natural wood

What is natural wood?

Natural wood is marketed in the form of beams, lamellas, boards and strips.

By this term we mean wood as a raw material “in its pure state”, unprocessed and unmixed with
other materials (plastics, fibers, glues, etc.) as is the case with plywood or chipboard.

Therefore, natural wood is a noble material of higher quality and with a more elegant and
beautiful aesthetic.

Natural material
Wood is a flexible material that is easy to work with.

In addition, during its extraction and processing, it causes little pollution in the water and air,
which is a great advantage from an environmental point of view.

Excellent insulator
Wood has the ability to absorb and expel humidity, regulating the temperature in indoor
environments.

Wooden constructions act as a natural insulator due to the thermal inertia of this material,
which keeps heat in cold areas and offers cool interiors in warmer areas.

In this sense, the use of natural wood helps to save energy in air conditioning.

Moreover, wood is an excellent insulator against noise and vibrations.

High durability
Wood has a very favorable strength-to-weight ratio, and structures made of this material age by a
natural process that can last for centuries.

Cladding and decorative elements made of this material also have a very high durability.
Natural wood creates comfortable and high quality spaces.
 Types of natural wood
Hard natural wood:

1.Oak Wood:

Color: Light brown/beige – can have golden/reddish hues

Grain: Straight-grained, uneven texture

Workability: Good
Oak is one of the most popular hardwoods, with over 600 species used for projects all over the
world. All Oak specimens are strong, durable, heavy, and dense. They are insect, water, and
fungi-resistant, making them perfect for outdoor use. Oak is a hardwood often used for flooring
due to its benefits and looks.

Other than flooring, you can make furniture, paneling, decking, joinery, and veneers from Oak. It
is less prone to cracking and warping than other hardwoods. Oak has a natural, charming
appearance, so many people use it to enhance their home’s curb appeal. Oak will make your
home beautiful for years to come if properly cared for.

PROS

 Long-lasting
 Durable
 Water, insect, and fungi-resistant
 Charming appearance
 Not prone to warping and bending

CONS

 Heavy
2.Cherry Wood:

Color: Light-pink toned/brown-red with golden hues

Grain: Straight-grained, fine smooth texture

Workability: Great
Cherry is another unique hardwood species that looks elegant and has various purposes. Due to
its excellent workability, strength, and durability, it’s used for making furniture, cabinets,
flooring, doors, paneling, carvings, and molding. Different Cherry types vary in colors, from
light-pink tones to brown-red ones with golden hues. It has great shock, rot, and decay
resistance.

Cherry wood can be harmed by sunlight, which will change its color. It’s also not as water-
resistant as some other hardwoods, so it’s best to use it for the interior. This beautiful hardwood
requires more maintenance than others because it quickly collects dust and dirt.

PROS

 Stunning colors
 Amazing flexibility
 Strong
 Shock, rot, and decay-resistant

CONS

 Changes color when exposed to excessive sunlight

 Requires a lot of maintenance
 Not water-resistant
 Expensive
3.Rosewood:

Color: Golden-brown/brown-reddish

Grain: Straight-grained (can be spiral or wavy)

Workability: Good
Rosewood is a durable hardwood that comes in different varieties and has a lot of good qualities.
Rosewood is hard, dense, and offers good stability. It’s often used to make furniture, musical
instruments, cabinetry, flooring, and paneling. Rosewood is easy to work with and has medium
shock resistance. It’s ideal for enhancing your home with its stunning rich color. It can be
expensive, especially Brazilian Rosewood because it’s a rare hardwood species.

PROS

 Durable
 Offers good stability
 Easy to work with
 Medium shock-resistant

CONS

 Expensive
4.Walnut Wood:

Color: Dark chocolate/ light brown

Grain: Straight to irregular-grained

Workability: Great
Walnut is an affordable hardwood that comes in several unique colors. It gets lighter with age,
gaining a stunning golden/honey color. People mostly use Walnut for flooring, furniture,
cabinets, and carvings. It’s decay-resistant, but it’s prone to insect attacks. Walnut wood is
straight to irregular-grained and sometimes has a curly or wavy structure that enhances its look.
While working with Walnut, you might sense a mild odor from the wood. Due to its charm and
reasonable price, many people choose Walnut wood for their projects and renovations.

PROS

 Affordable
 Beautiful color
 Easy to work with

CONS

 Has an odor while being worked with

5.Maple Wood:

Color: Creamy white with reddish and brown hues

Grain: Straight-grained, uniform texture

Workability: Good
Maple is a well-known hardwood with impressive durability. Like other hardwoods, it has
different species, but the one that stands out most is Hard Maple (Sugar Maple). It is the most
durable Maple species, and people go for it because of its beautiful looks and undeniable
strength.

Maple is easy to work with, although softer types are more workable than hard Maple. People
use it for construction, furniture, musical instruments, toys, and carving. Maple wood can cause
allergic reactions and skin irritation, so consider that if you have health issues.

PROS

 Impressive durability
 Strength
 Easy to work with

CONS

 Can cause allergic reactions

6.Mahogany Wood:

Color: Deep red/reddish-brown with burgundy hues

Grain: Straight-grained

Workability: Great
Mahogany is a desirable hardwood with a unique appearance due to its deep red or
reddish/brown color. This wood is not prone to warping and bending, and it is very dense,
making it ideal for cabinetry, decking, flooring, furniture, musical instruments, and
veneers. Mahogany is rot and decay-resistant as well as water-resistant. It’s durable but still easy
to work with, making it great for various projects and construction. Mahogany changes color
when exposed to sunlight and can be difficult to find due to the high demand.

PROS

 Unique color
 Not prone to warping and bending
 Dense
 Rot, decay, and water-resistant

CONS

 Changes color when exposed to sunlight

 Can be difficult to find
 Pricey
7.Ash Wood:

Color: Light brown/beige

Grain: Straight-grained

Workability: Good
Ash is an excellent hardwood that is durable and has a high-quality feeling. It’s very strong and
not prone to scratches and dents. It’s a hardwood species with a score of 1320 on the Janka scale,
but it’s lightweight, regardless of its hardness. Ash is also shock-resistant, and due to its good
workability and natural appeal, people use it for furniture, cabinetry, doors, and flooring. Other
products like sports equipment and tool handles are also made from Ash wood.

PROS

 Durable
 Strong
 Not prone to scratches and dents
 Lightweight
 Hard
 Shock-resistant

CONS

 Not insect and fungi-resistant

 Flammable
8.Hickory Wood:

Color: Light beige/dark brown

Grain: Straight or wavy-grained/coarse-medium texture

Workability: Difficult
Hickory is a hardwood native to the USA. It’s the strongest, stiffest, and hardest domestic
species in the US. This stunning hardwood species is a popular option for flooring, cabinetry,
and furniture. Due to its fantastic durability, Hickory is also used to create wooden ladders, tool
handles, and sports goods. It is also shock-resistant. The downside of this hardwood is that it’s
pretty challenging to work with, so it requires extra patience and caution.

PROS

 Strong, stiff, and hard

 Durable
 Shock-resistant

CONS

 Difficult to work with

9.Beech Wood:

Color: Light brown/reddish-brown

Grain: Straight-grained/fine-even texture

Workability: Good
Beech is an interesting species found in many parts of the world. Many go for this wood due to
its good workability and various uses. It’s best to use Beech indoors because it cannot bear
extreme weather and moisture. You can use Beech Wood for flooring, furniture, and door
construction, but it’s great for meat, vegetable, or fish smoking. It’s a sustainable species that
will help make your home more eco-friendly.

PROS

 Good workability
 Interesting usage
 Eco-friendly

CONS

 Cannot bear weather changes and moisture

 Not for outdoor use
10.Elm Wood:

Color: Grayish-white/light-reddish

Grain: Interlocked grain/uneven texture

Workability: Good
Elm is not a durable hardwood. However, furniture made of Elm tends to be very strong and
high-quality. Elm is another species that you shouldn’t use outdoors, and you should only
include it in interior design. That is because it’s not water-resistant and reacts to moisture. You
can make furniture, carvings, paneling, parquet flooring, and stairs from this wood. Since it’s
lightweight, there are other uses for Elm, like making boxes, tool handles, and paper production.

PROS

 Strong and high-quality

 Lightweight
 Good workability

CONS

 Not durable
 Not for outdoor usage
 Not-water resistant

11.Teak Wood:

Color: Honey brown-golden/silver-gray patina

Grain: Straight-grained/ grain can be interlocked or wavy occasionally

Workability: Good
Teak is famous for its color and durability. It’s water, termite, and decay-resistant, so indoor and
outdoor usage is acceptable. It is not too hard to work with Teak wood, and many woodworkers
choose it for their projects. You can make Teak furniture, decking, build boats, or use it to make
Plywood. It’s expensive compared to some other hardwoods, but it is more convenient because it
comes in large sizes.

PROS

 Durable
 Water, termite, and decay-resistant
 Good workability

CONS

 Expensive
12.Balau Wood:

Color: Yellowish-brown

Grain: Interlocked grain/coarse texture

Workability: Difficult
Balau is a hardwood native to Malaysia, known for its density. Its primary usage is in heavy
construction, but it’s hard to work with because it’s very dense. People also use it for decking,
flooring, boat making, and furniture. Balau is used worldwide, and many people go for it due to
its affordable price. It is very durable lumber that’s water-resistant but not insect and decay-
resistant. If taken care of properly, anything made from Balau will last you for a lifetime.

PROS

 Dense
 Affordable
 Durable
 Water-resistant

CONS

 Difficult to work with

 Not resistant to insects and decay
13.Poplar Wood:

Color: Light beige/white/creamy white with yellow hues

Grain: Straight-grained

Workability: Great
If you’re looking for a hardwood that’s easy to work with, you should try using Poplar. It’s a
species used mainly for furniture and woodworking projects, but you can also use it for
cabinetry, doors, and light construction. It is a strong wood, but it’s softer than other hardwood
options. That’s why you should choose suitable finishes to make the wood more durable. It needs
a moisture-free environment because it can be easily damaged by water.

PROS

 Great workability
 Strong

CONS

 Softer compared to other hardwoods

 Needs a moisture-free environment
 Can be damaged by water
14.Alder Wood:

Color: Light brown/pinkish-brown with red hues

Grain: Closed-smooth grained

Workability: Great
Alder is a versatile hardwood with a unique appearance. Its common use is in cabinetry,
moldings, doors, paneling, and furniture. It’s lightweight and easy to work with, and it’s a great
option for DIY projects. This is another hardwood quite soft but not prone to cracking and
warping. Alder is another affordable wood, and it’s among the most eco-friendly hardwoods. It’s
not water-resistant, and it’s not one of the most durable options on the market.

PROS

 Versatile
 Easy to work with
 Affordable
 Eco-friendly
 Not prone to cracking and warping

CONS

 Not water-resistant
 Not durable
15.Pecan Wood:

Color: Light brown/ darker brown with reddish hues

Grain: Straight-grained/ can be wavy occasionally

Workability: Difficult
Pecan is a hardwood that belongs to the hickory family. It’s a stiff and hard species, which
makes it difficult to work with. Pecan’s use is to make cabinetry, flooring, and furniture. It can
also be used as firewood or for smoking meat and other foods. It’s not a durable wood, but the
floors and furniture made out of it tend to be of good quality. Pecan is difficult to stain, so you’ll
need to stick to its natural shades.

PROS

 Various usages
 Looks pretty

CONS

 Difficult to work with

 Not durable
 Difficult to stain
16.Birch Wood:

Color: Pale-light brown/brown-reddish

Grain: Straight-grained/fine texture

Workability: Good
Birch is another hardwood that is widespread and has various uses and purposes. It’s durable, so
people use it widely for furniture and flooring. Birch has an attractive appearance due to its
straight grain and fine texture. It’s decay-resistant, lightweight, and affordable, which makes it
very popular. Still, it can crack and warp easily, and it’s expensive compared to other hardwood
types. It’s also not insect-resistant, so it’s best to use it indoors only.

PROS

 Durable
 Attractive appearance
 Lightweight

CONS

 It’s affordable but still expensive compared to other hardwood species

 Not insect-resistant
 Prone to cracking and warping
soft natural wood:

1.Pine wood:

Pine is a type of softwood that is derived from the Pinus genus. Pine trees are evergreen and can
be found throughout the world. Pine is an abundant softwood type and is used by craftsmen in
numerous applications like framing, flooring, joinery, furniture, cladding, and fencing. Common
types of pine are Eastern white pine, Ponderosa pine, and Scots pine.

Pine Characteristics
 Weight – Pine is lightweight in comparison to other types of softwood. This means
that it is easy to handle and transport.
 Density – Pine is a low-density softwood, so it is susceptible to dents and scratches.
 Grain – The straight grain pattern of pine makes it easier to cut and shape and adds
to its aesthetic appeal.
 Color – The color of pine ranges from pale yellow of the outer ring layers to pale
red of the heartwood.
 Workability – The lower density of pinewood means that it is easy to cut and shape.
Pine sands smoothly and accepts stain and finishing coats well.
 Stability – Even though pine is less dense, it has good dimensional stability. It does
not shrink and warp if it has been properly dried and stored. This makes it a good
option for structural applications.
 Cost – Pine is abundant and is available in many regions around the world. This
makes it one of the most affordable softwood options.
 Strength – Pine has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, so while it is lightweight,
it is also strong. It is not as strong as the strongest softwoods, but it has adequate
strength for structural projects.
2.Spruce Wood:

Spruce is part of the Picea genus. Spruce is a type of coniferous tree that grows in the Northern
Hemisphere, primarily in North America and Europe. Spruce has excellent sound properties.
This means that it helps promote resonance in musical instruments.

Spruce Characteristics
 Weight – Spruce is a moderately weighted softwood variety.
 Density – The density of spruce is in the medium range, not as lightweight as
common pine, but not as dense as Douglas fir.
 Grain – The fine, even texture and straight grain of spruce give it a clean and
uniform appearance.
 Color – Spruce is light in color, ranging from pale white/yellow to reddish brown.
 Workability – The modern density and low resin of spruce gives it good
workability. It is easy to cut and shape, and it accepts stains and paints well.
 Stability – Spruce exhibits low shrinkage, so it is useful in construction and joinery.
 Cost – Spruce is a medium-cost softwood, more expensive than common pine but
less expensive than cedar.
 Strength – Spruce has a high strength-to-weight ratio. It has good bending strength,
compression strength, and tensile strength.
3.Cedar Wood:

Cedar is part of the Cedrus genus. Builders and craftsmen value cedar for its unique natural
resistance to rot and pests. Cedar also has a pleasing aroma so craftsmen utilize it in chests and
closets for clothes. Many types of cedar exist throughout the world, including Western Red
Cedar, Spanish Cedar, and Eastern Red Cedar.

Cedar Characteristics
 Weight – Most cedar varieties are considered lightweight, though this can range
according to different types.
 Density – Cedar is considered a light to medium-weight softwood.
 Grain – Cedar has a fine and even grain with an even texture.
 Color – Cedar has a warm brown-reddish hue that is enhanced by wood finishes.
 Workability – Because of its even texture and lightweight, cedar is easy to cut,
shape, and finish with both hand and power tools.
 Stability – Cedar has a low moisture content, so it is dimensionally stable. It is less
prone to shrinking and warping even in varying humidity conditions.
 Cost – Most types of cedar are more expensive than other softwood types.
 Strength – Cedar has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, exhibiting good bending
strength, compression strength, and stiffness.
4.Fir Wood:

Fir is a softwood that comes from the genus Abies. Douglas fir is the most common type of fir
available, but there are many other types, including noble fir and balsam fir. Douglas fir is one of
the most common Christmas tree types.

Fir Characteristics
 Weight – Fir is a moderately heavy softwood, but this is also dependent on the age
of the wood and the location of the wood within the tree (e.g. heartwood or
sapwood).
 Density – Fir is a medium-density wood.
 Grain – Fir has a straight grain with a fine and even texture.
 Color – Fir is pale yellow to reddish brown, depending on the exact species.
 Workability – Woodworkers consider fir moderately easy to work with. It is easy to
machine and shape because of its straight grain and fine texture.
 Stability – Fir exhibits good structural stability. This means that it is less prone to
shrinking, twisting, and warping
 Cost – Fir is a moderately priced softwood option.
 Strength – Builders prize fir for its strength. It has excellent bending and
compressive strength, making it ideal for structural applications.
5.Larch Wood:

Larch is a softwood from the genus Larix. This is a type of deciduous conifer, which means that
while they have needle-like leaves, they lose these leaves in the fall. Larch wood contains natural
oils that make it more resistant to rot and wood pest infestations.

Larch Characteristics
 Weight – The weight of larch depends on the type of larch wood that you buy, but
most larch wood has a mid to heavy weight.
 Density – Larch is a much denser wood than other softwood varieties. It is a medium
to high-density softwood.
 Grain – Larch has a straight grain pattern and an even texture.
 Color – Larch wood is pale yellow to reddish brown in color.
 Workability –
 Stability – Larch has good structural stability, so it is less prone to warping and
shrinking.
 Cost – The cost for larch wood ranges from the mid to high range but depends on
the quality and source of the wood.
 Strength – Larch wood has excellent strength and durability. Because of its bending
strength, compression strength, and stiffness, builders use it for structural
applications like beams, posts, and columns.
6.Red wood:

Redwood is a softwood that comes from several species of the genus Sequoia. The ability of
redwood to withstand outdoor weather conditions because of its natural oils makes it some of the
most prized wood for outdoor applications. Redwood also has excellent natural thermal
insulation properties.

Redwood Characteristics
 Weight – Redwood is considered a lightweight softwood.
 Density – Redwood has a moderate density compared to other softwoods.
 Grain – Redwood has a fine texture and a straight and even grain.
 Color – Redwood has a rich reddish brown color. Builders can leave this wood
unfinished or enhance the color with a clear sealer.
 Workability – Due to its moderate density and fine, straight grain, redwood is easy
to cut, sand, and finish with both hand and power tools.
 Stability – Redwood has exceptional stability. It resists shrinking and warping even
in changing weather and humidity conditions.
 Cost – Redwood is a mid-range priced softwood.
 Strength – Builders prize redwood for its exceptional strength. It has excellent
compressive, tensile, bending, and shear strength.
7.Cypress Wood:

Cypress wood comes from several species in the Cupressaceous family. People value cypress
wood for its versatility but also for its unique oil and resin content, which gives it water
resistance properties. This makes it ideal in outdoor applications like decking, fences, and
exterior trim.

Cypress Characteristics

 Weight – Cypress is a mid-weight softwood.

 Density – Cypress is a moderately dense softwood, though the exact density depends
on the part of the tree from which the wood is sourced.
 Grain – Cypress has a straight grain and a fine and even texture.
 Color – Cypress wood has a range of colors depending on the variety, from pale
yellow to reddish brown and gray.
 Workability – Wood craftsmen consider cypress an easy wood to work with
because of its moderate density and even grain.
 Stability – Cypress has good dimensional stability because of its straight grain and
even texture.
 Cost – The cost for cypress is in the mid-range, but the exact price depends on the
wood’s quality and sourcing.
 Strength – Cypress has good tensile, compressive, shear, and bending strength.
While it is not as high as other wood species, it has sufficient strength for
construction, woodworking, and structural projects.