How to Choose a Wood Species
While many people can visualize the shape, size, and color of their dream piece, often times the specific wood species goes unconsidered until someone like me asks, “What type of wood are you thinking for it?”.
“Wood species?”
“Yea, wood species. Walnut? Oak? Alder? What are you thinking?”
The truth is, most people have never had to consider the wood species of their furniture because, well, it has always come predetermined for them from those big box stores (which I won’t give the dignity of being named here). Choosing what type of wood you want is one of those privileges that can only come from buying custom. It can feel overwhelming, but it’s actually super simple.
First, consider the style and ambiance you want to achieve. For a rustic or traditional look, woods like oak, alder, or hickory with their prominent grain patterns or knots can add character, while sleek, modern designs might benefit from the smooth, uniform texture of maple or walnut.
The other factor to consider is cost. Different species of wood vary in cost as much as different species of apples. Are Honeycrisp apples objectively better than any other apple? Of course, but that’s not the point. The point is that the cost is determined not by better or worse, but by supply and demand. Walnut trees are more scarce and take longer to grow than Alder trees, so it’s more expensive to purchase Walnut. That doesn’t necessarily make it better, though. It all comes down to preference.
I’ve listed some descriptions of different wood species below, in order of their cost (Alder being the most affordable; Walnut being the most expensive).
Alder: Known for its light color, subtle grain patterns, and knots. It’s considered a “soft hardwood”; it’s harder than pine but not as harder as hickory or oak.
Oak: Oak wood is celebrated for its strength, durability, and distinctive grain patterns. Its timeless appeal and ability to take stains and finishes well make it a staple in many design styles. Its open grain can often be felt, very subtly, through the finish. Some people think it reminds them of their grandma’s house and hate it. Some people think it reminds them of their grandma’s house and love it.
Maple: Maple wood is renowned for its light, creamy color and fine, uniform texture. It's a popular choice for more of a contemporary look. Maple's smooth surface offers a glassy, smooth finish.
Cherry: Cherry wood is loved for its warm, reddish-brown hues and smooth grain patterns. Its versatility allows it to complement a range of design styles, from traditional to contemporary. While moderately hard, it's relatively easy to work with.
Hickory: Hickory wood is renowned for its strength and distinctive grain patterns, ranging from pale to reddish-brown hues. It's incredibly hard and offers unmatched durability and shock resistance.
Walnut: With its rich, dark brown color and swirling grain, walnut is prized for its beauty and elegance. It's a luxurious choice for high-end furniture, fine cabinetry, and decorative accents. Walnut's natural luster and depth make it a standout in any setting. It is similar to hickory in hardness.
Whatever you decide, it’s going to be an American grown hardwood that will last a lifetime - you can’t go wrong.
