Most people these days are aware of the importance of trees to our general wellbeing, health and the environment. But many people might be surprised at how much we still collectively rely on trees, and specifically wood, as an energy source, in industry and construction and of course for use as furniture. With many uses and applications in our everyday lives, wood must be managed sustainably to avoid risking environmental damage further. Learn more about the different wood types, their characteristics and uses below.
Hard v Soft Wood
The terms ‘hard’ and soft’ are more of a botanical description rather than being an accurate idea of the density and feel of the wood. To find out more we’ve taken a closer look at some individual wood types:
Oak
Strong, durable, and heavy. Oak has a prominent grain pattern and comes in two varieties: red oak and white oak. White oak is more resistant to moisture. Common uses include flooring, cabinetry, wine barrels, and furniture, like this solid oak wooden ottoman king bed.
Maple
Hard, dense, and fine-grained with a smooth texture. It can be either hard or soft maple. Common uses include furniture, cabinetry, kitchenware, and basketball courts (especially hard maple).
Pine
A softwood that’s lightweight, easy to work with, and relatively inexpensive. Pine has a light colour with visible knots. Common uses include furniture, panelling, trim, and construction framing.
Cherry
Rich, reddish-brown wood that darkens with age. It is relatively strong but still easy to carve and shape. Common uses include fine furniture, cabinetry, and musical instruments.
Walnut
Dark brown to purplish hues, strong and dense. Walnut has a fine, straight grain, making it a premium hardwood. Common uses include high-end furniture, cabinetry, veneers, and gunstocks.
Mahogany
Strong, durable, and reddish-brown, mahogany has a fine, straight grain. It’s resistant to warping and swelling. Common uses include luxury furniture, cabinetry, boats, and musical instruments.
Teak
Very durable and resistant to water, rot, and insects due to its natural oils. Teak has a rich golden-brown colour and smooth texture. Common uses include outdoor furniture, decking, and boat building.