Guide to Choosing the Best Wood for Your Furniture

27/6/2021 Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your Furniture | Octane Seating
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Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Furniture
By Ben L. September 24, 2019 Design Tips, Featured Articles
Different types of wood for furniture (both hardwood and softwood) are available in the market.
Each type comes with a different set of characteristics in terms of color, density, grain, and
finishing. Picking the right wood for furniture is critical as it helps you to determine the exact price
of your unit. It will also be a deciding factor when you want to restore, resale, or discard a piece of
furniture.
Although you can use any type of wood to make furniture, not all woods are made equal. That’s
why you need to choose it carefully.
When it comes to choosing the best wood for your furniture, understanding its properties is a
must.
This guide will provide you with detailed information on the various aspects of wood including
types of woods, comparison between hardwood and softwood, qualities of wood, wood hardness
chart, wood processing, which is the best wood for furniture, list of best wood for furniture, how to
choose the best wood for your furniture, and woodworking tools.
https://octaneseating.com/blog/types-of-wood-for-furniture/ 1/96
But before we go into the details, let’s take a look at some of the latest and most relevant stats.
In 2018, the total area of timberland in the United States amounted to some 514 million acres.
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Furniture
China (26%) was the highest consumer of sawn wood in 2017, followed by the United States of
America (21%) and Germany (4%).

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Furniture
The U.S market for furniture is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.9% through
2019.
Here is the list of Sawn Wood Exports by some Countries.

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Furniture
On the other hand, the global furniture market was valued at around $331.21 billion in 2017. It
is expected to reach approximately $472.30 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of around 5.2%
between 2018 and 2024.
1. Types of Wood (The Wood

Database)
Hardness is one of the simplest ways to distinguish the wood used for furniture. Contrary to the
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popular belief, hardwood is not necessarily harder and denser compared to softwood. In botanical
terms, hardwood comes from flowering trees while softwood comes from conifers. Both hardwood
and softwood are used for everything from structural to decorative purposes.

1) Hardwood
Furniture
Hardwood
By Ben L. comes from Angiosperms
September 24, 2019 suchDesign
as maple,
Tips,oak, and walnut.
Featured These trees lose their leaves
Articles
annually (deciduous or broad-leafed trees). As they grow slowly, hardwood has denser wood fibers
(fiber tracheids and libriform fibers).
An interesting fact about hardwood is that some types of hardwood can’t float in water. For
example, Black ironwood is perhaps the hardest and heaviest wood that sinks in water.
Properties of Hardwood
It grows slowly compared to softwoods. So, hardwood is relatively expensive. However, there
are exceptions. For example, gum is a hardwood that comes at a price comparable with most
types of softwood.
Hardwood is durable (less likely to decay and rot), comes with close grain, and requires low
maintenance.
As it comes with low sap content and good fire resistance, hardwood is commonly used for
wooden flooring. However, hardwood flooring is also revered for its varied natural colors,
styles, and perforation plate patterns.
It is also used for making furniture. However, not all types of hardwood are ideal for making
furniture.
2) Softwood
Softwood comes from gymnosperms, which are seed-bearing evergreen trees such as pine, spruce,
fir, cedar, juniper, redwood, and yew. As most evergreen trees tend to be less dense than
deciduous trees, it is easier to cut them down. They also grow tall and straight, making it easier to
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Properties of Softwood
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softwood is also called non-porous wood.
The lack of vessels allows softwoods to absorb adhesives quickly, resulting in a better finish.
Softwood is commonly used in building material such as structural frames, exterior and
interior wall cladding, fittings, floor coverings, formwork, and scaffolding, among others. It is
also used in the paper and cardboard industry.
It comes with loose grain, higher sap content, and lighter color. However, it has poor fire
resistance.
Its fine and lightweight structure makes it the best wood for furniture.
Hardwood vs Softwood: The difference

This comparison chart will make things clearer:
SR.NO HARDWOOD SOFTWOOD

1 Hardwood comes from angiosperm, deciduous Softwood comes from coniferous,
trees. evergreen trees.
2 It comes with rough wood texture. It comes with fine wood texture.
3 The presence of vessels makes it porous The absence of vessels makes it non-
porous.
4 Tracheid content is around just 5% to 10%. Tracheid content is around 90% to 95%.
5 The complex anatomical structure makes The relatively less complex anatomical
hardwood denser. structure makes softwood less dense.
6 Not all types of hardwood are ideal for furniture Almost all types of softwood are ideal for
making. Being expensive, they are usually used furniture making. In fact, about 80% of all
in high-end furniture manufacturing. timber comes from softwood.

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Hardwoods
Furniture
I. Mahogany

Mahogany is one of the most popular hardwood tropical trees. Mahogany wood is prized for its
beauty, durability, and color. It is relatively free of voids and pockets. The color darkens over time.
As a result, it is a popular choice for furniture.

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Furniture
Color – Reddish-brown to blood red.

Density – Medium texture and moderately heavy.
Grain – Straight.
Common Uses – High-end furniture, interior millwork, exterior doors, windows, and trim.
Finishing – Sanding sealer.
II. Walnut

Walnut (black walnut) is one of the most popular woods for furniture in the U.S. The dimensional
stability, shock resistance, strength properties, and the rich coloration are the reasons behind its
popularity.
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Furniture
Color – Lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is
pale yellow-gray to nearly white.
Density – Medium texture, fairly lightweight.
Grain – Moderately open grain.

Common Uses – High-end furniture, carving, flooring accents, musical instruments, and gun
stocks.
Finishing – Should be finished with oil-based polyurethane
III. Red Oak

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Oak trees are native to the northern hemisphere. There are around 600 species of oak, both
deciduous and evergreen. Oakwood is remarkably strong, heavy, and durable. It is also resistant to

fungal attacks.
Furniture
Color – Pinkish red to blonde
Density – Very hard and strong.

Grain – Varied and openly porous grain patterns.
Common Uses – Furniture, cabinets, molding, trim, flooring, paneling, turning.

Finishing – Natural finish or oil, but they may vary.

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IV. Ash

Furniture
Ash trees are medium to large trees that grow in most parts of the world. Ashwood feels smooth to
the
Bytouch.
Ben L. It is durable, tough,
September 24,and flexible.
2019 It has Tips,
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Featured screw holding, and gluing
Articles
properties. Hence, carpenters love to work with ash wood. However, it produces a distinct and
moderately unpleasant smell while working on it.
Color – Light, creamy-brown.

Density – Tough, flexible.
Grain – Open-grained with occasional brown streaks.
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Common Uses – Flooring, VIP & CINEMASbaseball
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and other turned objects such
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as tool handles.
Finishing – Takes all finishes.

Furniture
By Ben L. September 24, 2019 V. Birch
Design Tips, Featured Articles
Birch trees are widespread in the Northern Hemisphere. Though it is closely related to Oakwood, it
is much harder. Birch plywood is probably the most widely used as it is hard, stable, affordable,
and readily available.

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Furniture
Color – Heartwood is light reddish brown with nearly white sapwood.

Density – Hard, medium weight.
Grain – Usually straight or slightly wavy with small pores.
Common Uses – Plywood, boxes, crates, turned objects, cabinets, seating, millwork, furniture,
interior doors.
VI. Maple

Maple trees are mostly native to Asia. But they are also found in Europe, North Africa, and North
America. The maple wood is sturdy, resistant to splitting, and durable. It can be wiped clean with a
damp cloth, making it ideal for kitchen furniture.
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Furniture
Color – The heartwood is typically a darker shade of reddish brown. Sapwood color ranges from nearly
white to an off-white cream color. But it can be reddish or golden hue.
Density – Moderately hard but strong.
Grain – Closed and generally straight, but may be wavy.
Common Uses – Everything from furniture and woodenware to flooring and millwork.
VII. Cherry
Cherry wood comes from the cherry fruit tree. Cherry wood has rich color, smooth grain, and
flexibility, making it a popular choice for furniture
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also steams easily,
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ideal for use in curved designs.

Furniture
Color – The color is light pinkish brown when freshly cut. It darkens to a medium reddish
brown over time.

Density – Stiff, strong, medium weight, and moderately hard.
Grain – Closed and straight.
Common Uses – Cabinetry, fine furniture, flooring, interior millwork, veneer, musical
instruments, paneling, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.
Finishing – Light to natural finishes are recommended.

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VIII. Beech

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Furniture
is quite durable and resistant to abrasion and shock. Because beech steam-bends as readily as ash,
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By Ben L. love September
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2019 also provides an elegant
Tips, Featured and dated look to furniture.
Articles
However, it is not dishwasher safe.
Color – Pink to reddish brown heartwood, sapwood is creamy to pink.

Density – Very hard and heavy.
Grain – Straight with a fine to medium uniform texture.
Common Uses – ChairRESIDENTIAL VIP
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flooring, food containers, 
toys, musical instruments, and woodenware.


Furniture
By Ben L. September 24, 2019 IX. Teak
Design Tips, Featured Articles
Teaks are tropical hardwood trees native to India, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand. Teakwood is
one of the hardest and most durable of all natural woods. It is resistant to rotting, sunlight, rain,
frost, and snow, making it suitable for outdoor construction and furniture. However, it is expensive
and sometimes hard to find.

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Furniture
Color – Heartwood is golden or medium brown and darkens with age.
Density – It is heavy and strong.

Grain – Grain is straight. Occasionally, it can be wavy or interlocked.
Common Uses – Boatbuilding, veneer, furniture, exterior construction, carving, and turnings.
Finishing – Finishes best with wood lacquer.
X. East Indian Rosewood

The rosewood trees grow in tropical environments including countries such as Brazil, India, and
Madagascar. Rosewood is durable when dried properly. It comes with white chalky deposits that
may dull tools and present problems with finishing. However, it is one of the toughest woods.
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Furniture
Color – Heartwood can vary from golden brown to deep purplish brown, with darker brown
streaks.
Density – Hard, heavy and strong.
Grain – Usually narrowly interlocked.
Common Uses – High-end furniture, musical instruments, veneer, and turned wood objects.
Finishing – Finishes well, but requires initial seal coats.
Softwoods
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I. Parana Pine

Furniture
Parana pine trees also called Brazilian pine are native to southern Americas, especially Brazil.
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September 24, resin
is free from 2019 ducts,Design Tips, Featured
pitch pockets, Articles
and pitch streaks. It has a higher shear
strength and nail holding capacity compared to other softwoods. However, it tends to warp and
distort during drying and compression.

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Furniture
Color – Heartwood is light to medium brown, usually with red streaks. Sapwood is yellow.
Density – Light but hard.
Grain – Straight, uniform.

Common Uses – Framing lumber, interior woodwork, sashes, and door stock, furniture case
goods, and veneer.
Finishing – Finishes well, but requires initial seal coats.
II. Eastern White Pine

Eastern white pine trees are widely available in eastern North America. It is one of the most
valuable timber species. Eastern pine wood turns golden yellow when exposed to sunlight over
time. Once dried properly, it becomes relatively stable. However, it is fairly porous. Thus, it will cup
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Furniture
Color – Heartwood is a light brown with a slightly reddish hue. Sapwood is a pale yellow to
nearly white.
Density – Soft and very lightweight.
Grain – Straight and tight. However, winter wood and summer wood show a significant
difference.
Common Uses – Exterior millwork, furniture, moldings, paneling, carvings, turning, pattern
making.
Finishing – Finishes well, but must be sealed with water-based or oil-based polyurethane.

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III. Lodgepole Pine

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stained. It is, therefore, a favorite for paneling.
Color – Heartwood is light reddish to yellowish brown and sapwood is yellowish white.
Density – It is moderately strong and lightweight. But heavier than eastern white pine.
Grain – Straight
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doors, windows and furniture, railway ties, mine props, and fence posts.

Furniture
By Ben L. September 24, 2019 IV. Pitch
Design pine
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Pitch pine trees are also native to eastern North America. They can grow 50 to 60 feet in height
with a trunk of 1-3 feet in diameter. The wood is resistant to fire and abrasion. The high resin
content also makes it resistant to decay.

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Furniture
Color – Heartwood is reddish brown, sapwood is yellowish white.

Density – Soft and lightweight.
Grain – Straight grained.
Common Uses – Heavy construction, plywood, wood pulp, shipbuilding, fences, railroad ties,
and veneers.
V. Scots pine

Scots pine trees are native to northern Europe and Asia. The trees are susceptible to red band
needle blight. Scots pine timber is one of the strongest softwoods available. The wood is also
resinous. It is less durable, but not susceptible to lyctid borer.
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Furniture
Color – Heartwood is light reddish brown. Sapwood ranges from pale yellow to nearly white.
Density – Reasonably strong and lightweight.

Grain – Straight grained.
Common Uses – Construction, paneling, boxes/crates, poles, flooring, and interior joinery.
VI. White Spruce


All the species of spruce trees are native to northern temperate and boreal (taiga) regions. They are
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also widely distributed throughout the mountain ranges in continental Europe. White spruce wood
turns, planes, and molds nicely. It has excellent nailing and screwing abilities. However, it is only
slightly resistant to decay.
Furniture
Color – Heartwood is creamy white to light yellow or to red-brown. It is not distinct from sapwood.
Density – Moderately hard.
Grain – Fine and consistently straight.
Common Uses – Pulpwood, construction lumber, joinery, millwork, and crates.
Finishing – Finishes nicely, but when using a sanding sealer, gel stain or toner is recommended.
VII. Red Cedar

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Red cedar is a common name for various varieties of cedars growing in the eastern United States region.
The red cedar wood (also known as aromatic red cedar) is remarkably resistant to both decay and insect
attack. It is highly aromatic and planes and shapes easily. However, it only has moderate screw and nail
holding properties.
Furniture
Color – Heartwood tends to be red or violet-brown. Sapwood is pale yellow or whitish.
Density – Hard texture and lightweight.

Grain – Straight grain with many knots.
Common Uses – Fence posts, closet and chest linings, carvings, outdoor furniture, birdhouses,
pencils, closet interiors, bows, and small wooden specialty items.
Finishing – Finishes well, but oil finishes are recommended.
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VIII. Fir
Types
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Furniture
Fir
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Africa. They usually grow in the mountains. It comes with low shrinkage and reasonable stability. It
is also strong and elastic.
Color – Sapwood is yellowish to reddish-white. Fresh heartwood can be yellowish-brown to

reddish-yellow in color. However, it darkens quickly to a brown-red to dark-red.
Density – Medium-weight and fairly hard.
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Grain – Straight and plain, sometimesVIP & CINEMAS
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Common Uses – Veneer, plywood, and construction lumber.
Finishing – Finishes nicely. However, you need to take into account the fairly high sap content,
which may require a coat of paint.

Furniture
IX. Larch

Larch trees are native to the cooler temperate northern hemisphere. Larch wood is moderate-to-
poorly resistant to fungal attack. However, it is durable and very resistant to rot and pests due to
the presence of natural resins. Although knots are common, they are usually small.

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Furniture
Color – Heartwood is yellow to medium reddish brown. Sapwood is almost white.

Density – Very good strength and medium weight.
Grain – Straight or spiraled with an oily texture.
Common Uses – Veneer, utility poles, fence posts, flooring, boatbuilding, exterior and interior
joinery, and construction lumber.
Finishing – Should be sealed before finishing to prevent bleed-through.
X. Western Hemlock

Western Hemlock species are native to the west coast of North America, growing in the coastal
rainforests of Alaska and British Columbia. The wood has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It
can turn, plane, and shape smoothly. It has a moderate nail and screw holding ability. It also has a
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Furniture
Color – Heartwood is light reddish brown. Sapwood is slightly lighter in color.

Density – Soft and light.
Grain – Straight, with a coarse and uneven texture.
Common Uses – Boxes, pallets, crates, plywood, framing, cabinets, joinery, and millwork.
Finishing – Responds best to clear finishes.
XI. Yew (European Yew)

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Yew is native to western, central, and southern Europe. The heartwood of the yew tree is very
tough and durable. The best timber, however, comes from trees growing in mountainous areas. It
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Color – Heartwood is orangish brown to darker brown or purplish hue. Sapwood is usually a
thin band of pale yellow or tan color.
Density – Soft, flexible, and moderately heavy.
Grain – Straight, with a fine uniform texture.

Common Uses – Bows (archery), veneer, cabinet making, furniture, carvings, and musical
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Furniture

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2. Qualities of Wood
Timber is the type of wood used for construction, primarily for structural support such as beams
and pillars. Usually, timber comes from matured trees by cutting them into beams and planks after
peeling logs. However, to fulfill its function, timber needs to have certain qualities. Additionally, it
needs to be devoid of any defects or imperfections.
1) Appearance:
Freshly cut timber gives off a sweet smell. It also has a shiny appearance. Both these features are
signs of high quality. However, different countries have set timber appearance grades of their own.
For example, Australia and New Zealand have three appearance grades: Grade A, B, and C, with A
being the best-quality appearance.
The surface of A-grade timber needs to be sanded to a minimum 60 grit finish. On the other hand,
Grade B is commonly used in construction, while Grade C is used in packaging and similar
applications.
In Nordic timber markets such as Sweden, appearance grading is based on knots, grains, top
rupture, fungal attack, deformation, insect
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among other things. The standard for appearance grading of softwoods is SS-EN 1611-1.

Furniture
2)ByColor:
Ben L. September 24, 2019 Design Tips, Featured Articles
It should also have a dark color. Light color usually indicates less strength. However, different
woods have different colors. For example, freshly cut hardwood like Walnut will have a dark brown
color, while softwoods such as Deodar and Pine have golden yellow and whitish shades
respectively.
3) Durability:
High-quality timber is remarkably durable. It should be resistant to climatic changes, pests such as
termites, and fungal attacks.
A few types of wood such as cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to termites. However,
resistance is limited to only heartwood and bark.
Usually, pressure-treated timber is more resistant to insect and decay compared to untreated
wood. In this process, a preservative gets embedded in the pores of the wood, forming a chemical
barrier that can withstand termites and decay.
There are different grades and classes of wood based on their resistance to various environmental
factors.
Fungi Resistance
There are 5 classes of natural durability to resistance against wood-destroying fungi.

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Class 1 – Very Durable
Class 2 – Durable
Class 3 – Moderately Durable

Class 4 – Slightly Durable
Class 5 – Not Durable
Furniture
Beetle Resistance
There are two classes of durability against an attack by wood-boring beetles.
Class D – Durable
Class S – Not durable
Marine Organism Resistance
There are three classes of durability against an attack by marine organisms.
Class D – Durable
Class M – Moderately durable
Termite Resistance
Finally, there are three classes of durability against an attack by termites.
Class D – Durable
Class M – Moderately durable


4) Elasticity:
Elasticity is also an important attribute of timber. It allows the wood to regain its original shape
with maximum accuracy. This property plays a crucial role in making sports and construction
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Furniture
its elastic strength.
The elasticity and load-carrying capacity of wood are substantially higher in the direction parallel to
the grain compared to the perpendicular direction. That’s why structural (construction) timber is
sawn into boards with the long axis of the board aligned parallel to the grain. It provides better
dimensional stability or resistance to distortion.
5) Fibers:
The arrangement of the fibers and the orientation of the microfibrils influence various qualities of
wood such as elasticity. Usually, hardwood fibers have small lumen diameters and thick cell walls
compared to softwoods. When using as timber, the fibers should be straight, compact, and firm.
Wood with twisted fibers possesses little strength as opposed to wood with straight fibers.
6) Fire Resistance:
The wood should be resistant to fire. Usually, when timber or wood gets exposed to fire, it goes
through a thermal breakdown, during which a layer of charcoal forms on the burning surface. The
layer acts as an insulator providing fire-resistance to the inner core of the wood. This self-
protecting nature of the wood provides the basis for its natural fire-resistance. That’s why denser
wood often has higher fire resistance.


7) Hardness:
Hardness is an inherent quality. It will change depending on the species of the wood you choose. In
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Furniture
withstand deterioration due to mechanical wear and tear and physical abrasion.
The Janka hardness rating system is a universally accepted industry standard to determine the
hardness of a timber sample. It runs from zero (softest) to 4,000 lbs (hardest). Brazilian Walnut is
one of the hardest woods with a score of 3,684 lbs on the Janka’s Scale.
8) Shape:
High-quality timber will always retain its shape and structural integrity during the seasoning or
conversion process. Seasoning involves removing moisture from freshly cut wood. The dried wood
is considerably lighter and stronger than un-seasoned wood. It is also easier to finish and less likely
to warp or mold.
9) Sound:
When struck, high-quality timber produces a clear ringing. The hollow sound is a sign of low
moisture content and high dryness. A dull heavy sound, on the other hand, is an indication of
internal decay or high moisture content. In other words, wet wood produces a dull thud when
struck.
10) Strength:
It should be able to withstand structural loads, especially in construction. Usually, the strength 
increases with density. Timber has three types of strengths including bending strength, shearing
strength, and tensile strength. The bending strength is as good as the tensile strength in a flawless
piece of timber. Shearing strength, on the other hand, is usually 10-15% of its tensile strength in
Types
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Furniture
11) Toughness:
It should be able to endure shocks and vibrations. In other words, it is the ability of timber to
change its shape. Usually, woods with narrow annual rings are the toughest. You can bend such
wood easily without splitting them up.
12) Water Permeability:

Ideally, water permeability of timber should be zero. However, in reality, using the timber with the
lowest water permeability is used. If the wood has higher water permeability, it will quickly absorb
moisture, resulting in fast decay.
Water permeability is a critical factor in determining the longevity of timber. Usually, the size of
openings connecting the wood cells determines the level of water permeability. As a result, it will
change from species to species.

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Furniture
13) Weight:
Usually, heavy timbers are the toughest and hardest. However, unseasoned green wood has a
higher moisture content which increases its weight. Thus, only seasoned and heavy timber should
be considered for structural end-use.
14) Workability:
Any type of wood with excellent workability is easy to machine, nail, and glue. It also has notable
turning, carving, and bending properties. It can also retain the intricately carved shapes and
designs without degrading for years. Usually, woods with high resin content tend to be less
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Qualities of Wood

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3. Janka Wood Hardness

Types of Wood: GuideScale
to Choose the Best for Your
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A universal wood hardness scale was developed to determine the relative hardness of timber. The
Janka hardness scale measures the amount of force required to embed a 0.444” steel ball into the
wood to the half of its diameter. You can use the Janka scale to determine the relative hardness of
both domestic and exotic wood samples (usually 1” or 2” thickness).
This scale is one of the best ways to measure the ability of the timber to withstand wear and tear.
Usually, the higher the Janka scale rating, the harder the wood. The steel ball leaves a
hemispherical indentation with an area of 200 mm2 in the wood sample. Different units are used
to express the wood hardness scale rating in different countries. In the United States, the
measurement is in pounds-force, abbreviated as lbf.
WOOD JANKA HARDNESS (IN LBF)

Ebony 3220
Ease Indian Rosewood 2440
Brazilian Cherry /Jatoba 2350
Mesquite 2345
Santos Mahogany 2200
Cameron 1940
Purpleheart 1860
Tigerwood 1850
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Hickory and Pecan 1820
Rosewood 1780
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African Padauk 1725
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By Ben L. September
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Red Pine 1630
Zebrawood 1575
True Pine 1570
Sweet Birch 1470
Hard / Sugar Maple 1450
Kentucky Coffee Tree 1390
Natural Bamboo 1380
Australian Cypress 1375
White Oak 1360
White Ash 1320
American Beech 1300
Red Oak 1290
Caribbean Heart Pine 1280
Yellow Birch 1260
Yellow Heart Pine 1225
Carbonized Bamboo 1180

Cocobolo 1136
American Walnut 1010
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American Cherry 950
Red Maple 950
Types of Wood:
Paper Birch
Guide to Choose the Best
910
for Your
Furniture Cedar 900
By Ben L. Southern
September 24,(Longleaf)
Yellow Pine 2019 Design Tips, Featured Articles 870
American Red Elm 860
Lacewood 840
Mahogany 800
Cumaru 790
Sycamore 770
S.Yellow Pine (Loblolly & Shortleaf) 690
Douglas Fir 660
Sassafras 630
Pitch Pine 620
Larch 590
Cypress, Southern 570
Chestnut 540
Poplar 540
Hemlock 500
Lodgepole Pine 480
White Spruce 480
White Pine 420
Basswood 410
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Eastern White Pine 380

Furniture
By Ben L. 4. Wood Processing
September 24, 2019 Design Tips, Featured Articles
Wood has played a foundational role in the construction industry for centuries. However, timber
cannot simply be pulled out of the forest and utilized. It must first undergo a transformation phase
known as wood processing. The concept of wood processing covers several steps to turn raw
wood into usable material.
Once the selected trees in the designated forest area are cut down or felled, they are transported
to a sawmill where the wood processing begins. The various stages involved in lumber processing
often remain the same.
1) Limbing and Bucking

The first step is the limbing and log bucking. While limbing is cutting the branches of the felled
trees, bucking is cutting the log of a de-limbed tree.
The de-limbed log gets split into predetermined lengths depending on the end use of the timber.
These may include saw logs, stud wood, pulpwood, fuel wood, and fence posts, among others.
The specifications for length and diameter for log bucking will also depend on the local marketing
conditions. As a fallen tree is under considerable tension, only experienced and skilled buck
sawyers should carry out the process of bucking.
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2) Debarking
The next step in timber processing is debarking. It comprises peeling logs with a mechanical force

sufficient enough to break the cambium between the bark and the wood. It is a crucial and delicate
process as the quality of debarking will define the cost of the milled timber.
Furniture
Log debarking machine | Pine wood processing & export sawn timber from Ukraine
Usually, sawmill owners use a log debarker with sharp-toothed grinding wheels. Sometimes, they
can also use a tree debarker with a jet of high-pressure water for peeling logs.
Manual debarking, although possible, is not economically feasible for large volumes as it is labor
intensive and time-consuming. The debarking
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quality of the timber.

Furniture
3) Sawing
Sawing is the most critical part of lumber processing. Usually, a headrig saw is used to cut the log
into planks. An optical sensor measures the length and the thickness of each and also identifies
visible defects. It also helps to determine the optimal cutting pattern to get the maximum number
of planks from each log. Smaller logs (diameter less than 2-3 ft) are cut using a series of bandsaws
instead of a headrig saw.
Logs to Lumber

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4) Resawing
During resawing, the large planks are cut into the required widths using bandsaws. The outside
edges are also trimmed square.

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5) Drying
The drying or seasoning of planks is carried out to produce the timber that is durable and resists
decay. The wood is either air dried or Kiln-dried. Kiln-dried wood usually has a lower moisture
content, compared to the air-dried one.

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Furniture
6) Planing
Planers trim the dried wood planks to smoothen all the surfaces and round the edges.

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7) Quality Check
Despite taking necessary precautions, the finished products may still have some defects. During
the quality check, the final step in the lumber processing, the planks are graded according to
number and location of these defects.

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Furniture
This procedure may vary a bit based on the desired outcome. Prior to removing any timber from
the forest, there should always be a detailed plan in place for how the wood will be processed and
used. In regards to wooden furniture, however, wood processing is only the beginning of the
transformation.
5. Wood for Furniture
Once the wood is processed, there are several vigorous procedures it must undergo to be
converted into furniture. Wood is simply a material waiting to be altered and crafted into a final
product. Furniture is the end goal in which the wood has been manipulated and shaped into
something that can be proudly displayed. Here are the steps involved in this process.


Importance of Wood in Furniture

Furniture
Humans have used wood for making furniture for thousands of years. Despite several technical
breakthroughs,
By Ben L. mankind has
September not
24, yet found
2019 anything
Design Tips,asFeatured
versatileArticles
as wood for making furniture. It is
also remarkably resilient and requires little maintenance.
Unlike most other materials, such as leather hides, for instance, wood can have multiple lifetimes
through refinishing. Thus, wooden furniture offers excellent value for money. It also fosters a sense
of natural beauty, looks, and feel. It’s no wonder why wood has remained a popular choice for
furniture.
Before we move ahead lets a look some of the interesting numbers.
In 2017, furniture and home furnishings store sales amounted to about 113.78 billion U.S. dollars.



Furniture
The booming e-commerce industry has also had an influence on the sales of furniture.



Furniture
Average annual expenditure on furniture per consumer unit in the United States from 2007 to
2017.



Furniture
Here is the average price paid by households for selected furniture items in 2016, by generations.



Furniture
In 2018, the United States had the largest furniture market with revenue of $304,270.48
million.
On the other hand, the global furniture market was valued at around $331.21 billion in 2017. It
is expected to reach approximately $472.30 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of around 5.2%
between 2018 and 2024
Whether you are using smart furniture, going for a modern look, or a Victorian decor, wood plays a
critical role in furniture making. For example, a recliner, irrespective of how contemporary it seems,
will always have a wooden frame.
Only wood can withstand the kind of motion or weight shifting a recliner experiences. Plus, using
high-end wood for exposed areas such as arms, back, and feet, renders a classic look. The bottom
line is people will continue to use the best wood for furniture as long as it is available.
6. From Wood to Furniture RESIDENTIAL VIP & CINEMAS VIDEOS RESOURCES SUPPORT


Although you can use different types of wood for furniture, it will still need to go through a series of
Furniture
processes before it turns into a beautiful piece. The furniture making process can change
depending on the desired end-product. But, a few steps are universal.
Splicing and Cutting

First, the woodworking lumber needs to be cut and spliced into desired parts of a product.
Carpenters use a variety of tools for this purpose. Only the best wood for furniture is cut and
spliced.

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Furniture
Molding
Spliced and cut timber is then molded to achieve the desired shapes and sizes.

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Furniture
Planing and Drilling

Sometimes the wood needs to be drilled using either handheld or machine drills. Care is taken not
to split the wood while drilling to avoid damage and wastage. The pieces are then sent to a
planning machine to get a smooth surface without a line saw.

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Furniture
Sanding
Before the assembly, all the components are carefully sanded to round sharp edges and smoothen
out surfaces.

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Assembling
At this stage, each component of the furniture is assembled to create the desired end-product.
Joints are glued together with powerful adhesive.

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Furniture
Finishing
The purpose of finishing is to bring out the aesthetic features of the wood. Usually, several coats of
wax, shellac, drying oil, lacquer, varnish, or paint are applied using machines. This can also be done
by hand.

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Furniture
Packing
The end product is finally packed and shipped to the desired destination.

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Furniture
7. What Type of Wood is Best

for Your Furniture?
Almost any type of wood can be used to make furniture. However, the quality and market value of
the unit will depend on the different types of wood, as well as the uses and features. But, which is
the best wood for furniture?
The answer will depend on a variety of factors including cost, durability, color, your space, what you
want to build, etc. It is alsoRESIDENTIAL
essential to know
VIP &where to buyVIDEOS
CINEMAS wood forRESOURCES
furniture making that suits
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your budget and needs.

I. Pine
Furniture
Pine is inexpensive,
By Ben L. lightweight,
September and readily
24, 2019 workable.
Design It is often Articles
Tips, Featured used to make rustic furniture
pieces. However, it is prone to scratches and dents.
II. White Oak

White oak is beautiful, heavy, durable, and suitable for cabinetry and kitchen furniture. It has a
distinctive look when finished. It is also resistant to warping.
III. Maple
Being one of the hardest, Maplewood is suitable for heavy-use items such as dressers and kitchen
cabinets. It can be stained to mimic an expensive wood.
IV. Walnut
Walnut is extremely beautiful. It can withstand very intricate carving. That’s why it is often used to
make headboards, ornate antique-style dining tables, and mantels. Oil finish is more than enough
to bring out its natural color.

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V. Cherry
Cherrywood is probably the best wood for indoor pieces of furniture, such as carved chairs and
tables. It is highly durable and resistant to decay and abrasions. It is an all-around great wood.
However, it is expensive.
Furniture
8. How to Identify the Ideal

Wood for Furniture
The forests of the world are chock full of different wood types. There is a huge array of materials
out there that can be used to create practical, durable, and exotic furniture. Each has its own
unique qualities and purpose in the construction process. However, some are more ideal than
others.
Unfortunately, timber suppliers do not always label the materials they carry. That being said, you
should have a good idea for how to properly identify the right woods. The extensive range of
treatments can make it challenging to distinguish certain types or species.
When selecting wood for furniture, here are some tips to get you started.
1) Make Sure It Is Solid Wood

First, look at the edges of the wood piece to see the end grain. If you see growth rings that
match up with the direction of the grain along the face of the wood, you are looking at actual
solid wood. 
If the same pattern repeats itself on all sides of the board, it may be a veneer.
Sometimes, a piece of particle board, or MDF, is covered with a thin layer of plastic, stained, or
painted to make it look like the real wood. In such case, you can use a planer or sander to
reveal the real nature of the wood.
Furniture
At times a solid looking wood may not be even fully solid and made up of wood chips.
2) Check the End Grain Color
The end grain color plays a crucial role in wood identification. Once again, you can sand or
plane the ends to find out if the color is natural or artificial.
However, you should remember that wood tends to darken with age. Even inner wood takes
on a patina as it ages. RESIDENTIAL VIP & CINEMAS VIDEOS RESOURCES SUPPORT

Types
3) ExamineoftheWood:End GrainGuide Patternto Choose the Best for Your
Furniture
End grain pattern is another reliable way to identify wood.
By Hardwood
Ben L. September
usually 24,open
has an 2019pore structure
Design Tips, Featured
while Articles
softwood has a smooth texture with no
grain indentations.
Some woods also show distinct grain patterns when quarter sawn or plain sawn. Some of the
woods also have characteristic grain patterns such as straight, knotty, or interlocking. So, you
need to ask yourself the following.
1. Is the grain texture open or porous?

2. Is it quarter sawn or plain sawn?
3. What is the pattern? Is it curly, knotty, or interlocking?

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Furniture
4) Find out If It Is Weathered or Stained

Rustic and naturally weathered wood can add a great feel to your interior. However,
weathering the timber in natural wind, sun, and rain takes a lot of time. So, many people add a
weathered gray finish on a piece of wood.
You can visually inspect the piece of wood to determine if it is weathered or stained. Usually,
naturally weathered woods take on a blue or grayish color. If the color looks uneven or there is
varnish on it, it is most certainly is stained, not weathered.
However, visual inspection is not always easy or accurate. In such a case, you will need to send
a sample to the nearest laboratory for microscopic evaluation.
Weathered Wood

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Stained Wood

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5) Look at the Hardness and Weight

You can use your hands to get a feel for the weight and hardness of the wood sample. Simply
scratching the wood can give you an idea for how hard it is.
Compare these qualities with the weight and hardness of other species in the wood database.
Heavy woods often tend to be hard.
Alternatively, you can measure the length, width, and thickness of the wood to determine its
density. Be sure to compare it to others in the database.
Plywood Floor Durability - Scratch And Dent Test

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Furniture
6) Find out the Origin of the Wood

The more you know about the original source, the easier it becomes to identify different
woods. For instance, if the wood was salvaged from a boat, it is more likely to be free of knots.
This scenario would typically involve woods like ash, cedar, or oak.
Knowing how large the timber is can also help identify wood, as some trees tend to have small
barks.
Similarly, knowing the intended use of the wood can also help to identify it. For example,
swamp ash is often used to make guitar bodies.
Knowing how old the wood is can also help in this process. Alder was used extensively in the
1950s and 1960s to make guitars.

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Furniture
7) Search for a Peculiar Characteristic

In addition to the above qualities, some of the woods possess distinct characteristics like odor
and fluorescence. You can use these properties for wood identification.
Woodworkers have also developed chemical tests for identifying wood. Usually, a water-
soluble reagent is used to distinguish different species.
8) Which Tools Will You Need for Wood Identification?

For wood identification, you will need a measuring tape, a small block planer or a very sharp knife,
a magnifier, and of course, some practice and experience.
Testing Chemical Reactions on Wood

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Furniture
9. Woodworking Tools
Buying readymade furniture is fun, but making your own (DIY furniture) is even more fun. So, what
do you need to build your own study table? Besides honing your carpentry skills, you will need to
know about basic woodworking tools. What types of tools should you invest in? From simple hand
tools to power tools, there is a wide range of carpenter gadgets out there. Some will see more use
than others. Let’s discuss some of the essentials.
1) Block Plane

It is one of the compact and versatile carpenter tools that go back to Roman times. It can be used
to tackle end grain cuts, level corner joints, smoothen away the machine marks and easing of sharp
edges on furniture components.

Furniture
2) Chisel and Mallet

A chisel is also a hand tool often used for cutting or carving wood. There is a wide range of
woodworking chisels meant for carving, framing, cornering, paring, skewing, mortising, bevel
edging, and butting. Chisels are almost always used with a wooden mallet.

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Furniture
3) Circular Saw
A circular saw is a power-saw. The circular blade with sharp teeth will make smoother cuts. It is
ideal for cutting all types of plywood, sheetrock, and framing materials. However, it only makes
straight lines and miter cuts.

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Furniture
4) Claw Hammer
In the woodwork, a claw hammer is often used to drive nails and fit parts. The claw is used for
pulling out nails. The most commonly purchased claw hammer is the 20 oz.

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Furniture
5) Hand Saw
Hand saws are often used to make the cuts that power saws can’t. There is a wide variety of hand
saws including back saw, bow saw, crosscut saw, hacksaw, Japanese saw, pruning saw, and keyhole
saw. A hand saw can make circular cuts if needed.

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Furniture
6) Jigsaw
A jigsaw is used for cutting smooth curves and intricate shapes. It works much faster than a
hacksaw or handsaw, saving you a lot of time and energy. The blade operates in an up-and-down
motion at high speeds.

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Furniture
7) Jointer
The jointer smooths the wooden surfaces that won’t go through your surface planer. It can also
flatten edges. Thus, it helps you to salvage bowed or warped timber, which is cheap to buy.

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Furniture
8) Power Drill
A power drill is a must-have on your woodworking tools list. Corded drills are less expensive and
can be more versatile than a cordless drill. Most power drills come with variable speeds.

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9) Random Orbital Sander

This tool is the quickest and easiest way to sand wood. The disk moves in random orbits, resulting
in ultra-smooth sanding. The design also allows you to sand in any direction.

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10) Router and Router Bits

You will need a router and appropriate router bits to hollow out an area or shape the edges of the
wood. You can either buy a hand router or a power router according to your budget and woodwork
requirements.

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Furniture
11) Screwdrivers
When doing any sort of woodworking, you will need many different types of screwdrivers. These
categories include ratcheting, cabinet, star drivers, Phillips head, flathead, and small and medium
slot screwdrivers. Make sure they are intended for heavy-duty woodworking.

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12) Smoothing Plane

The smoothing plane is a hand-tool that dates back hundreds of years, like the block plane. A well-
tuned smoothing plane can impart a glasslike finish to your woodwork.

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13) Square and Tape Measure

Measuring is a fundamental part of woodworking. You will need a measuring tape, framing square,
try square, combination square, sliding T-bevel, and a ruler. Don’t forget to buy marking pencils, a
knife, and an awl as well.

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Furniture
14) Thickness Planer

A thickness planer allows you to give a wooden board consistent thickness and smooth both
surfaces. Though expensive compared to hand tools, a thickness planer is worth the cost, as it
produces a flat surface in a single pass.

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15) Workbench
You’ll need a workbench to make woodworking tasks easier. It should be sturdy and heavy enough
to remain still while you are working on the wood. There are many varieties of workbenches.



Furniture
7) Which Tools Will You Need for Wood Identification?

For wood identification, you will need a measuring tape, a small block planer or a very sharp knife,
a magnifier, and of course, some practice and experience.
Parting Words
Whether you are a woodworking enthusiast or just looking for wooden furniture, knowing about the
different types of woods and their characteristics can help you make more informed decisions. Hopefully,
this guide will help you answer questions such as “Which is the best wood for flooring?” or “Which is the
most expensive wood?” or “Which woodworking tools do I need for DIY furniture projects?”
If you still have questions, feel free to share them with us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.


Key Points
Furniture
What Types of Wood are There
What is Hardwood
What is Hardwood used For
What Woods are Hardwoods
What is Softwood
Qualities of Wood
What Type of Wood is the Hardest
What is the Strongest Type of Wood
Wood Processing
Wood for Furniture
From Wood to Furniture
What is the Best Wood for Furniture
Woodworking Tools
How to Buy Wood
What is MDF Wood
What is Kiln Dried Wood
What Does Maple Wood Look Like
How to Identify Cherry Wood
How to Identify Cedar Wood
How to Identify Mahogany
How to Identify Pine Wood
What Color is Beech Wood
What is Ash Wood Good For
What is Teak Wood
What Does Birch Wood Look Like
What Color is Oak Wood
What Does Black Walnut Wood Look Like
What is Fir Wood
What is Rosewood
What is Yew Wood
What is Spruce Wood
What is Larch Wood
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Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

RESIDENTIAL VIP & CINEMAS VIDEOS RESOURCES SUPPORT

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Here is the list of Sawn Wood Exports by some Countries.

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Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

between 2018 and 2024.

1. Types of Wood (The Wood

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

(fiber tracheids and libriform fibers).

styles, and perforation plate patterns.

also used in the paper and cardboard industry.

Hardwood vs Softwood: The difference

SR.NO HARDWOOD SOFTWOOD

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Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

As a result, it is a popular choice for furniture.

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Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Color – Reddish-brown to blood red.

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Grain – Moderately open grain.

III. Red Oak

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Color – Pinkish red to blonde

Density – Very hard and strong.

Common Uses – Furniture, cabinets, molding, trim, flooring, paneling, turning.

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Color – Light, creamy-brown.

Finishing – Takes all finishes.

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

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Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Color – Heartwood is light reddish brown with nearly white sapwood.

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

brown over time.

Finishing – Light to natural finishes are recommended.

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Color – Pink to reddish brown heartwood, sapwood is creamy to pink.

toys, musical instruments, and woodenware.

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

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Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Color – Heartwood is golden or medium brown and darkens with age.

Density – It is heavy and strong.

X. East Indian Rosewood

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

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Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Grain – Straight, uniform.

II. Eastern White Pine

Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

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Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

content also makes it resistant to decay.

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Types of Wood: Guide to Choose the Best for Your

Color – Heartwood is reddish brown, sapwood is yellowish white.