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Picking a wood species isn’t just about color. It affects how your furniture wears, how much it weighs, whether it dings easily, and how well joints hold. Below, you’ll find the common options—what they cost, how hard they are (Janka hardness), what styles they match, sustainability notes, and where each wood shines. When in doubt, prioritize fit for use (e.g., tabletops need dent resistance) over looks—and confirm finish compatibility before you buy.1,2

Quick define: Janka hardness is a lab test that measures dent resistance. Higher = harder to dent. It’s not a perfect measure of “strength,” but it’s a reliable proxy for wear on tabletops and seats.2,6,7

Janka Scale of Wood Hardness : r/Infographics

Common Furniture Woods (What to Expect)

White Oak (Quercus alba)

White oak is a versatile, closed-pore hardwood known for durability, water resistance, and a timeless grain—great for modern, Japandi, and traditional spaces. Quartersawn stock shows dramatic ray fleck and moves less across seasons.1,3,4

  • Price: $$–$$$ (quartersawn commands a premium)
  • Durability: High; rot-resistant heartwood; Janka ~1,360 lbf2,3
  • Design fit: Minimalist, Scandinavian/Japandi, Craftsman, traditional
  • Availability: Excellent in North America; many thicknesses/grades3
  • Sustainability: Widely available domestic species; look for FSC/PEFC chain-of-custody on finished pieces5,8,9
  • Best uses: Tables, shelving, chairs, cabinets, flooring, even exterior with proper design/finish3

Red Oak (Quercus rubra group)

Red oak is abundant and budget-friendlier than white oak. It machines well and takes stain, but its open pores can wick moisture—better indoors than in wet areas.3,10

  • Price: $$ (generally less than white oak)
  • Durability: Moderate-high; Janka ~1,290 lbf; less moisture-resistant than white oak2,10
  • Design fit: Traditional, farmhouse, mid-century (stained), transitional
  • Availability: Excellent; many widths/grades10
  • Sustainability: Common domestic hardwood; ask for certified supply where possible5,8,9
  • Best uses: Tables, casework, chairs (steam bends well)10

Hard Maple (Acer saccharum)

Hard (sugar) maple is pale, clean, and very hard. It resists dents but can be tricky to stain evenly. Excellent for contemporary spaces needing a light, minimal palette.3,11,12

  • Price: $$–$$$
  • Durability: High; Janka ~1,450 lbf; can burn when machined and blotch when stained2,11
  • Design fit: Minimalist, Scandinavian, modern
  • Availability: Excellent (North America)11
  • Sustainability: Domestic; consider certified sources5,8,9
  • Best uses: Tables, desks, dresser tops, cutting boards (with food-safe finishes)11

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

Walnut delivers a rich brown tone and stable workability. It’s softer than maple or oak, so expect patina over pristine. Works across modern and classic interiors.3,13

  • Price: $$$–$$$$
  • Durability: Moderate-high; Janka ~1,010 lbf; good decay resistance2,13
  • Design fit: Mid-century, modern, Japandi (contrast), traditional luxury
  • Availability: Good but costlier; wide boards fetch premiums13
  • Sustainability: Domestic; verify origin, avoid unnecessary exotic substitutes; ask for certification5,8,9
  • Best uses: Tables, case goods, headboards, accent pieces13

Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Cherry starts light pink-brown and deepens with light exposure. It machines beautifully and moves predictably, making it a favorite for heirloom casework.3,14

  • Price: $$–$$$
  • Durability: Moderate; Janka ~950 lbf; finishes easily but can blotch with stains2,14
  • Design fit: Shaker, traditional, transitional, Japandi (soft warmth)
  • Availability: Good in North America14
  • Sustainability: Domestic; certification available on request5,8,9
  • Best uses: Cabinets, nightstands, dressers, tables14

Ash (Fraxinus spp.)

Ash shows bold cathedral grain similar to oak but with a lighter color. It bends and machines well—great for chairs and frames. Emerald ash borer has affected supply in some regions.3

  • Price: $$
  • Durability: Moderate-high; white ash Janka ~1,320 lbf2
  • Design fit: Scandinavian, minimalist, modern rustic
  • Availability: Variable by region
  • Sustainability: Domestic; ask about sourcing and certification5,8,9
  • Best uses: Chairs (steam bending), frames, tabletops

Birch (Betula alleghaniensis, paper/yellow birch)

Birch is fine-grained and strong. It’s an affordable light-colored hardwood, often used where maple aesthetics are desired at lower cost; can be harder to finish evenly.3

  • Price: $–$$
  • Durability: Moderate-high; yellow birch Janka ~1,260 lbf2
  • Design fit: Minimalist, Scandinavian, contemporary
  • Availability: Good domestically
  • Sustainability: Domestic; request certified supply5,8,9
  • Best uses: Case goods, drawer boxes, painted/stained furniture

Pine (Eastern White Pine & Southern Yellow Pine)

“Pine” covers many species. Eastern white pine is light, easy to work, and dents more easily; southern yellow pines are much harder and stronger. Expect knots in lower grades.15,16,17

  • Price: $–$$
  • Durability: Varies widely; E. white pine Janka ~380 lbf (soft); southern yellow pine ~690–870+ lbf (harder)2,15,18
  • Design fit: Cottage, farmhouse, coastal, rustic; SYP can suit industrial
  • Availability: Excellent; many widths & grades16
  • Sustainability: Plantation softwoods common; certification widely available5,8,9
  • Best uses: EWP: shelves, light-use tables, painted furniture; SYP: benches, utility tables

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

One of North America’s strongest softwoods for its weight; often used structurally. Clear fir can make striking, linear-grain furniture with good stiffness.19,20,21

  • Price: $–$$
  • Durability: Moderate; Janka ~660 lbf; high stiffness/strength-to-weight2,19,20
  • Design fit: Modern rustic, Scandinavian, Japandi (linear, warm)
  • Availability: Excellent in the Pacific Northwest; wide stock in construction grades; select grades for furniture19
  • Sustainability: Widely managed; certification common5,8,9
  • Best uses: Tables, benches, built-ins (use harder top coats for wear)

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

Exceptionally light and naturally decay-resistant—great outdoors. For indoor furniture, it dents easily but offers a warm, aromatic character.12,22,23

  • Price: $$
  • Durability: High decay resistance; low dent resistance; Janka ~350 lbf2,22
  • Design fit: Outdoor, spa, rustic, coastal
  • Availability: Good in western North America
  • Sustainability: Many producers emphasize legal/sustainable harvest; look for certification23,5,8,9
  • Best uses: Outdoor seating, planters, patio tables (with outdoor finishes)

Acacia / Australian Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon)

Dark-gold to brown tones with lively grain. Many “acacia” products use this species or close relatives; properties vary by species, so check specifics.24,25,26

  • Price: $$–$$$
  • Durability: Moderate; Australian blackwood Janka ~1,160 lbf; machines well2,26
  • Design fit: Bohemian, mid-century, contemporary rustic
  • Availability: Variable; often imported
  • Sustainability: Prefer certified sources; some species used as more sustainable substitutes for exotics24,26,5,8,9
  • Best uses: Tables, benches, accent case goods

Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis)

Often marketed as “eco-friendly” because it’s a plantation by-product after latex harvest. It’s easy to work and budget-friendly but perishable without proper processing/finishing.27,28,29

  • Price: $–$$
  • Durability: Moderate once seasoned; Janka ~960 lbf; low natural decay resistance—indoor use only2,27
  • Design fit: Contemporary value, Scandinavian-inspired (light finishes)
  • Availability: Widely used in imported furniture
  • Sustainability: Plantation by-product; still verify legality and certification where possible28,5,8,9
  • Best uses: Indoor tables, chairs, case goods (avoid wet zones)

Finish matters: Hard topcoats (e.g., catalyzed varnish, high-quality polyurethane) can dramatically improve dent/scratch resistance on softer woods like pine, fir, and cedar.1

Side-by-Side Summary

Wood Janka (lbf) Durability / Notes Price Tier Style Fit Availability Sustainability Notes Common Uses
White Oak ~1,3602 Rot-resistant; stable when quartersawn3 $$–$$$ Scandi, Japandi, Craftsman Excellent3 Domestic; FSC/PEFC options5,8,9 Tables, shelves, chairs3
Red Oak ~1,2902 Open pores; indoor use preferred10 $$ Traditional, farmhouse Excellent10 Domestic; certification available5,8,9 Tables, casework10
Hard Maple ~1,4502 Very dent-resistant; tricky to stain evenly11 $$–$$$ Minimalist, modern Excellent11 Domestic; certification available5,8,9 Tables, tops, cutting boards11
Black Walnut ~1,0102 Durable; easier to work; patinas13 $$$–$$$$ Mid-century, modern Good13 Domestic; request CoC5,8,9 Tables, case goods13
Cherry ~9502 Darkens with light; excellent machining14 $$–$$$ Shaker, traditional Good14 Domestic; certification available5,8,9 Cabinets, dressers14
Ash ~1,3202 Strong; bends well $$ Scandi, modern rustic Variable Domestic; check sourcing5,8,9 Chairs, frames
Birch ~1,2602 Strong; can blotch with stain $–$$ Minimalist, contemporary Good Domestic; certification available5,8,9 Case goods, painted pieces
Pine (E. White / SYP) ~380 / ~690–8702,15,18 EWP dents easily; SYP is tougher $–$$ Farmhouse, cottage Excellent16 Plantation; widely certified5,8,9 Shelves, tables (SYP), painted
Douglas-fir ~6602 Very stiff for weight; linear grain19,20 $–$$ Modern rustic, Japandi Excellent19 Managed forests; certified options5,8,9 Tables, benches, built-ins
Western Red Cedar ~3502 High decay resistance; soft22 $$ Outdoor, coastal Good Legal/sustainable harvest emphasized; certification available23,5,8,9 Outdoor furniture
Acacia (A. blackwood) ~1,1602 Warm color; property varies by species24,26 $$–$$$ Mid-century, boho Variable Prefer certified imports5,8,9 Tables, accent case goods
Rubberwood ~9602 Plantation by-product; needs good processing/finish27,28 $–$$ Value modern Common in imports Verify legality & certification5,8,9 Indoor tables, chairs
Indoor air tip: If your piece uses composite panels (like MDF or particleboard) inside, look for TSCA Title VI (U.S.) compliance labeling—this sets formaldehyde emission limits for composite wood in finished goods.30,31,32

How to Decide (Short, Practical Steps)

  • Match hardness to use: Dining tables and desk tops: target ~1,000+ lbf Janka for everyday dent resistance (walnut, oak, maple). Softer woods demand thicker tops and tougher finishes.2,1
  • Think movement: Quartersawn/vertical grain moves less across seasons than flatsawn; helpful for wide shelves and tops.1
  • Choose finish early: Maple and birch can blotch with stain—test with conditioner/gel stain. Dark stains can mask grain but show dust; oil-poly blends are forgiving.11,14
  • Confirm sourcing: Ask for FSC or PEFC claims on invoices if sustainability is a priority.5,8,9

FAQs

1) What’s the best wood for a dining table?

Pick a hardwood with Janka ≈1,000+ lbf (walnut, white/red oak, hard maple). It balances dent resistance and workability. Finish choice matters as much as species.2,3,11,13

2) Is white oak really better than red oak?

For wet areas and outdoor-adjacent use, yes—white oak’s closed pores resist moisture better. Red oak is great indoors and often costs less.3,10

3) Hard maple looks great—why do some tops look blotchy?

Dense, diffuse-porous structure can absorb stain unevenly. Use a pre-stain conditioner or gel stain, or keep it natural/clear.11

4) Is walnut too soft for a kitchen table?

Walnut is moderately hard (~1,010 lbf). It will patina with use. A durable topcoat helps; expect character over time.2,13

5) I want light wood with strong grain—oak or ash?

Both work. Ash has pronounced grain and bends well; white oak is more rot-resistant and widely available in quartersawn for stability.2,3

6) Is pine good for furniture?

Yes, with the right expectations. Eastern white pine is soft (dents easily). Southern yellow pine is tougher. Use protective finishes and thicker tops for heavy wear.2,15,18

7) What about Douglas-fir for indoor furniture?

Clear fir is attractive and quite stiff for a softwood. Use harder topcoats for tabletops to resist wear.19,20,2

8) Is Western red cedar only for outdoors?

It’s ideal outside thanks to natural decay resistance. Indoors it’s very soft—better for accent pieces than hard-use tops.22

9) Is “acacia” consistent?

“Acacia” on labels can include several species. Properties vary—Australian blackwood is a common furniture species with moderate hardness. Verify species and thickness.24,26

10) Is rubberwood truly sustainable?

It’s typically a by-product of latex plantations, which helps utilization. Still verify legality and ask for certification; ensure indoor-only use and proper finishing.28,27,5,8,9

11) How do I check emissions for composite parts?

Ask for TSCA Title VI (U.S.) compliant labeling on MDF/particleboard in finished furniture. Many compliant goods carry statements on invoices or product pages.30,31,32

 

References

  1. USDA Forest Products Laboratory. Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material. (General Technical Reports). Link
  2. The Wood Database. “Janka Hardness.” Link
  3. The Wood Database. “White Oak.” Link
  4. USDA FPL. Mechanical Properties of Wood (Kretschmann). Link
  5. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): Certification overview. Link and FSC business/wood page Link
  6. USDA FPL. Mechanical Properties of Wood (Senalik/Farber). Link
  7. PreciseBits. “Relative Wood Hardness Table.” Link
  8. PEFC. “What is Certification?” Link
  9. PEFC. “Facts & Figures.” Link
  10. The Wood Database. “Red Oak.” Link
  11. The Wood Database. “Hard Maple.” Link
  12. Naturally:Wood (Forestry Innovation Investment, BC). “Western Red Cedar – Species Profile.” Link
  13. The Wood Database. “Black Walnut.” Link
  14. The Wood Database. “Black Cherry.” Link
  15. The Wood Database. “Eastern White Pine.” Link
  16. The Wood Database. “Pine Wood: An Overall Guide.” Link
  17. The Wood Database. “Common US Hardwoods.” Link
  18. The Wood Database. “Longleaf Pine (Southern Yellow Pine group).” Link
  19. The Wood Database. “Douglas-fir.” Link
  20. Vikram et al. “Stiffness of Douglas-fir lumber…” Oregon State Univ. Link
  21. EPA. “Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products (TSCA Title VI).” Link
  22. EPA. “Small Entity Compliance Guide—Formaldehyde Standards.” Link
  23. EPA. “Resources & Guidance—Formaldehyde Standards.” Link
  24. RealCedar (WRCLA). “Western Red Cedar and its Uses (decay resistance).” Link
  25. The Wood Database. “Acacia (wattle) genus.” Link
  26. The Wood Database. “Australian Blackwood.” Link
  27. The Wood Database. “Rubberwood.” Link
  28. Green Building Advisor (forum). “Is rubberwood considered a ‘green’ wood?” Link
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