Wood Species
We work with a wide range of hardwood and softwood species to meet the diverse needs of our customers across manufacturing, architectural, and industrial applications.
Understanding the characteristics of each species helps ensure optimal performance and finish for high-volume CNC turning, custom columns, balusters, tool handles, and other products.
Below, you’ll find information about the most commonly used wood species, including strengths, use cases, and more.
Typical Hardwood & Softwood Species
What’s the Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood?
Understanding the core differences can help you choose the right wood for strength, appearance, and more.
Poplar, Beech, Basswood
Hickory, Ash, Maple
Painted Components
Poplar, White Pine
Cypress, Sapele, Douglas Fir
Stain-Grade Interior Products
Oak, Sapele, African Mahogany
High-Volume Production
Poplar, Southern Yellow Pine, Basswood
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Wood Species
Below you’ll find answers to common questions about which wood species are best for different products and applications.
- All
- Species - CNC Turning & Custom Components
- Species - Interior Stain-Grade Products
- Species - Porch Columns & Exterior Applications
- Species - Substitution & Value Alternatives
- Species - Tool Handles & Industrial Parts
Poplar and Basswood are great domestic choices for cost-effective shaping, especially when the final product will be painted. For a warm look, consider Walnut for interiors or Cypress for exteriors.
Sapele offers a rich reddish-brown tone with a ribbon grain. It’s often used for visible interior features like columns, trim, and furniture. Sapele is more durable than many domestic hardwoods and has a refined look when stained or clear-coated.
Poplar is ideal for painted components due to its smooth texture. For stained finishes, Maple, Red Oak, and Beech bring clean grain definition and color consistency which is great for interior stair parts, columns, and custom woodwork.
African Mahogany is often chosen for warm tones and a straight grain. It’s a versatile hardwood used for interior columns, CNC components, and as a substitute for true Mahogany in both residential and commercial builds.
Poplar, Basswood, African Mahogany, Sapele, and Beech are popular choices thanks to their ease of machining, predictable grain, and premium look.
Poplar, Southern Yellow Pine, and Basswood are favored in bulk runs. Sapele is also often used in higher-end bulk applications.
Ash, Maple, and Hickory are preferred for tool handles and striking tools due to their shock resistance and grain strength. They can handle repetitive force without splintering or breaking.
Cypress, Sapele, and African Mahogany are all great options. They naturally withstand moisture and environmental exposure and are reliable for outdoor columns, railings, and decorative accents. If you have questions about a particular project, reach out to us. We’ll be able to guide you!
For exterior columns, Cypress and Mahogany are often chosen due to their natural resistance to rot. Sapele and African Mahogany are also excellent options as they offer rich color and durability similar to true mahogany, often at a lower cost.
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