Choosing the Right Hardwood: A Guide for Woodworkers

While choosing the right hardwood is a crucial step in any woodworking journey, it can be hard to decide which species to invest in when every blog, YouTube video, or other web source has differing opinions.

Whether you're building furniture, crafting cutting boards, or designing intricate inlays, the wood you select can affect your finished project's visual appeal, strength, and longevity.

At KJP Select Hardwoods, we understand the importance of making informed choices, and we're here to help guide you through the sometimes confusing world of hardwoods.

Why Hardwood?

You may be asking yourself: "Why hardwood? What's the difference between hardwood and softwood? Aren't all woods hard?" While wood is known to be a sturdy and reliable construction material, the differences between hardwood and softwood start right at the roots.

Hardwood comes from deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually, while softwoods come from coniferous trees. Hardwoods are known for their density and durability and are preferred in woodworking for their resistance to wear and beautiful grain variations.

Unlike most softwoods, hardwoods offer a wider range of colours, grain types, and mechanical properties, making them suitable for various applications, from everyday furniture to high-end cabinetry.

That's not to say that softwoods aren't useful, but they provide benefits, such as aromatic scents and insect-resistant properties.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Hardwood for Your Next Project

What is the purpose of my project?

Different woods are better suited to different tasks. Here are some basic suggestions based on the type of project you're pursuing:

• Furniture & Cabinetry: Maple, cherry, and walnut offer a good balance of workability, strength, and beautiful grain patterns.
• Cutting Boards & Kitchenware: Closed-grain woods like maple and walnut are ideal because they resist moisture and bacteria. Avoid porous woods like oak or ash.
• Outdoor Projects: White oak or teak have natural moisture resistance. Pine or cedar can work if finished properly.

How hard do I need my wood to be?

The Janka hardness scale measures wood’s resistance to denting and wear. Examples include:

• High Janka: Hickory, maple, wenge, leopardwood
• Medium Janka: Cherry, walnut
• Low Janka: Cedar, pine (mostly softwoods)

What do I want my finished project to look like?

• Maple: Pale and smooth; ideal for modern designs; curly or bird's eye variants available
• Cherry: Warm, reddish, and darkens over time; may include sapwood streaks
• Walnut: Deep brown to purple; elegant with potential for curly figure
• White Oak: Olive-toned with visible pores and strong grain; great aroma
• Poplar: Inexpensive and good for painted finishes; can be green, purple, or yellow

What level of workability am I comfortable with?

Choose a wood species that suits your tool set and skill level:

• Beginner-friendly: Cherry, walnut, poplar
• Advanced woodworkers: Maple, hickory (require sharp tools and patience)

Thinking Beyond the Classics: Exotic Hardwoods

If you're looking for something unique, try these:

• Purpleheart: Bold purple color, dense and heavy

• Sapele: Reddish ribbon grain similar to mahogany; hard and durable
• Black Limba: Dramatic light and dark contrast; soft, but prone to splinters and pinholes

Experimenting with exotic woods for accents or inlays can elevate your craftsmanship and introduce you to new styles and skills.

The best wood for your project is the one that meets your needs, excites your creativity, and fits your skill level. Don't be afraid to try new species, ask questions, and invest in quality materials—you'll thank yourself at every step of the build.

Whether crafting your first cutting board or planning your next furniture masterpiece, we're here to help you choose the perfect hardwood for your project. Let the grain guide you! Contact us today to get started.