures the resistance of wood to denting and wear -- specifically, the force in pounds required to embed a 0.444-inch steel ball to half its diameter into the wood. Higher numbers indicate harder wood. For flooring, a hardness of 1000+ is generally recommended for high-traffic areas. For furniture and decorative applications, softer woods can be perfectly suitable and often easier to work.
One of the remarkable things about reclaimed lumber is that old-growth specimens of many species are significantly harder, denser, and more dimensionally stable than their modern counterparts. A reclaimed heart pine board from a 100-year-old warehouse floor can be twice as hard as modern farmed pine because the old-growth tree grew slowly over centuries, producing extremely tight growth rings and dense wood fiber.
Below you will find detailed profiles for 16 species, a comprehensive hardness comparison table, a species-by-application matrix, and a decision guide to help you choose the right wood for your project. Visit our yard at 37 Linden St, Medford, MA 02155 to see and touch samples of each species in person.
Janka Hardness Scale -- Complete Comparison
All 16 species ranked by Janka hardness rating. Higher values indicate harder, more dent-resistant wood.
| Rank | Species | Scientific Name | Janka Rating (lbf) | Hardness Class | Price Tier | Relative Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hard Maple | Acer saccharum | 1,450 | Very Hard | Mid-Premium | |
| 2 | White Oak | Quercus alba | 1,360 | Hard | Mid-Premium | |
| 3 | White Ash | Fraxinus americana | 1,320 | Hard | Mid | |
| 4 | American Beech | Fagus grandifolia | 1,300 | Hard | Budget-Mid | |
| 5 | Red Oak | Quercus rubra | 1,290 | Hard | Mid | |
| 6 | Yellow Birch | Betula alleghaniensis | 1,260 | Hard | Mid | |
| 7 | Heart Pine | Pinus palustris / Pinus echinata | 1,225 | Hard | Premium | |
| 8 | Black Walnut | Juglans nigra | 1,010 | Medium-Hard | Premium | |
| 9 | Cherry | Prunus serotina | 950 | Medium | Premium | |
| 10 | Eastern Red Cedar | Juniperus virginiana | 900 | Medium | Mid | |
| 11 | Douglas Fir | Pseudotsuga menziesii | 660 | Medium-Soft | Mid | |
| 12 | American Chestnut | Castanea dentata | 540 | Medium-Soft | Premium | |
| 13 | Poplar / Tulipwood | Liriodendron tulipifera | 540 | Medium-Soft | Budget | |
| 14 | Cypress | Taxodium distichum | 510 | Medium-Soft | Mid-Premium | |
| 15 | Hemlock | Tsuga canadensis | 500 | Medium-Soft | Budget | |
| 16 | Eastern White Pine | Pinus strobus | 380 | Soft | Budget-Mid |
Species by Application Matrix
Quick reference showing which species are best suited for each application type
| Species | Flooring | Furniture | Cabinetry | Paneling | Structural | Exterior | Marine | Mantels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Oak | A | A | A | B | A | A | A | A |
| Eastern White Pine | C | B | B | A | C | C | D | B |
| Douglas Fir | B | B | C | B | A | B | C | A |
| American Chestnut | A | A | A | A | B | A | C | A |
| Heart Pine | A | A | B | A | B | B | C | A |
| Red Oak | A | A | A | B | B | D | D | B |
| Black Walnut | B | A | A | B | C | C | D | A |
| Hard Maple | A | A | A | C | C | D | D | B |
| Eastern Red Cedar | D | B | C | A | D | A | C | C |
| Yellow Birch | B | A | A | B | D | D | D | C |
| Cypress | C | B | C | A | B | A | A | B |
| Hemlock | C | C | D | A | B | C | D | B |
| White Ash | A | A | B | C | B | D | D | B |
| American Beech | A | B | B | C | D | D | D | C |
| Cherry | B | A | A | A | D | D | D | A |
| Poplar | D | C | C | B | D | D | D | D |
Choosing the Right Species
A decision guide based on your project priorities
Maximum Durability (Outdoor Use)
White Oak, Cypress, Eastern Red Cedar
These species have excellent natural rot and insect resistance due to tyloses (white oak), cypressene (cypress), and aromatic oils (cedar). They can withstand ground contact and constant moisture exposure without chemical treatment.
Hardest Flooring (High-Traffic Areas)
Hard Maple, White Oak, White Ash, Red Oak
All rate above 1,200 on the Janka scale, providing superior dent and wear resistance. Hard maple is the classic choice for gymnasium floors and bowling alleys. White oak adds water resistance for kitchens and entryways.
Fine Furniture & Cabinetry
Black Walnut, Cherry, White Oak, Hard Maple
These species offer exceptional workability, take finish beautifully, and have grain patterns that showcase craftsmanship. Walnut and cherry are the premier domestic furniture woods; white oak and maple offer lighter color options.
Rustic Accent Walls & Paneling
Eastern White Pine, Hemlock, Cypress, Cedar
Softer species with pronounced character are ideal for wall applications where dent resistance is not critical. Their lighter weight makes installation easier, and their grain patterns create stunning visual interest on walls and ceilings.
Structural Beams & Timber Framing
Douglas Fir, White Oak, Hemlock
These species combine structural strength with visual appeal for exposed beam applications. Douglas fir offers the best strength-to-weight ratio. White oak provides maximum hardness and decay resistance. Hemlock is the most affordable structural option.
Maximum Character & Rarity
American Chestnut, Heart Pine, Pecky Cypress
Available exclusively or primarily as reclaimed lumber, these species offer historical significance, exceptional beauty, and a story that no new wood can match. They are conversation pieces as much as building materials.
Budget-Friendly Projects
Hemlock, Eastern White Pine, Poplar
These commonly available species offer excellent value without sacrificing quality. Hemlock is the most affordable reclaimed species in New England. Pine offers versatility for both structural and decorative use. Poplar is the best budget hardwood for painted projects.
Food-Safe Surfaces
Hard Maple, Black Walnut, Cherry, Beech
Tight-grained hardwoods are ideal for cutting boards, butcher blocks, and food prep surfaces. Maple is the industry standard for commercial butcher blocks. Walnut contains natural antimicrobial properties. All four species meet FDA guidelines for food contact when finished with mineral oil.
Historical Restoration & Period Accuracy
Species matching the original construction
For historically significant buildings, matching the original species is crucial for authenticity and may be required by historic preservation commissions. Our team can identify the species, age, and milling characteristics of existing wood and source matching reclaimed stock from the same era.
Species Profiles
Detailed profiles for all 16 species in our reclaimed lumber inventory
White Oak
Quercus alba
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown, sometimes with an olive cast; ages to a rich golden-amber tone
Grain & Texture
Straight grain with medium to coarse texture; prominent rays and flecks on quartersawn surfaces create a distinctive cathedral pattern
Density
47 lbs/ft³ (753 kg/m³)
Workability (Good)
Good with both hand and machine tools. Responds well to steam bending. Pre-drill for nailing near edges. Quartersawn material is more stable and easier to work.
Durability (Excellent)
Excellent natural rot resistance due to tyloses blocking pores. Suitable for outdoor, marine, and ground-contact use without treatment.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, barrel staves, boat building, exterior trim, timber framing, whiskey and wine barrels, stair treads
Finishing Recommendations
Accepts stain evenly. Oil finishes highlight the ray fleck pattern beautifully. Reacts with iron-based hardware and fasteners, which can cause blue-black staining -- use stainless steel fasteners for best results.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Frequently sourced from barn beams, whiskey/wine barrels, old flooring, ship timbers, and bridge components. Develops a rich golden-brown patina with age. Reclaimed white oak is among the most sought-after species for high-end flooring and furniture.
Historical Fact
White oak was the preferred timber for building ships in the early American navy, including the USS Constitution ('Old Ironsides'), due to its exceptional rot resistance and bending properties.
Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light yellowish brown; darkens to a warm honey amber with age and UV exposure
Grain & Texture
Straight, even grain with fine to medium texture. Minimal resin compared to other pines. Old-growth specimens have extremely tight growth rings.
Density
25 lbs/ft³ (400 kg/m³)
Workability (Excellent)
Excellent. Easy to cut, shape, and sand. Takes paint, stain, and finishes beautifully. Minimal dulling of tools. One of the easiest species to work by hand.
Durability (Low)
Low natural decay resistance; requires finishing or treatment for exterior use. Interior applications have excellent longevity.
Common Uses
Paneling, siding, trim, shelving, furniture, interior flooring, wall cladding, wainscoting, ceiling boards, sign blanks
Finishing Recommendations
Takes paint exceptionally well -- the classic choice for painted trim and millwork. For a natural look, clear oil or wax finishes bring out the warm amber tones. Avoid dark stains on new pine, as they can blotch; reclaimed pine with its aged patina accepts stain more evenly.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
One of the most commonly reclaimed species in New England. Old-growth white pine has dramatically tighter grain and richer color than modern plantation stock. Sourced from barns, farmhouses, colonial-era buildings, and church interiors. Wide boards (18 to 24 inches) are common in reclaimed stock but nearly impossible to find in new lumber.
Historical Fact
King George III reserved the tallest, straightest white pines in the American colonies for Royal Navy ship masts, marking them with the 'Broad Arrow.' This policy was one of the many grievances that contributed to the American Revolution.
Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to yellowish; heartwood darkens with age to a deep reddish amber with dramatic growth ring contrast
Grain & Texture
Straight grain with medium texture. Pronounced growth rings create bold, striking figure. Vertical grain (quartersawn) is highly prized.
Density
32 lbs/ft³ (510 kg/m³)
Workability (Good)
Good. Moderate blunting of tools. Machines well but can be challenging to plane due to alternating hard and soft growth rings that cause uneven cutting.
Durability (Moderate)
Moderate decay resistance. Exceptionally strong for its weight -- one of the best strength-to-weight ratios of any commercially available wood species.
Common Uses
Structural beams, timber framing, flooring, doors, industrial shelving, heavy construction, mantels, barn doors, trestle tables
Finishing Recommendations
Oil finishes emphasize the dramatic grain pattern and warm reddish color. Avoid water-based finishes that can raise the grain unevenly. Sanding to 180-grit before finishing produces the best results.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Highly sought after from old factories, warehouses, railroad trestles, and industrial buildings. Reclaimed Doug fir beams are prized for mantels, dining tables, and exposed structural elements. Old-growth stock is significantly stronger, denser, and tighter-grained than modern second-growth material.
Historical Fact
Douglas fir is not a true fir (Abies) -- it was named after Scottish botanist David Douglas, who introduced the species to Europe in 1827. Some old-growth Douglas firs in the Pacific Northwest have been documented at over 1,400 years old and 330 feet tall.
American Chestnut
Castanea dentata
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown, darkening with age to a rich warm brown with occasional reddish undertones
Grain & Texture
Straight grain with coarse texture. Resembles oak but without the prominent rays. Ring-porous structure creates a distinctive pattern.
Density
30 lbs/ft³ (480 kg/m³)
Workability (Good)
Good. Easy to work with hand and machine tools. Splits easily along the grain, which was valued historically for rail splitting. Nails and screws hold well.
Durability (Excellent)
Excellent natural rot resistance, comparable to white oak. High tannin content provides natural protection against insects and decay.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, paneling, trim, fencing, mantels, accent walls, decorative beams, custom millwork
Finishing Recommendations
High tannin content means chestnut darkens significantly with oil finishes. A light clear coat preserves the lighter natural color. Reacts strongly with iron -- always use stainless or brass fasteners and avoid steel wool.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Exclusively available as reclaimed lumber since the chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) of the early 1900s wiped out virtually all mature American chestnut trees -- an estimated 4 billion trees. Extremely rare and valuable. Sourced from barns, fences, cabin logs, old furniture, and mine timbers. A true treasure of American woodworking heritage.
Historical Fact
Before the blight struck around 1904, American chestnut comprised roughly 25% of all hardwood trees in the eastern United States. It was called 'the cradle-to-grave tree' because its wood was used for everything from baby cribs to coffins, and its nuts fed both people and livestock.
Heart Pine
Pinus palustris / Pinus echinata
Color & Appearance
Rich amber to deep reddish-brown; dramatic contrast between heartwood and sapwood. Deepens and enriches with age and UV exposure.
Grain & Texture
Tight, straight grain with fine texture. Distinctive resinous character. Old-growth specimens show incredibly tight growth rings -- sometimes 30 or more per inch.
Density
39 lbs/ft³ (625 kg/m³)
Workability (Moderate)
Moderate. Dense resinous wood can gum saw blades. Sharp carbide tools recommended. Pre-drill for nailing. Clean tool surfaces with mineral spirits to remove pitch buildup.
Durability (Excellent)
Excellent. High resin content provides outstanding natural resistance to insects, decay, and moisture. Can last centuries in structural applications.
Common Uses
Flooring, stair treads, paneling, furniture, mantels, accent walls, countertops, tabletops, cabinetry, ship decking
Finishing Recommendations
The natural amber-to-red color deepens beautifully under clear finishes. Penetrating oil finishes are the classic choice for heart pine flooring. The high resin content means the wood does not need staining -- a clear finish lets the natural beauty shine. Allow extra drying time between finish coats.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Almost exclusively available as reclaimed. Old-growth longleaf pine (heart pine) is dramatically different from modern farmed pine -- it is 2 to 3 times harder, much denser, and far more resinous. Sourced from Southern mills, warehouses, industrial buildings, and cotton gin houses. Widely considered the premier species for reclaimed flooring.
Historical Fact
Longleaf pine forests once covered 90 million acres across the American South, from Virginia to Texas. By 1900, industrial logging had reduced this to less than 3 million acres. Today, reclaimed heart pine is the only way to obtain this legendary old-growth material.
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Color & Appearance
Light pinkish-red to medium brown with reddish undertones; sapwood is pale white to light brown
Grain & Texture
Straight grain with coarse, uneven texture. Open pores visible on end grain. Less prominent ray fleck than white oak.
Density
44 lbs/ft³ (705 kg/m³)
Workability (Good)
Good. Machines well but can tear on quartersawn surfaces. Stains and finishes well. Pre-drill near edges to prevent splitting. Responds well to steam bending.
Durability (Low)
Low natural decay resistance due to open (non-tylosed) pores that absorb moisture readily. Not suitable for ground contact, exterior, or marine use without treatment.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, millwork, veneer, interior trim, stair treads, shelving, paneling, butcher blocks
Finishing Recommendations
Stains very well and can be made to mimic darker, more expensive species. Gel stains help reduce blotching. Water-based polyurethane keeps the natural pinkish tone, while oil-based poly adds amber warmth. Always sand to 150-grit minimum before staining.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Very common in reclaimed flooring from homes, schools, churches, and public buildings built from the early 1800s through the mid-1900s. Develops a warm, dark patina with age. Frequently found in old hardwood strip flooring and gymnasium floors. Reclaimed red oak often has tighter grain than modern stock.
Historical Fact
Red oak is the most commonly used hardwood flooring species in North America, a distinction it has held for over 150 years. It was so abundant in colonial New England that it was considered an everyday utility wood rather than a premium material.
Black Walnut
Juglans nigra
Color & Appearance
Rich dark chocolate brown to purplish-black heartwood; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. The contrast between heartwood and sapwood is dramatic.
Grain & Texture
Usually straight but can be irregular. Medium texture. Highly figured specimens (crotch, burl, curly) are extremely valuable for premium woodworking.
Density
38 lbs/ft³ (610 kg/m³)
Workability (Excellent)
Excellent. One of the finest domestic woodworking species. Machines beautifully with minimal tearout. Takes finish superbly. Excellent turning wood. Easy to work with hand tools.
Durability (Very Good)
Very good natural decay resistance. Contains juglone, a natural chemical that provides resistance to insects. Suitable for limited exterior use with proper finishing.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, musical instruments, turned objects, accent pieces, mantels, live-edge tables, cutting boards, jewelry boxes
Finishing Recommendations
The naturally dark, rich color needs no staining -- a clear oil or wipe-on poly is all that is needed to bring out the stunning grain. Danish oil is a particularly popular choice. Avoid bleaching or lightening, as the deep color is walnut's defining feature. UV exposure will lighten the heartwood over time.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Less commonly reclaimed in structural form but found in old furniture, gun stocks, piano cases, and occasionally barn timbers in walnut-growing regions. Reclaimed walnut is valued for its deep, aged color that is impossible to replicate artificially. Urban salvage walnut from removed city trees is an increasingly important source.
Historical Fact
Black walnut was so valued during the Civil War era that poachers would steal mature walnut trees from farmland at night. Today, a single large walnut log can be worth $20,000 or more, and 'log rustling' remains a real concern in the Midwest.
Hard Maple
Acer saccharum
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood. Sapwood is preferred for its light, clean appearance. Occasional dark mineral streaks.
Grain & Texture
Generally straight but can exhibit highly prized figure patterns including curly (tiger stripe), quilted, and bird's-eye. Fine, even texture with a natural luster.
Density
44 lbs/ft³ (705 kg/m³)
Workability (Moderate)
Moderate. Dense wood can burn when machined slowly -- use sharp tools and maintain steady feed rates. Difficult to stain evenly due to tight grain. Excellent turning wood.
Durability (Low)
Low natural decay resistance; strictly an interior wood. However, extreme hardness makes it highly resistant to wear, denting, and abrasion in indoor applications.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially gymnasium and bowling alley), butcher blocks, furniture, musical instruments, cutting boards, workbench tops, stair treads, dance floors
Finishing Recommendations
Maple's tight grain makes it prone to blotchy staining -- use wood conditioner before applying stain, or stick with clear finishes. Water-based finishes preserve the light, clean appearance. Oil-based finishes add a warm amber tone. Curly and bird's-eye figures are best highlighted with oil finishes.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Frequently reclaimed from gymnasium floors, bowling alleys, factory flooring, and industrial worksurfaces. Reclaimed maple flooring has beautiful patina and wear patterns that tell a story. Prized for countertops, tabletops, and cutting boards.
Historical Fact
Hard maple (sugar maple) is the tree that produces maple syrup -- it takes roughly 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup. The lumber industry and the syrup industry have traditionally used different trees, since tapping does not damage the wood quality.
Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana
Color & Appearance
Vibrant reddish to violet-brown heartwood with creamy white sapwood; dramatic color contrast. Mellows to a warm brown with age.
Grain & Texture
Straight grain with fine, even texture. Knotty character is common and considered highly desirable for decorative applications.
Density
33 lbs/ft³ (529 kg/m³)
Workability (Easy)
Easy to work. Aromatic -- produces a distinctive pleasant scent. Can be brittle; knots may chip out. Hand tools work well. Sands easily to a smooth finish.
Durability (Excellent)
Excellent natural rot and insect resistance. The aromatic oils (cedrol and cedrene) naturally repel moths, carpet beetles, and other insects. Highly durable in ground contact.
Common Uses
Closet lining, chest construction, fence posts, outdoor furniture, decorative paneling, mulch, pencils, hope chests, cigar humidors, garden beds
Finishing Recommendations
For closet lining and chests, leave unfinished to maximize the aromatic moth-repelling properties. For decorative applications, a clear oil finish enhances the red-white color contrast beautifully. Avoid heavy film finishes that seal in the aromatic oils.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Sourced from old fence posts, cedar chests, closet linings, and barn siding. The aromatic oils persist for decades and can be revived by lightly sanding the surface. Reclaimed cedar retains much of its scent and insect-repelling properties even after a century of service.
Historical Fact
Eastern red cedar is not a true cedar (Cedrus) but a juniper. It is the wood traditionally used for pencils -- the name 'Cedar Rapids, Iowa' comes from the red cedar trees that once lined the river banks and supplied the pencil industry.
Yellow Birch
Betula alleghaniensis
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown heartwood; sapwood is creamy white to pale yellow. Slight golden shimmer in the grain.
Grain & Texture
Generally straight or slightly wavy. Fine, even texture with a natural luster. Occasional curly figure specimens are highly valued.
Density
43 lbs/ft³ (689 kg/m³)
Workability (Good)
Good. Machines well, takes stain evenly, and polishes to a smooth, lustrous finish. Good steam bending properties. Moderate dulling of tools.
Durability (Low)
Low natural decay resistance; recommended for interior use only. Sapwood is susceptible to powder post beetles if not properly kiln-dried.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, furniture, interior doors, flooring, plywood, veneer, dowels, turned objects, musical instruments, interior trim
Finishing Recommendations
Accepts stain well and can mimic cherry or light walnut with the right stain choice. Clear finishes show off the fine grain and natural luster. Danish oil produces a beautiful hand-rubbed appearance.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Found in vintage furniture and old residential flooring throughout the northeastern United States and southern Canada. Reclaimed birch has a warm, mellow tone compared to the sometimes stark whiteness of new sapwood stock.
Historical Fact
Yellow birch bark contains wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate) and was historically chewed by loggers as a natural pain reliever and breath freshener. The bark is also highly flammable even when wet, making it prized as a fire starter in the northeastern woods.
Cypress
Taxodium distichum
Color & Appearance
Light yellowish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood; can have a greenish or grayish cast. Weathers to a beautiful silvery gray outdoors.
Grain & Texture
Straight grain with medium texture. Old-growth specimens have very tight, uniform grain. Pecky cypress has distinctive pocket holes from fungal action.
Density
32 lbs/ft³ (513 kg/m³)
Workability (Good)
Good. Machines cleanly, nails and screws well without pre-drilling in most cases. Takes paint and stain easily. Minimal blunting of tools.
Durability (Excellent)
Excellent natural decay and insect resistance, especially old-growth heartwood. Cypressene, a natural preservative in the wood, provides protection comparable to pressure-treated lumber.
Common Uses
Siding, exterior trim, dock and pier construction, fencing, shutters, garden structures, boat building, water tanks, greenhouse benches
Finishing Recommendations
Takes paint and stain beautifully. For exterior applications, a penetrating oil with UV inhibitors is ideal. For interior pecky cypress, a clear matte finish highlights the unique pocket-hole texture. Left unfinished outdoors, it weathers to a stunning silver-gray.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Highly valued reclaimed wood from old Southern buildings, water tanks, cisterns, and dock structures. Pecky cypress (with natural pocket holes) is especially decorative and prized by interior designers for accent walls and ceilings. Old-growth cypress heartwood is far superior in durability to modern plantation-grown stock.
Historical Fact
Bald cypress trees can live for over 2,000 years, making them among the oldest living organisms on Earth. A cypress tree in North Carolina called 'The Senator' was estimated to be 3,500 years old before it was tragically destroyed by fire in 2012.
Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown; sapwood is slightly lighter. Uniform color throughout. Weathers to a warm, rustic gray.
Grain & Texture
Straight grain with coarse, uneven texture. Distinct growth ring pattern. Old barn hemlock develops a beautiful silvery-gray weathered surface.
Density
28 lbs/ft³ (449 kg/m³)
Workability (Good)
Good. Easy to work but somewhat splintery. Does not hold paint as well as pine but takes stain adequately. Can split when nailed near edges -- pre-drilling recommended.
Durability (Low)
Low natural decay resistance; not suitable for ground contact without treatment. Interior and covered exterior applications perform well.
Common Uses
Framing, barn construction, crates, pallets, rustic furniture, paneling, accent walls, garden beds, ceiling boards, mantels
Finishing Recommendations
For a rustic look, leave the weathered gray surface intact and apply a clear matte sealer. For a clean appearance, plane to reveal the warm reddish interior and apply oil or poly. Hemlock absorbs stain unevenly -- a wood conditioner helps. Wire brushing enhances the grain texture.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Extremely common in New England barn deconstruction. Hemlock was the workhorse timber for agricultural buildings throughout the 19th century due to its affordability and availability. Reclaimed hemlock has a beautiful weathered gray exterior with warm reddish-brown interior. Excellent for accent walls, rustic furniture, and industrial-style design.
Historical Fact
Eastern hemlock bark was historically the primary source of tannin for leather tanning in North America. Entire hemlock forests were stripped of their bark for this purpose, with the logs often left to rot in the woods -- a tragic waste that makes reclaimed hemlock all the more valuable.
White Ash
Fraxinus americana
Color & Appearance
Light to medium brown heartwood with a slightly olive cast; sapwood is beige to light brown. Similar in color to white oak but without the green undertones.
Grain & Texture
Straight grain with coarse texture similar to oak. Ring-porous structure creates bold, sweeping grain patterns. Moderate natural luster.
Density
42 lbs/ft³ (673 kg/m³)
Workability (Good)
Good. Machines well, responds excellently to steam bending, and takes screws and nails well with pre-drilling. Sands to a smooth finish. Glues well with standard woodworking adhesives.
Durability (Low-Moderate)
Slight natural resistance to decay but not recommended for exterior or ground-contact use without treatment. Primarily an interior wood.
Common Uses
Tool handles, baseball bats, furniture, flooring, cabinetry, stair parts, oars, sporting equipment, bent laminations, interior trim
Finishing Recommendations
Takes stain well with minimal blotching. Oil and polyurethane finishes both work excellently. The bold grain pattern is best showcased with lighter stains or clear finishes. Ash can successfully mimic more expensive white oak when stained.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Increasingly available as reclaimed material due to the devastating emerald ash borer (EAB) epidemic that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees since its arrival in 2002. Urban salvage ash from removed city trees is now a significant source. Also found in old tool workshops, sporting goods factories, and agricultural equipment.
Historical Fact
Ash has been the wood of choice for baseball bats since the sport began, though maple has gained popularity since Barry Bonds switched to maple bats in the late 1990s. The Louisville Slugger factory still produces over 1.8 million ash bats per year.
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to light pinkish-brown. Develops a warm, reddish tone after steaming. Uniform, even color throughout.
Grain & Texture
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with fine, even texture. Prominent medullary rays create a distinctive fleck pattern on quartersawn surfaces.
Density
45 lbs/ft³ (721 kg/m³)
Workability (Moderate)
Moderate. Hard and dense but machines well with sharp tools. Excellent turning and bending wood. Can be difficult to split. Prone to movement if not properly dried.
Durability (Low)
Poor natural decay resistance; very susceptible to rot and insect attack if used outdoors. Must be used in interior, dry conditions.
Common Uses
Workbenches, tool handles, food containers, cutting boards, flooring, furniture frames, chair parts, butcher blocks, wooden planes
Finishing Recommendations
Steam beech to even out color before finishing. Takes stain moderately well but can be blotchy without conditioner. Food-safe mineral oil is the classic finish for cutting boards and butcher blocks. Clear polyurethane shows off the fine grain nicely.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Found in old workbenches, factory floors, institutional furniture, and food processing equipment. Reclaimed beech is valued for its extreme hardness and food-safe properties. Old beech workbenches are particularly prized by woodworkers for restoration.
Historical Fact
The word 'book' is derived from the Old English 'boc,' which is related to 'beech' -- early Germanic peoples carved runic inscriptions into beech bark tablets. Beech bark is smooth enough to write on, leading to the phrase 'beech book.'
Cherry
Prunus serotina
Color & Appearance
Light pinkish-brown when freshly cut, darkening dramatically to a deep reddish-brown with age and light exposure. One of the most dramatic color changes of any domestic wood.
Grain & Texture
Fine, straight grain with smooth, satiny texture. Occasional gum pockets and mineral streaks add character. Crotch and figured specimens are highly prized.
Density
35 lbs/ft³ (561 kg/m³)
Workability (Excellent)
Excellent. One of the best domestic woods for hand and machine work. Cuts cleanly, planes to a glass-smooth surface, and takes finish superbly. Minimal tool dulling.
Durability (Moderate)
Moderate decay resistance. Better suited for interior applications but can be used in protected exterior settings with proper finishing.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, musical instruments, paneling, interior doors, jewelry boxes, turned bowls, veneers
Finishing Recommendations
Cherry's famous color deepening happens naturally with UV exposure. Minimize staining -- the natural color change is cherry's greatest asset. A simple oil finish or shellac lets the wood develop its rich patina over time. Avoid placing UV-blocking items on cherry surfaces, as they can leave lighter patches.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Less commonly available as reclaimed structural timber. Most often found in antique furniture salvage, old cabinetry, and occasionally in residential flooring from high-end homes. Reclaimed cherry has already undergone its dramatic color darkening, providing an instantly rich, mature appearance.
Historical Fact
Cherry was the preferred wood of master furniture makers in the Connecticut River Valley during the Federal period (1790-1820). Thomas Jefferson chose cherry for furniture at Monticello. The species is also the source of wild black cherries used in liqueurs and preserves.
Poplar / Tulipwood
Liriodendron tulipifera
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from pale yellowish-green to olive with occasional purple, gray, or dark green mineral streaks. Sapwood is creamy white. Highly variable coloring.
Grain & Texture
Straight, uniform grain with fine to medium texture. Consistent and predictable. One of the most uniform-grained domestic hardwoods.
Density
29 lbs/ft³ (465 kg/m³)
Workability (Excellent)
Excellent. Very easy to machine, rip, crosscut, rout, and sand. Takes paint exceptionally well due to its fine, even texture. Minimal tool dulling. Easy to nail and screw without pre-drilling.
Durability (Low)
Low decay resistance. Interior use only. Susceptible to insect attack if not properly dried and sealed.
Common Uses
Painted furniture, interior trim and millwork, drawer sides, secondary wood in cabinetry, toys, pallets, crates, plywood core stock, pattern making
Finishing Recommendations
Poplar is the premier paint-grade hardwood -- its fine, even texture holds paint beautifully without showing grain. If using a clear finish, be aware that the green heartwood coloring fades to brown with UV exposure. Staining poplar requires wood conditioner to prevent blotching.
Reclaimed & Salvaged
Common in old painted trim, interior millwork, drawer sides, and secondary furniture components throughout the eastern United States. Reclaimed poplar is most useful as an affordable painted or utility wood. Large clear boards are excellent for painted built-in cabinetry projects.
Historical Fact
The tulip poplar is not actually a poplar (Populus) -- it is a member of the magnolia family. It is the tallest eastern hardwood, with specimens reaching over 190 feet. Native Americans hollowed out tulip poplar trunks to make dugout canoes up to 60 feet long.