A-Z of Self Build Guides Materials Sourcebook: Wood

Date Published:

03/06/2008

Hardwoods Continued

Mahogany

Lowdown: African and Amercian varieties - both are dark brown with a fine grain.
Good for: Interior carpentry, veneers, flooring, furniture.
Bear in mind: Quite pricey. Some species are endangered.

Maple

Lowdown: Very pale with a straight grain.
Good for: Interior carpentry, furniture and flooring in heavy-traffic areas as very resistant to abrasion.
Bear in mind: Expensive when used for large expanses of flooring.

Merbau

Lowdown: Reddish brown with straight or twisted grain.
Good for: Structural work as very strong, joinery and flooring.
Bear in mind: Oily surface and can stain if in contact with iron.

Oak

Lowdown: Many varieties, in tones ranging from very pale to mid-brown.
Good for: Strong and versatile - used for building, interior and exterior carpentry, cabinets, furniture and flooring.
Bear in mind: Weathers to mid-grey shade used outdoors and left untreated.

Padauk

Lowdown: Decorative red timber with a straight grain.
Good for: Interior and exterior carpentry, mouldings.
Bear in mind: Expensive with limited availability.

Sycamore

Lowdown: Creamy, straight-grained.
Good for: Strong and easy to work with - often used for veneers and interior carpentry.
Bear in mind: Limited availability.

Teak

Lowdown: Mid-brown with straight grain.
Good for: Outdoor carpentry, decking and furniture as oiliness makes it weather-resistant.
Bear in mind: Very expensive.

Walnut

Lowdown: Attractive, decorative, dark wood with straight or wavy grain.
Good for: Interior carpentry, flooring, furniture and mouldings.
Bear in mind: Prone to woodworm and expensive.

Wenge

Lowdown: Very dark with straight grain.
Good for: Kitchen cabinets, flooring, interior carpentry.
Bear in mind: Expensive, splinters fairly easily.