Different woods have different looks. Here’s a brief rundown on some of the characteristics of American hardwoods most often used in furniture:
– Cherry. This the “hot” wood of the moment. “It’s got such a wonderful warmth, it’s casual but sophisticated at the same time,” says Paul Zurowski of Sawbridge Studios. It’s a hard, lustrous wood with a fine, even grain.
– Oak. The most abundant and widely used wood in the United States. Strong grain; ranges from light grayish brown to reddish brown.
– Maple. The second most widely used wood; used for flooring and cabinets in addition to furniture. Has a light reddish color.
– Alder. Grown only in the Pacific Northwest. Has a close, fine grain and is light tan to honey colored.
– Ash. Grain resembles oak. A strong yet light hardwood, white-to-pinkish cream to reddish dark brown.
– Beech. Hard, strong wood suited to dark or painted finishes.
– Birch. Creamy white to light reddish-brown with a light, fine grain.
– Elm. Straight grain pattern with color ranging from light to dark brown.
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– Hickory/pecan. Bold grain. Colors from creamy white to reddish-brown with dark streaks. The hickory species leads hardwoods in strength.
– Poplar. Open, clear grain and accepts paints and stains very well. Lightweight and fine grained.
– Walnut. Often called the “aristocrat” of hardwoods. Prized for hardness, strength and shock-resistant properties. Colors range from grayish-yellow to brown with brown-black markings.