A-Z of Self Build Guides Materials Sourcebook: Wood

Date Published:

03/06/2008

The two main types of wood are hardwoods and softwoods, though just to confuse things, hardwoods are not necessarily harder or denser than softwoods. The distinction lies in the type of tree which produces the timber - hardwood derives from deciduous and evergreen broad-leaved trees, whereas softwood is produced from coniferous or needle-leaved trees. Hardwoods are generally more varied and decorative in appearance and colour, with attractive graining, but tend to be more expensive than softwoods.

Hardwoods

Sixty per cent of the hardwood we use comes from Europe, though the most durable species are from Africa, Central and South America and the Far East. Threatened tropical hardwoods are listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), so that trading in them is banned or carefully monitored.

Ebony & Co

Afrormosia

Lowdown: Dark-toned and very durable, with a straight grain.
Good for: Cladding, interior and exterior joinery and flooring.
Bear in mind: Has a CITES listing and availability is restricted. Darkens on exposure to air.

Ash

Lowdown: Two varieties - European and American Ash. Both are pale with a straight grain.
Good for: Interior carpentry including cladding and veneers.
Bear in mind: Not durable, and density varies greatly.

Beech

Lowdown: Light and straight-grained.
Good for: Cabinetry, flooring, interior joinery, bentwood furniture.
Bear in mind: Susceptible to shrinking and warping when drying, so take care when using in humid rooms.

Birch

Lowdown: Pale, usually with a straight grain.
Good for: Veneers and furniture. Takes paint and varnish well, and is fairly cheap.
Bear in mind: Difficult to get hold of except as plywood.

Cherry

Lowdown: American and European varieties, both warm, reddish brown with a straight grain, though the latter is lighter in colour.
Good for: Flooring, veneers, mouldings and furniture, and polishes well.
Bear in mind: Quite pricey. American cherry darkens on exposure to air.

Chestnut

Lowdown: Light-coloured with a slightly wavy grain.
Good for: An alternative to oak in interior and exterior joinery as it's cheaper.
Bear in mind: Stains when it comes into contact with iron, particularly in damp conditions.

Elm

Lowdown: Pale or reddish brown, with medium grain.
Good for: Interior joinery and furniture.
Bear in mind: Only available in short lengths.

Iroko

Lowdown: Golden brown with a straight grain. Similar appearance to teak.
Good for: General carpentry and kitchen worktops as resistant to chemicals.
Bear in mind: May contain calcium deposits, which are only visible when wood is sawed.

Keruing

Lowdown: Coarse-textured dark wood.
Good for: Construction and exterior carpentry.
Bear in mind: Can be tricky to varnish or polish due to resin content.