Oak, maple, rosewood oh my!

When deciding on a project for your home there are so many options and considerations.  One consideration is what kind of wood do you want for your custom furniture, custom built-in or custom cabinetry.  We put together a list of wood options and included both the common choices and some fun more exotic options.

Here are 12 different kinds of wood commonly used for furniture and cabinetry:

1. Oak: Oak is a durable, strong wood with a distinctive grain pattern. It's often used for cabinetry and furniture that requires durability and a classic look.

2. Maple: Maple is a light-colored wood with a subtle grain pattern. It's often used for modern or contemporary furniture due to its clean lines and uniform texture.

3. Cherry: Cherry is a rich, dark wood with a distinctive grain pattern that deepens over time. It's often used for high-end furniture and cabinetry.

4. Mahogany: Mahogany is a rich, reddish-brown wood with a fine, straight grain pattern. It's often used for high-end furniture and cabinetry due to its durability and beauty.

5. Walnut: Walnut is a dark wood with a swirling grain pattern that gives it a unique look. It's often used for high-end furniture and cabinetry due to its beauty and durability.

6. Birch: Birch is a light-colored wood with a subtle grain pattern. It's often used as a lower-cost alternative to maple or cherry.

7. Pine: Pine is a soft wood with a light color and a distinctive grain pattern. It's often used for rustic or country-style furniture and cabinetry.

8. Cedar: Cedar is a soft wood with a distinctive aroma that repels insects. It's often used for outdoor furniture and cabinetry due to its durability and resistance to weathering.

9. Rosewood: Rosewood is a dense, reddish-brown wood with a distinctive grain pattern. It's often used for high-end furniture and cabinetry due to its beauty and durability.

10. Ash: Ash is a light-colored wood with a strong, straight grain pattern. It's often used for furniture and cabinetry that requires strength and durability.

11. Sapele: Sapele is a rich, reddish-brown wood with a fine, straight grain pattern. It's often used for high-end furniture and cabinetry due to its beauty and durability.

12. Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing, sustainable wood that's often used for eco-friendly furniture and cabinetry. It has a light color and a subtle grain pattern.

Exotic woods are highly valued for their unique appearance and often come from tropical regions of the world. Here are some exotic woods used for furniture and cabinetry:

1. Zebrawood: Zebrawood is a hardwood with a distinct striped pattern that resembles the stripes on a zebra. It is commonly used for furniture and cabinetry accents.

2. Bubinga: Bubinga is a dense, reddish-brown hardwood with a wavy, sometimes curly, grain pattern. It is often used for high-end furniture and cabinetry.

3. Ebony: Ebony is a dense, dark hardwood with a uniform black color. It is highly valued for its beauty and is often used for decorative inlays and accents in furniture and cabinetry.

4. Cocobolo: Cocobolo is a dense, oily hardwood with a deep reddish-brown color and distinct grain pattern. It is often used for decorative elements in furniture and cabinetry.

5. Purpleheart: Purpleheart is a hardwood with a striking purple color that deepens over time. It is often used for accents and decorative elements in furniture and cabinetry.

6. Wenge: Wenge is a dark hardwood with a coarse grain pattern and a distinct, almost black color. It is often used for contemporary furniture and cabinetry.

7. Brazilian Cherry: Brazilian Cherry is a dense, reddish-brown hardwood with a wavy grain pattern. It is highly durable and often used for high-end furniture and cabinetry.

8. Koa: Koa is a rare, dense hardwood from Hawaii with a warm, golden color and a distinctive grain pattern. It is often used for high-end furniture and cabinetry.

9. Padauk: Padauk is a dense hardwood with a bright, reddish-orange color. It is often used for accents and decorative elements in furniture and cabinetry.

10. Teak: Teak is a hardwood with a warm, golden color and a high natural oil content. It is highly resistant to water and is often used for outdoor furniture and cabinetry.

    Have fun picking out the ideal wood for your home project. Get creative as there are so many beautiful options. Do your homework as not all wood is equal in quality and cost.

    A skilled and knowledgeable carpenter will be able to help in educationing their client about all their wood choices.