Quicklinks:

• Wikipedia – Hardwood
• Wikipedia – Softwood
• ArchOverFlow – Wood Types

Introduction

The characteristics provide a general overview of the wood’s appearance and common uses, but it’s important to note that the properties of wood can vary depending on factors such as the specific species, growth conditions, and how it’s processed. And many species you can find in many different uses other than the ones listed here.

For missing species, more requested information, etc. Please reach out via the contact page.

Hardwood Chart

Name	Scientific Name	Variations / Subspecies	Characteristics
Oak	Quercus spp.	White Oak, Red Oak	Varies in color (white to red), strong, durable, used in furniture, flooring, and cabinets.
Maple	Acer spp.	Sugar Maple, Red Maple	Creamy white to pale reddish-brown, fine grain, used in furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.
Cherry	Prunus spp.	Black Cherry	Rich reddish-brown, fine grain, used in fine furniture and cabinetry.
Walnut	Juglans spp.	Black Walnut	Dark chocolate brown to purplish-black, fine grain, used in high-end furniture.
Ash	Fraxinus spp.	White Ash, Black Ash	Pale yellow to light brown, strong, used in tool handles, sports equipment, and flooring.
Hickory	Carya spp.	Pecan, Shagbark Hickory	Varies in color (white to reddish-brown), hard and tough, used in tool handles and flooring.
Birch	Betula spp.	Yellow Birch, Paper Birch	Creamy white to light brown, fine grain, used in plywood and furniture.
Mahogany	Swietenia spp.	African Mahogany	Rich reddish-brown, fine grain, used in high-quality furniture and veneers.
Teak	Tectona grandis		Golden-brown to dark brown, oily and durable, used in outdoor furniture and boat building.
Beech	Fagus spp.	American Beech	Light reddish-brown, fine grain, used in furniture and cabinetry.
Poplar	Populus spp.	Yellow Poplar	Pale yellow to light green, easy to work with, used in furniture frames and moldings.
Sycamore	Platanus spp.	American Sycamore	Creamy white with mottled bark, used in veneers, furniture, and butcher blocks.
Cedar	Cedrus spp.	Western Red Cedar	Reddish-brown, aromatic, resistant to decay, used in outdoor construction and lining closets.
Redwood	Sequoia sempervirens		Reddish-brown, lightweight, decay-resistant, used in outdoor applications.
Pine	Pinus spp.	Southern Yellow Pine, Eastern White Pine	Varies by species, often used in construction and furniture.
Gum	Eucalyptus spp.		Variable color, durable, used in flooring, furniture, and pulpwood.
African Mahogany	Khaya spp.		Light to reddish-brown, fine grain, used in furniture and joinery.
Iroko	Milicia excelsa		Golden to medium brown, durable, used in boat building and outdoor furniture.
Cherry	Prunus spp.		Variable color, fine grain, used in woodworking and cabinetry.
Sapele	Entandrophragma cylindricum		Reddish-brown to dark brown, interlocked grain, used in furniture and veneers.

Softwood Chart

Name	Scientific Name	Variations
Pine	Pinus spp.	Southern Yellow Pine, Eastern White Pine	Variable color (depends on species), often used in construction, cabinetry, and paneling.
Cedar	Cedrus spp.	Western Red Cedar	Reddish-brown, aromatic, resistant to decay, used in outdoor construction, decking, and lining closets.
Spruce	Picea spp.	Sitka Spruce, White Spruce	Light-colored wood, fine grain, used in musical instruments, aircraft, and general construction.
Douglas Fir	Pseudotsuga menziesii		Yellowish to reddish-brown, strong and stiff, used in construction and woodworking.
Redwood	Sequoia sempervirens		Reddish-brown, lightweight, decay-resistant, used in outdoor applications and siding.
Cypress	Cupressus spp.	Bald Cypress	Light brown to reddish-brown, decay-resistant, used in exterior siding and boat building.
Hemlock	Tsuga spp.		Light-colored wood, used in construction and plywood.
Larch	Larix spp.		Light-colored wood, rot-resistant, used in boat building and outdoor construction.
Fir	Abies spp.		Variable color (depends on species), used in construction and as Christmas trees.
Pine (Yellow Pine)	Pinus spp.	Southern Yellow Pine, Eastern White Pine	Variable color (depends on species), often used in construction, cabinetry, and paneling.
Cedar (Western Red)	Thuja plicata		Reddish-brown, aromatic, decay-resistant, used in outdoor applications and shingles.
Cedar (Eastern Red)	Juniperus virginiana		Reddish to pinkish-brown, used in fence posts and outdoor structures.
Cypress (Bald Cypress)	Taxodium distichum		Light brown to reddish-brown, decay-resistant, used in exterior siding and boat building.
Pine (Ponderosa Pine)	Pinus ponderosa		Variable color (yellow to reddish-brown), used in construction and furniture.
Fir (Douglas Fir)	Pseudotsuga menziesii		Yellowish to reddish-brown, strong and stiff, used in construction and woodworking.