Handcrafted Tables, Wood Species, and Why
There are many types of wood used in furniture, but not all of them perform the same way. Each wood species has its own grain pattern, color, hardness, and workability, and knowing those differences is the first step to identifying what a piece is made from and choosing wood that holds up over time.
In our work building custom tables and solid wood furniture, we focus on species that are strong, stable, and suited to daily use.
How to Identify Wood Species in Furniture
You don't need to be a woodworker to tell one species from another. A few details usually give it away:
- Grain pattern: a straight, consistent grain often points to oak, ash, or maple, while a wavier, more irregular grain usually means walnut or hickory.
- Color: pale, light tones point to maple or ash, a deep reddish brown points to walnut, and strong contrast within the same board is a hallmark of hickory.
- Weight and hardness: hardwoods used in furniture are noticeably denser than softwoods like pine, and resist dents and scratches better.
- Growth rings: wide, clearly spaced rings usually mean a faster growing softwood, while tighter rings point to a slower growing, denser hardwood.
Understanding Different Types of Wood: Hardwood vs. Softwood
When choosing the right wood type for furniture, the first distinction to make is between hardwood and softwood.
Hardwoods, like ash, hickory, maple, walnut, and oak, come from broadleaf trees and are usually the better choice for furniture because of their density, long-lasting nature, and rich grain pattern.
Softwoods, such as pine and cedar, come from coniferous trees and are lighter and easier to work with, though generally less durable than hardwoods.
Furniture makers often use hardwoods for the main structural components, while softwoods are used for accents or less load bearing parts. Some softwoods are also used for outdoor furniture or decorative elements because of their natural resistance to decay.
Top Hardwood Species for Quality Furniture
Wood hardness is commonly measured using the Janka scale, which rates how much force it takes to press a steel ball halfway into a sample of wood. The higher the number, the more resistant the wood is to denting and wear. As a general guide, anything above 1,000 holds up well to daily use. Oak, the wood most flooring is made from, comes in around 1,200. Pine, by comparison, is closer to 400.
|
Species |
Approx. Janka rating |
|
Hickory |
1,820 |
|
Hard maple |
1,450 |
|
White oak |
1,360 |
|
Ash |
1,320 |
|
Walnut |
1,010 |
|
Pine (Eastern White) |
~380 |
Ash, Clean Lines and Natural Strength
Ash is a durable hardwood known for its light color and clean, consistent grain. Typically ranging from pale cream to light brown, ash offers a bright, open look that works well in both modern and traditional furniture design.
Its straight grain and excellent shock resistance make it a reliable choice for tables, chairs, and other furniture pieces that see frequent use. Ash is often compared to oak for strength but has a slightly smoother appearance, making it a versatile option for solid wood furniture that balances durability with a lighter visual presence.
See ash used in our Four Leg Tables collection.
Maple, Light, Strong, and Durable
Maple is a common hardwood choice for furniture because it offers a smooth, even texture and a pale, light brown hue that takes stain beautifully. Its straight grain and hardness make it an excellent option for high traffic pieces like dining tables or desks.
Maple resists denting and wear, which is why it's often used for functional furniture like kitchen tables and office desks, where durability is key.
See maple used in our office furniture collection.
Walnut, Rich and Luxurious
Walnut has long been a favorite among furniture makers for its deep, rich brown color and striking grain pattern. Often highlighted rather than stained, walnut is a strong wood that adds sophistication to any piece of furniture, from coffee tables to custom cabinets.
Its grain and smooth finish make it one of the more expensive woods used in high end handcrafted furniture.
Walnut is the wood behind most of our Live Edge Tables collection.
White Oak, Stable and Weather Resistant
White oak is a common hardwood admired for its tight grain and excellent resistance to decay. It has a golden brown color that deepens gracefully over time and can be further enhanced with a carefully chosen stain.
Because of its moisture resistance and durability, white oak is often chosen for pieces that see more wear, including outdoor furniture like garden tables or benches.
Hickory, Strong, Bold, and Full of Character
Hickory is one of the strongest domestic hardwoods used for furniture, known for dramatic color contrast that ranges from light brown to deep brown tones. Its pronounced grain pattern and occasional swirl give each piece a distinctive look.
Hickory is often chosen for dining tables and cabinetry where durability is essential and visual character is welcome.
See hickory used throughout our Hutches & Buffets collection.
Softwoods and Other Wood Options
While hardwoods are the go to for heirloom quality tables and chairs, softwood species like pine and cedar continue to be widely used, especially in budget friendly or decorative furniture.
Pine, for instance, can be used for rustic farmhouse tables or accent pieces thanks to its knots and swirling grain that create visual interest. Cedar is prized for its natural resistance to pests and decay, making it a common choice for outdoor furniture and storage pieces.
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Project
The best wood is the one that meets the design, function, and style you want in your furniture. A few tips for choosing:
- Consider how the piece will be used. Heavy use areas benefit from durable wood like oak, hickory, or maple.
- Match the wood's grain and color to your room's palette. Some species darken or change hue as they age.
- Decide whether natural beauty or stain flexibility matters most. Walnut is often left natural, while maple and ash take stain well.
No matter the species you choose, ash, hickory, maple, walnut, or oak, each offers its own character to a handcrafted table or furniture piece, ensuring your creation is as functional as it is beautiful.
Mixing Wood Species in Furniture
Mixing wood species in furniture has become an increasingly popular design approach. Combining different hardwoods allows furniture makers to highlight contrast while maintaining balance.
For example, pairing a walnut base with a lighter oak top can emphasize structure and form without overwhelming the design. When mixing wood types, consistency in grain scale and tone is key so the furniture feels intentional rather than mismatched.
Thoughtful combinations can elevate custom furniture and create visually dynamic yet cohesive pieces.
Final Thoughts
Almost any wood can be used to create furniture, but only certain species stand up to the test of daily life with elegance and durability.
Whether you select solid wood furniture or pieces with veneer accents, understanding the differences in grain pattern, hardness, and color will help you choose the right wood for both your aesthetic and functional needs.
From ash dining tables to walnut live edge tops and hickory buffets, the range of hardwoods we work with allows for endless creativity and timeless design in handcrafted furniture.
Ready to build a piece from the wood species that fits your home? Contact us or call 847-401-7753 to get started.
