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Discover the World of Hardwood and Exotic Lumber from domestic favorites like Maple, Cherry, and Oak, to exotic showstoppers like Wenge, Ziricote, and Padauk. Every wood species tells its own story.
This Wood Species Guide was created to help woodworkers, furniture makers, and design enthusiasts understand the unique beauty, workability, and characteristics of the world’s most remarkable hardwoods.
Each detailed article below explores a specific wood species — including its appearance, hardness, uses, advantages, and expert tips — all written from the perspective of professional woodworkers who live and breathe fine lumber.
• Ambrosia Maple Wood– Maple transformed by beetle markings into organic art.
• Ash Lumber– Strong, shock-resistant, and easy to work — a furniture staple.
• Aspen Lumber– Pale, smooth, and softly glowing with natural simplicity.
• Balsa Lumber– The world’s lightest hardwood, perfect for precision craftwork.
• Basswood Lumber – Lightweight, smooth, and ideal for carving and painting.
• Beech Lumber – Light, consistent, and beautifully dependable.
• Birch Lumber – Uniform grain and light color for modern furniture and cabinetry.
• Bird’s Eye Maple Lumber – Rare, swirling pattern — elegant and timeless.
• Black Walnut Lumber – Deep chocolate tones with unrivaled elegance.
• Butternut Lumber – Warm, golden-brown softness with walnut’s gentle charm.
• Cherry Lumber – Warm, reddish-brown tone that deepens beautifully over time.
• Curly Maple Lumber – Rippling figure that dances under finish.
• Claro Walnut Lumber – Walnut reimagined with vivid contrast and rich character.
• Hard Maple Lumber – Durable, bright, and a top choice for cutting boards and flooring.
• Hickory Lumber – Tough, rustic, and distinctive — perfect for strength and style.
• Holly Lumber – The whitest of woods, refined and remarkably smooth.
• Mulberry Lumber – Golden tones that deepen with age and character.
• Poplar Lumber – Affordable and reliable for painted or structural projects.
• Red Oak Lumber – Classic open-grained hardwood with unmatched durability.
• Soft Maple Lumber (Red Maple) – Lighter than Hard Maple, versatile for furniture and turning.
• Roasted Ash Lumber – Thermally modified for warmth, stability, and outdoor strength.
• Roasted Maple Lumber – Rich caramel tone and enhanced stability for instruments and furniture.
• Sassafras Lumber – Light, Fragrant, and Naturally Durable
• Spalted Maple Lumber – Striking black-line patterns and natural artistic flair.
• White Oak Lumber – Water-resistant, dense, and historically used in cooperage.
• Yellow Birch Lumber – Strong and bright, a traditional cabinetmaker’s favorite.
• African Blackwood – One of the world’s hardest and most resonant tonewoods.
• Afromosia (African Teak) – Golden-brown and luxurious, with fine interlocked grain.
• Argentinian Osage Orange – Brilliant golden wood renowned for its strength and glow.
• Black Limba – Bold contrast meets effortless workability.
• Bloodwood – Vivid crimson color and incredible natural polish.
• Bolivian Bocote Lumber – Exotic beauty defined by bold grain and rich contrast.
• Bubinga – Dense and decorative, with swirling figure and high natural gloss.
• Canarywood – Vibrant rainbow hues and smooth machining.
• Cocobolo Lumber – Exotic rosewood bursting with fiery color and natural artistry.
• European Beech Lumber – Refined texture and strength with quiet sophistication.
• Iroko Lumber – Durable, stable, and naturally weather-resistant.
• Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry) – Exceptionally hard and richly colored — built to last.
• Katalox – Deep violet-brown tone and extreme density for fine detail work.
• Leopardwood – Distinct flecked figure resembling leopard spots.
• Macassar Ebony – Jet-black with caramel streaks — the definition of luxury.
• Mahogany (African & Genuine) – Timeless beauty, easy workability, and warm glow.
• Mappa Burl Lumber – Nature’s abstract art in soft, golden burl.
• Merbau Lumber – Dense, resilient, and naturally radiant.
• Mexican Kingwood (Camatillo) – Dense, luxurious rosewood with royal character.
• Olivewood – Ancient beauty in gold, cream, and chocolate curls.
• Padauk – Fiery orange-red hardwood that holds its color and strength.
• Peruvian Walnut (Nogal) – Smooth, chocolate tone with exceptional workability.
• Plantation Teak – Classic teak warmth with a modern sustainable edge.
• Purpleheart – Naturally purple, dense, and unforgettable.
• Red Zebrawood (Ebiara) – Striped with fiery reds and deep chocolate tones.
• Sapele – Ribbon-grained African classic with shimmering depth.
• Shedua (Ovangkol) – Golden-brown tone, elegant ribbon figure, and rich resonance.
• Tigerwood (Gonçalo Alves) – Striped, fiery, and durable — a showpiece in any build.
• Wenge – Deep espresso hue, coarse texture, and immense strength.
• White Limba – Light-toned, creamy grain with a subtle contemporary elegance.
• White Wenge (Lati) – A pale twist on wenge’s exotic elegance.
• Yellowheart – Bright, golden-yellow tone that retains its color beautifully.
• Zebrawood – Striking black-on-tan stripes for dramatic statement pieces.
• Ziricote – Dark, webbed figure with luxurious depth and natural gloss.
• Aromatic Cedar (Eastern Red Cedar) – Fragrant, protective, and perfect for lining or décor.
• Pine Lumber – Classic rustic appeal with visible knots and soft warmth.
• Western Red Cedar Lumber – Light, aromatic, and naturally weather-resistant..
• Spanish Cedar - Warm reddish-brown, aromatic, stable, and perfect for fine craftsmanship.
• Yellow Cedar Lumber – Fine-grained, durable, and a carver’s dream.
Each article in this series provides:
• 📏 Janka hardness, grain, and density data
• 🪵 Workability tips and finishing recommendations
• ⚒️ Real-world uses in furniture, turning, and cabinetry
• 🌎 Sourcing and sustainability details
• 💡 Pro tips from The Knotty Lumber Co.
Whether you’re selecting lumber for a client commission, building your first cutting board, or exploring exotic hardwoods, this guide helps you make the right choice — based on beauty, performance, and purpose.
• How to Identify Wood Species
• Understanding Board Foot vs. Linear Foot
• Hardwood Grading Guide
• How to Price Your Woodworking Projects
At The Knotty Lumber Co., we don’t just sell lumber — we live it. Every board in our shop is inspected, milled, and curated by woodworkers, for woodworkers.
From sustainable sourcing to expert guidance, we take pride in providing builders, turners, and designers with the right wood for every project — whether it’s a heirloom furniture piece or a creative experiment in the shop.
👉 Browse Our Full Lumber Collection
💡 Tip: Bookmark this guide for quick reference — new species and educational content are added regularly!
