How to choose
As is the nature of our business, we make custom furniture to meet your needs; we have compiled a short list of the most commonly used woods and their most useful applications to help you to choose what's right for you. There are obviously many more options and different woods out there to choose from than what we have listed- don't even get us started on those gorgeous exotics! Questions or need help deciding? Shoot us an email and we're more than happy to help!
Wood types and uses
Pine
Walnut
Maple
an inexpensive lightweight wood that can be yellowish or whitish with brown knots; often used for rustic pieces like farmhouse-style furniture
Pros: low cost and develops a nice rustic patina, also resistant to shrinking and swelling.
Cons: more prone to scratches and dents as it is a softwood.
Maple
Walnut
Maple
a creamy white hardwood that sometimes has a reddish tinge; as it is one of the hardest domestic woods, it is often seen in heavy-use items like dressers and kitchen cabinets
Pros: it is affordable and ultra-durable so it can take a beating and still look great for years to come.
Cons: with a higher density, pieces will be heavier
Walnut
Walnut
Walnut
a straight-grained hardwood that ranges from a chocolate brown to blonde in some areas; it is usually oiled or clear-coated to bring out its rich color.
Pros: it is a very strong and stable wood
Cons: it is one of the most expensive domestic woods and some may not like the variation of the lighter (blonde) portion of the wood.
Oak
Cherry
Walnut
a hardwood that tends to be very grainy; the red oak ranges from light brown to pinkish brown with patterns more in a swirl, the white oak is more yellow with a tiger-stripe pattern.
Pros: It is very durable and often cut in a way that is resistant to warping and a clear finish nicely highlights the grain; white oak can be used more for outdoor furniture since it is less porous and prone to water damage.
Cons: it's durability is a result of a very dense and solid wood which makes for a very heavy piece; also tends to yellow very slightly over time.
Cherry
Cherry
Cherry
a hardwood with a fine, straight grain that ranges from reddish-brown to blond; very popular for furniture pieces and also for kitchen pieces as is non-toxic and food-safe
Pros: Polishes well and has a naturally rich, beautiful color without the need for staining.
Cons: color will darken with age, especially with sun exposure
Cedar
Cherry
Cherry
an extremely soft wood that is also weather resistant and is most commonly used for seasonal outdoor furniture that won’t get heavy use; it’s natural aroma repels moths and mosquitoes which makes it a good choice for lining closets, doors, and cigar humidors.
Pros; insect repellant and weather-resistant
Cons: very soft and easily damaged.