Properties and applications per wood species
Properties and Applications by Wood Type: A Complete Guide
Choosing the right type of wood for a specific project is essential for both the final result and its durability. Each wood type has unique properties that make it suitable for certain applications and less suitable for others. In this guide, we explore the most commonly used wood types, their key properties, and their ideal applications, so you can find the perfect match for your next project.
"Choosing the right wood type is like selecting the perfect ingredient for a culinary masterpiece - it forms the foundation for everything that follows."
European Hardwoods: Timeless Classics with Proven Performance
| Wood Type | Properties | Ideal Applications | Durability Class |
|---|---|---|---|
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Oak Quercus robur |
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Class 2-3 (durable to moderately durable) |
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Beech Fagus sylvatica |
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Class 5 (not durable) |
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Ash Fraxinus excelsior |
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Class 5 (not durable) |
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Cherry Prunus avium |
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Class 3 (moderately durable) |
Tropical Hardwoods: Robust Exotics with Impressive Durability
Certification and Durability
When choosing tropical hardwoods, look for certifications such as FSC or PEFC that ensure the wood comes from responsibly managed forests. This helps protect biodiversity and combat deforestation.
| Wood Type | Properties | Ideal Applications | Durability Class |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Teak Tectona grandis |
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Class 1 (very durable) |
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Meranti Shorea spp. |
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Class 2-3 (durable to moderately durable) |
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Iroko Milicia excelsa |
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Class 1-2 (very durable to durable) |
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Merbau Intsia bijuga |
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Class 1-2 (very durable to durable) |
Softwoods: Versatile Building Materials for Many Purposes
Softwood is generally faster growing, lighter, and cheaper than hardwood, making it ideal for construction applications and budget-friendly projects.
| Wood Type | Properties | Ideal Applications | Durability Class |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Spruce Picea abies |
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Class 4-5 (little to not durable) |
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Pine Pinus sylvestris |
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Class 3-4 (moderately to little durable) |
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Douglas Pseudotsuga menziesii |
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Class 3 (moderately durable) |
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Larch Larix decidua |
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Class 3 (moderately durable) |
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Cedar Thuja plicata |
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Class 2 (durable) |
Modified Wood Types: Technologically Enhanced for Specific Performance
Modern technologies have made it possible to enhance the natural properties of wood, creating new opportunities for applications where traditional wood falls short.
| Type | Process and Properties | Ideal Applications | Durability Class |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accoya Acetylated wood |
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|
Class 1 (very durable) |
| Thermally Modified Wood |
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Class 1-2 (very durable to durable) |
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Kebony Furfuryl alcohol impregnated |
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Class 1 (very durable) |
Understanding Specific Properties: The Key to the Right Choice
Density and Strength
The density of wood strongly correlates with its strength. Wood types with higher density are usually stronger, harder, and more wear-resistant, but also heavier and often more difficult to work with.
Low density (below 500 kg/m³):
- Spruce, cedar, poplar
- Lighter in weight, easier to handle
- Ideal for large-volume applications where weight is a factor
Average density (500-700 kg/m³):
- Oak, cherry, teak
- Good balance between strength and workability
- Versatile for various applications
High density (above 700 kg/m³):
- Merbau, robinia, hickory
- Excellent strength and wear resistance
- Ideal for heavily loaded constructions and flooring
Durability Classes and Lifespan
The natural resistance of wood to biological decay is expressed in durability classes, which indicate the expected lifespan in outdoor applications when in contact with the ground:
- Class 1 (very durable): More than 25 years (e.g., teak, robinia)
- Class 2 (durable): 15-25 years (e.g., oak heartwood, cedar)
- Class 3 (moderately durable): 10-15 years (e.g., douglas, larch)
- Class 4 (little durable): 5-10 years (e.g., pine, spruce)
- Class 5 (not durable): Less than 5 years (e.g., beech, birch)
For outdoor applications without ground contact, the lifespan can be significantly higher. Treatments such as impregnation or coating can also improve durability.
Stability and Moisture Sensitivity
Dimensional stability is the degree to which wood retains its shape with changes in moisture content. This is crucial for applications where precise fits or flat surfaces are important.
Very stable:
- Teak, mahogany, cedar
- Minimal shrinkage and expansion
- Ideal for outdoor joinery, frames, doors
Moderately stable:
- Oak, cherry, larch
- Moderate dimensional changes
- Suitable for indoor joinery and furniture
Less stable:
- Beech, maple, pine
- Significant dimensional changes with moisture fluctuations
- Better for applications where movement can be accommodated
Workability and Finishing
The workability of wood affects how easily it can be sawn, planed, milled, and sanded, while the finishing properties determine how well it accepts paint, stain, or varnish.
Excellent workability:
- Spruce, lime, poplar
- Easy to work with hand and power tools
- Ideal for beginners and detailed wood carving
Good finishing:
- Cherry, maple, oak
- Absorbs finishing products evenly
- Can be polished to a high gloss
Challenges in machining or finishing:
- Iroko (can produce irritating dust)
- Teak (oils can hinder finishing)
- Padauk (can quickly dull tools)
Selecting the Right Wood for Specific Projects
Outdoor Applications
Key Criteria: Durability, weather resistance, stability
Best Options:
- Decking: Teak, Accoya, Robinia, Bangkirai
- Siding: Cedar, thermally modified wood, Larch
- Garden furniture: Teak, Iroko, Accoya
- Pergolas and structures: Douglas, Oak (heartwood), Larch
Furniture and Interiors
Key Criteria: Aesthetics, stability, workability
Best Options:
- High-quality furniture: Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Mahogany
- Kitchens: Maple, Oak, Beech (for countertops)
- Bathroom furniture: Teak, Cedar, Accoya
- Office furniture: Ash, Oak, Cherry
Construction
Key Criteria: Strength, dimensions, value for money
Best Options:
- Roof structures: Spruce, Douglas, Larch
- Load-bearing beams: Douglas, Oak, Glued laminated softwood
- Walls and floors: Spruce, OSB, Plywood
- Scaffolding: Spruce, Pine
Flooring
Key Criteria: Wear resistance, stability, aesthetics
Best Options:
- Living areas: Oak, Maple, Cherry
- Heavy-duty floors: Merbau, Jatoba, Robinia
- Moist areas: Teak, Accoya, Merbau
- Over underfloor heating: Oak, Cherry (quarter-sawn)
Special Considerations: When Wood-Specific Properties are Crucial
| Property | Why Important? | Recommended Wood Types |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustics | For musical instruments and acoustic spaces, resonance and vibration conduction are crucial |
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| Food Contact | For cutting boards, kitchen utensils, and countertops, wood must be food-safe and hygienic |
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| Moving Water | For applications in contact with moving water such as docks and boats |
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| Thermal Insulation | For applications where heat insulation is important, such as saunas |
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Sustainable Choices: Considering Environmental Impact
Ecological Footprint of Wood
- Choose wood with FSC or PEFC certification to support responsible forest management
- Consider local wood species to reduce transport emissions
- Wood from temperate climates often grows slower but more sustainably than tropical wood
- Modified wood types can be an environmentally friendly alternative to tropical hardwoods
Although all wood types are essentially renewable materials, the environmental impact varies significantly depending on origin, harvesting method, and transport. Here are some sustainable alternatives to commonly used wood types:
| Traditional Choice | Sustainable Alternative | Why a Good Alternative? |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical hardwood (general) | Thermally modified Ash or Pine | Locally sourced wood improved for durability without harmful chemicals |
| Teak | Robinia (Acacia) | European hardwood with comparable durability, faster renewable |
| Mahogany | Cherry | Beautiful reddish wood from temperate forests, similar workability |
| Meranti | Accoya | Acetylated wood from fast-growing species with superior properties |
Conclusion: The Right Match for Your Specific Needs
The choice of a wood type is a subtle balance between technical requirements, aesthetic preferences, budget, and sustainability considerations. No single wood type is universally "the best" - the right choice entirely depends on the specific application and priorities.
Some key questions to ask when choosing a wood type:
- Environment: Will the wood be indoors or outdoors? In contact with water or moisture?
- Structural: Does the wood need to bear weight or is it primarily decorative?
- Aesthetics: What color, texture, and grain fit your design?
- Maintenance: How much time do you want to spend maintaining the wood?
- Budget: What is the most cost-effective option that meets your requirements?
With a well-considered choice of the right wood type, you can ensure that your project is not only beautiful but also performs technically superior and stands the test of time. The rich diversity of available wood types offers incredible possibilities - from the warmth of traditional oak to the innovative performance of modified wood.
"The true art of woodworking begins with selecting the right material - each piece of wood tells its own story and brings unique properties to every project."