Red Oak
Uses: Furniture (Indoor), Veneer, Trim, Plywood
Sources: U.S.A. and Canada
Characteristics: Straight wide grain, large pours
Workability: Machines nice with carbide blades or bits. Drill pilot holes.
Finishing: Takes stains and finishes very well.
Price: Moderate
White Oak
Uses: Furniture (Indoor & Outdoor), Veneer, Trim, Plywood
Sources: U.S.A. and Canada
Characteristics: Straight wide grain
Workability: Machines nice with carbide blades or bits. Drill pilot holes.
Finishing: Takes stains and finishes very well.
Price: Moderate to expensive
Hard Maple
Uses: Furniture (Indoor), Veneer, Trim, Plywood
Sources: U.S.A. and Canada
Characteristics: Straight wide grain
Workability: Dulls blades and burns wood. Use carbide blades.
Finishing: Staining can cause blotches, but finishes well.
Price: Moderate to expensive
Cherry
Uses: Furniture (Indoor), Veneer, Trim, Plywood
Sources: U.S.A. and Canada
Characteristics: Fine grain, smooth texture
Workability: Machines nice with carbide blades or bits. Burns
Finishing: Takes stains and finishes very well.
Price: Moderate
Walnut
Uses: Furniture (Indoor), Veneer, Trim, Musical Instruments
Sources: U.S.A. and Canada
Characteristics: Straight, fine grain, heavy
Workability: Machines nice with carbide blades or bits. Doesn’t burn
Finishing: Takes stains and finishes very well.
Price: Moderate
Birch
Uses: Dowels, Veneer, Trim, Plywood
Sources: U.S.A. and Canada
Characteristics: Straight grain, fine texture, tight pores
Workability: Machines nice with carbide blades or bits. Drill pilot holes.
Finishing: A good finish, but can have blotchiness
Price: Inexpensive to moderate
Hickory
Uses: Sporting Equipment, Handles for striking tools, Trim, Plywood
Sources: Southeastern U.S.A.
Characteristics: Straight to wavy grain, coarse texture
Workability: Dulls blades very quickly, but good for bending.
Finishing: Takes stains and finishes very well.
Price: Inexpensive
Aspen
Uses: Crafts, drawers
Sources: U.S.A. and Canada
Characteristics: Tight grain
Workability: Machines nice with carbide blades or bits.
Finishing: Great for painting
Price: Inexpensive
White Ash
Uses: Furniture, Boat Oars, Baseball Bats, Pool Cues, Handles for striking tools.
Sources: U.S.A. and Canada
Characteristics: Straight wide grain, coarse texture
Workability: Machines nice with carbide blades or bits. Drill pilot holes.
Finishing: Takes stains and finishes very well.
Price: Inexpensive
Poplar
Uses: Carving, Veneer, Secondary wood for furniture.
Sources: U.S.A.
Characteristics: straight, wide grain, fine texture.
Workability: Machines nice with carbide blades or bits. Drill pilot holes.
Finishing: Great for painting
Price: Inexpensive