Wood Encyclopedia

ALL A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Acacia

Technical Name: Acacia spp. (often Acacia koa or Acacia melanoxylon)
Color/Appearance: Highly variable; from light brown to deep reddish-brown with contrasting streaks. Often has a rich, figured grain.
Janka: ~1170-2200 lbf (varies by species)
Logging Countries: Australia, Hawaii (Koa), Africa, Asia
Price Point: $$-$$$
Sustainability: Varies. Plantation-grown is sustainable. Hawaiian Koa is heavily restricted.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Tables, benches, outdoor furniture, bar tops.
Design Style: Rustic, Modern, Live-Edge, Beach
Workability: Good, but can be difficult if grain is interlocked or figured.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but often finished clear to show natural color.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $8.00 - $15.00) (Koa is $$$$)
Outdoor Use: Yes, many species are naturally water-resistant.
Rot Resistance: Good to Very Good.
Sun Fading: Will darken over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens and becomes richer.

Alder, Red

Technical Name: Alnus rubra
Color/Appearance: Light tan to reddish-brown; color darkens and reddens with age. No visible distinction between heartwood and sapwood.
Janka: 590 lbf (Very soft)
Logging Countries: Pacific Northwest (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and fast-growing.
Type: Hardwood (technically, but very soft)
Furniture Use: Cabinetry, dressers, chairs, kitchen cabinets. Often used as a "paint-grade" wood.
Design Style: Farmhouse, Rustic
Workability: Very easy. Machines, sands, and glues well. Prone to denting.
Stain Acceptance: Excellent. Often stained to mimic Cherry or Walnut.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $4.00 - $7.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor / Non-durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens to a reddish-brown.
Color Change: Yes, darkens significantly.

Afromosia

Technical Name: Pericopsis elata
Color/Appearance: Yellowish-brown heartwood, darkens with age to a deep brown. Similar in look to Teak.
Janka: 1570 lbf
Logging Countries: West Africa (Ghana, Cameroon, Congo)
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: No. Listed as CITES Appendix II and IUCN Endangered due to over-harvesting.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: High-end furniture, boatbuilding, cabinetry, flooring.
Design Style: Mid-Century Modern, Modern
Workability: Good, but can dull tools. Can cause dark stains with iron.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but usually finished clear.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $18.00 - $25.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, very good durability.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens to a rich brown.

African Mahogany (Khaya)

Technical Name: Khaya spp.
Color/Appearance: Pale pinkish-brown to a dark reddish-brown, darkens with age. Grain can be straight or interlocked.
Janka: ~1070 lbf (Varies by species)
Logging Countries: West and Central Africa
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Complicated. Some species (like *K. ivorensis*) are IUCN Vulnerable. Use only FSC certified.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Fine furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, veneer. A common Honduran Mahogany substitute.
Design Style: Traditional, High-End
Workability: Easy, but interlocked grain can cause tearout.
Stain Acceptance: Excellent.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $8.00 - $12.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, good durability.
Rot Resistance: Durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens to a rich red-brown.

Anigre

Technical Name: Aningeria spp.
Color/Appearance: Light yellowish-tan heartwood, sometimes with a pinkish hue. Lustrous. Figured (curly or mottled) grain is common.
Janka: 1120 lbf
Logging Countries: Tropical East and West Africa
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Generally sustainable (IUCN Least Concern).
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Veneer, high-end cabinetry, architectural panels, fine furniture.
Design Style: Contemporary, Modern
Workability: Moderate. High silica content dulls cutters. Can tearout on figured pieces.
Stain Acceptance: Very good.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $6.00 - $10.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor / Non-durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens slightly over time.
Color Change: Minimal.

Ash, White

Technical Name: Fraxinus americana
Color/Appearance: Light beige to light brown heartwood; sapwood is wide and light-colored. Straight, consistent grain.
Janka: 1320 lbf
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Generally sustainable, but now **highly threatened** by the Emerald Ash Borer.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Chairs (especially bentwood), tables, cabinets, baseball bats, tool handles.
Design Style: Scandinavian, Modern, Farmhouse
Workability: Excellent. Bends well, machines easily, and is strong for its weight.
Stain Acceptance: Very good. The open grain absorbs stain well.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $2.50 - $7.00)
Outdoor Use: No, poor rot resistance.
Rot Resistance: Poor
Sun Fading: Minimal; will darken slightly to a light straw color over time.
Color Change: Very stable, darkens slightly.

Basswood

Technical Name: Tilia americana
Color/Appearance: Pale white to light brown, with a fine, even texture. Grain is straight. No color difference between heartwood and sapwood.
Janka: 410 lbf (Very soft)
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and well-managed.
Type: Hardwood (technically, but very soft)
Furniture Use: Wood carving, musical instruments, shutters, "paint-grade" items.
Design Style: Utilitarian, Carvings
Workability: Excellent. The top choice for woodcarvers. Very easy to work, but very soft.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but can be blotchy. Often painted or clear-coated.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $4.00 - $7.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor / Non-durable.
Sun Fading: Minimal, may yellow slightly.
Color Change: Stable.

Beech, European

Technical Name: Fagus sylvatica
Color/Appearance: Pale cream color, sometimes with a pink or brown hue. Often steamed (turns it pinkish-red). Fine, straight grain.
Janka: 1450 lbf
Logging Countries: Europe
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and sustainably managed.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Chairs, cabinetry, workbenches, toys, kitchen utensils.
Design Style: Scandinavian, Modern, Utilitarian
Workability: Good, but can be difficult. Strong and holds details well.
Stain Acceptance: Good, takes stain evenly.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $5.00 - $8.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor / Non-durable.
Sun Fading: Stays relatively stable, may yellow slightly.
Color Change: Minimal.

Birch, Yellow

Technical Name: Betula alleghaniensis
Color/Appearance: Sapwood is nearly white; heartwood is light reddish-brown. Fine, even texture and straight or slightly wavy grain.
Janka: 1260 lbf
Logging Countries: Northeastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes. A "pioneer species" that grows quickly and is abundant.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Cabinetry, dressers, tables, chairs, plywood, children's furniture.
Design Style: Scandinavian, Modern, Minimalist
Workability: Good, but can be difficult with hand tools. Machines well.
Stain Acceptance: Can be blotchy, similar to Maple. Use a pre-stain conditioner.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $3.00 - $6.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor / Non-durable.
Sun Fading: Will yellow slightly over time.
Color Change: Yellows and darkens slightly.

Bubinga

Technical Name: Guibourtia spp.
Color/Appearance: Pinkish-red to deep reddish-brown with dark purple or black streaks. Often has wild, figured grain (waterfall, pommele).
Janka: 2410 lbf (Very hard)
Logging Countries: Equatorial Africa
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: No. Listed on CITES Appendix II and IUCN Critically Endangered. Avoid.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: High-end tables (especially "live edge"), veneer, musical instruments.
Design Style: Live-Edge, High-End Contemporary
Workability: Difficult. Very dense and hard; significant blunting of tools.
Stain Acceptance: Not typically stained; finished clear to show color.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $20.00 - $30.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens over time, can become a duller brown.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Butternut

Technical Name: Juglans cinerea
Color/Appearance: Light to medium tan heartwood, sometimes with a reddish tint. Pale sapwood. Coarse, straight grain.
Janka: 490 lbf (Very soft)
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Complicated. The species is threatened by a fungal disease (Butternut canker).
Type: Hardwood (technically, but very soft)
Furniture Use: Carvings, furniture (often antique), boxes, interior trim.
Design Style: Rustic, Traditional, Country
Workability: Very easy. Excellent for carving. Soft and prone to denting.
Stain Acceptance: Very good.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $4.00 - $8.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Moderately durable (heartwood).
Sun Fading: Stable color.
Color Change: Minimal.

Cedar, Aromatic Red

Technical Name: Juniperus virginiana
Color/Appearance: Deep reddish-pink heartwood with streaks of pale yellow sapwood. Knotty, with a straight grain.
Janka: 900 lbf
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant.
Type: Softwood
Furniture Use: Closet and chest linings, outdoor furniture, carvings.
Design Style: Rustic, Country, Farmhouse
Workability: Easy, but its softness and knots can cause tearout.
Stain Acceptance: Almost never stained; left unfinished to preserve its distinct aroma.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $3.00 - $6.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, excellent.
Rot Resistance: Excellent. Natural oils repel insects and rot.
Sun Fading: Will weather to a silvery-gray.
Color Change: Yes, weathers gray outdoors.

Cedar, Western Red

Technical Name: Thuja plicata
Color/Appearance: Reddish to pinkish-brown heartwood, often with dark streaks. Pale yellow sapwood. Straight grain.
Janka: 350 lbf (Very soft)
Logging Countries: Pacific Northwest (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and well-managed.
Type: Softwood
Furniture Use: Outdoor furniture, decks, siding, saunas, chests.
Design Style: Outdoor, West Coast Modern, Rustic
Workability: Very easy, but extremely soft and prone to denting.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $6.00 - $12.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, excellent.
Rot Resistance: Excellent. Natural oils repel insects and rot.
Sun Fading: Weathers to a silvery-gray if left untreated.
Color Change: Yes, weathers gray outdoors.

Cherry, American

Technical Name: Prunus serotina
Color/Appearance: Light pinkish-brown when new, darkening to a deep, rich reddish-brown over time. Fine, straight grain.
Janka: 950 lbf
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Generally sustainable from managed forests.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: High-end cabinetry, fine furniture, chairs, tables, dressers.
Design Style: Traditional, Shaker, Mid-Century Modern
Workability: Excellent. Very easy to work, cut, and machine.
Stain Acceptance: Very good, though prone to slight blotching. Often left natural.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $3.00 - $10.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor, though heartwood has some durability.
Sun Fading: The opposite; darkens significantly in UV light.
Color Change: Yes, famously darkens with age.

Chestnut, American

Technical Name: Castanea dentata
Color/Appearance: Pale white to light brown, darkens with age. Similar look to Oak, but without the large rays.
Janka: 540 lbf (Soft)
Logging Countries: USA (Only available as reclaimed/antique lumber)
Price Point: $$$$ (as reclaimed)
Sustainability: No. The species is functionally extinct due to a blight. All lumber is reclaimed.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Antique furniture, flooring, reclaimed "wormy" chestnut panels.
Design Style: Rustic, Farmhouse, Traditional
Workability: Very easy, but reclaimed wood can have nails.
Stain Acceptance: Excellent.
Price (Board Foot): $$$$ (Approx. $15.00 - $20.00+)
Outdoor Use: Yes, historically.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable (heartwood).
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens to a reddish-brown.

Cypress

Technical Name: Taxodium distichum
Color/Appearance: Light yellowish-brown to reddish-brown. Straight grain and medium texture.
Janka: 510 lbf (Soft)
Logging Countries: Southeastern USA
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Yes, generally sustainable (IUCN Least Concern).
Type: Softwood
Furniture Use: Outdoor furniture, docks, interior trim, veneer.
Design Style: Outdoor, Rustic, Beach
Workability: Good. Machines easily, but sharp cutters are needed to avoid tearout.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $6.00 - $9.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, very good.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable (heartwood).
Sun Fading: Will weather to a silvery-gray.
Color Change: Yes, weathers gray.

Douglas Fir

Technical Name: Pseudotsuga menziesii
Color/Appearance: Light reddish-brown heartwood, pale yellow sapwood. Distinctive, wild grain pattern.
Janka: 660 lbf
Logging Countries: Western North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and well-managed.
Type: Softwood
Furniture Use: Structural beams, tables, shelving, framing.
Design Style: Farmhouse, Rustic, Industrial, West Coast Modern
Workability: Good, but can splinter. Excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Stain Acceptance: Can be blotchy. A pre-stain conditioner is recommended.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $2.00 - $5.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, if treated or well-maintained.
Rot Resistance: Moderately durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens to a deeper reddish-brown.
Color Change: Yes, darkens with age.

Ebony, Gaboon

Technical Name: Diospyros crassiflora
Color/Appearance: Almost pure, jet-black heartwood. Exceptionally fine, even texture.
Janka: 3080 lbf (Extremely hard)
Logging Countries: West Africa
Price Point: $$$$
Sustainability: No. Listed as IUCN Critically Endangered. Only reclaimed or antique should be used.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Inlays, musical instrument parts (piano keys), small decorative items. Rarely used for full furniture pieces.
Design Style: High-End Decorative, Art Deco
Workability: Very difficult. Extremely dense, dulls tools severely.
Stain Acceptance: Not applicable; finished clear/polished.
Price (Board Foot): $$$$ (Extremely high, approx. $150.00+)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable.
Sun Fading: Very stable.
Color Change: No.

Elm, Red

Technical Name: Ulmus rubra
Color/Appearance: Light to medium reddish-brown heartwood. Coarse, open grain, often interlocked and wild.
Janka: 860 lbf
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Complicated. Species is threatened by Dutch Elm Disease.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Chairs, tables (especially "live edge"), bentwood pieces.
Design Style: Rustic, Farmhouse, Live-Edge
Workability: Difficult. Interlocked grain makes it prone to tearout. Bends very well.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $5.00 - $9.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Minimal.
Color Change: Stable.

Eucalyptus

Technical Name: Eucalyptus spp.
Color/Appearance: Ranges from pale pink to reddish-brown. Straight and interlocked grain.
Janka: 1125 lbf (Varies)
Logging Countries: Australia, South America (plantations), South Africa
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Yes, when from plantations. It's one of the fastest-growing hardwoods.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Outdoor furniture, flooring, cabinetry.
Design Style: Outdoor, Modern
Workability: Moderately difficult. Prone to movement if not dried properly.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $6.00 - $12.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, very good.
Rot Resistance: Durable.
Sun Fading: Will weather to a silvery-gray.
Color Change: Yes, weathers gray outdoors.

Hackberry

Technical Name: Celtis occidentalis
Color/Appearance: Light brown to gray heartwood; light yellow sapwood. Coarse, uneven texture similar to Elm or Ash.
Janka: 880 lbf
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and well-managed (IUCN Least Concern).
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Furniture, cabinetry, boxes, turned objects. Often used as an Ash substitute.
Design Style: Farmhouse, Rustic
Workability: Good. Easy to work, glues and finishes well. Good for steam bending.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $3.00 - $6.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor / Non-durable.
Sun Fading: Minimal.
Color Change: Stable.

Hemlock, Western

Technical Name: Tsuga heterophylla
Color/Appearance: Light reddish-brown heartwood. Coarse, uneven texture. Straight grain.
Janka: 540 lbf (Soft)
Logging Countries: Western North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and well-managed.
Type: Softwood
Furniture Use: Construction lumber, paneling, interior trim. Not common for fine furniture.
Design Style: Utilitarian, Rustic
Workability: Good, but soft. Prone to uneven sanding.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $2.00 - $4.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Hickory

Technical Name: Carya spp.
Color/Appearance: Pale yellowish-brown sapwood with light to medium brown heartwood, often with red undertones.
Janka: 1880 lbf (Very hard)
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and sustainably managed.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Tool handles, chairs, cabinetry, flooring. Valued for its strength.
Design Style: Farmhouse, Rustic, Industrial
Workability: Difficult. Very dense and hard, high blunting effect on tools.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but can be blotchy.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $4.00 - $8.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Minimal.
Color Change: Stable.

Holly, American

Technical Name: Ilex opaca
Color/Appearance: Uniform, pale white color. The whitest wood available. Virtually no visible grain.
Janka: 1020 lbf
Logging Countries: Eastern USA
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: Yes (IUCN Least Concern), but not widely harvested for lumber.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Inlays, small decorative items, piano keys (dyed black).
Design Style: Decorative, Marquetry
Workability: Good, but can burn. Prone to fungal staining if not dried quickly.
Stain Acceptance: Excellent, often dyed.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $15.00 - $25.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Will yellow over time.
Color Change: Yes, yellows with age.

Iroko

Technical Name: Milicia excelsa
Color/Appearance: Yellow to golden brown heartwood, darkens significantly over time. Coarse texture, interlocked grain.
Janka: 1260 lbf
Logging Countries: Tropical Africa
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Complicated. IUCN listed as "Near Threatened." Use only with FSC certification.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Outdoor furniture, boatbuilding, cabinetry. Often used as a Teak alternative.
Design Style: Outdoor, Modern
Workability: Good, but interlocked grain can tearout. Dulls tools due to mineral deposits.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but usually finished with oil.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $10.00 - $15.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, very good.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens significantly to a deep brown.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)

Technical Name: Hymenaea courbaril
Color/Appearance: Pinkish-red to brown-orange heartwood, darkens dramatically to a deep reddish-brown.
Janka: 2350 lbf (Extremely hard)
Logging Countries: Central & South America
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Generally sustainable (IUCN Least Concern).
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Flooring, furniture, tool handles, cabinetry.
Design Style: Traditional, High-Traffic
Workability: Difficult. Very hard and dense.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but usually finished clear.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $8.00 - $12.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens significantly.
Color Change: Yes, darkens dramatically.

Kiaat (African Teak)

Technical Name: Pterocarpus angolensis
Color/Appearance: Light golden brown to a medium brown with a reddish or purplish tint.
Janka: 1360 lbf
Logging Countries: Southern and Eastern Africa
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: Yes, generally sustainable (IUCN Least Concern), not heavily harvested.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Fine furniture, boatbuilding, carvings.
Design Style: High-End, Traditional
Workability: Excellent. Very stable, easy to work, and finishes well.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $17.00 - $25.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, very good.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Koa

Technical Name: Acacia koa
Color/Appearance: Medium golden to reddish-brown, highly variable with contrasting bands. Often has pronounced curly or wavy grain.
Janka: 1170 lbf
Logging Countries: USA (Hawaii only)
Price Point: $$$$
Sustainability: No. Not commercially harvested; only available from fallen or dead trees. Very protected.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Musical instruments (ukuleles), fine furniture, carvings, veneer.
Design Style: High-End, Hawaiian, Musical
Workability: Difficult if figured/interlocked, can tearout.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but almost never stained.
Price (Board Foot): $$$$ (Extremely high, $40.00 - $100.00+)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Moderately durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens slightly.
Color Change: Stable, rich color.

Lacewood

Technical Name: Panopsis spp.
Color/Appearance: Reddish-brown with light grey or brown "lacy" rays. Distinctive, speckled look when quarter-sawn.
Janka: 840 lbf
Logging Countries: Tropical South America
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: Generally sustainable (IUCN Least Concern).
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Veneer, cabinetry, fine furniture, decorative boxes.
Design Style: Decorative, Art Deco
Workability: Good, but can tearout when surfacing the rays.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but can obscure the 'lace' pattern.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $15.00 - $25.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Larch

Technical Name: Larix decidua (European) or Larix sibirica (Siberian)
Color/Appearance: Warm reddish-brown heartwood, pale sapwood. High-contrast grain.
Janka: 590-1100 lbf (Varies)
Logging Countries: Europe, Siberia, North America
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and sustainably managed.
Type: Softwood (but very hard for a softwood)
Furniture Use: Outdoor furniture, garden boxes, decking, rustic indoor furniture.
Design Style: Outdoor, Rustic, Farmhouse
Workability: Good, but its high resin content can gum up tools.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $3.00 - $6.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, excellent.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable (heartwood).
Sun Fading: Weathers to a silvery-gray.
Color Change: Yes, weathers gray outdoors.

Lyptus

Technical Name: Eucalyptus urograndis (Hybrid)
Color/Appearance: Salmon pink to reddish-brown. Marketed as a Cherry or Mahogany alternative.
Janka: 1420 lbf
Logging Countries: Brazil (Plantations)
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Yes. It is a plantation-grown hybrid, very fast-growing.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Cabinetry, furniture, interior trim.
Design Style: Traditional, Modern
Workability: Good, but can burn easily. Prone to seasonal movement.
Stain Acceptance: Excellent.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $7.00 - $10.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Moderately durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens with age.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Mahogany, Honduran

Technical Name: Swietenia macrophylla
Color/Appearance: Pinkish-brown to a deep reddish-brown. Grain can be straight or interlocked.
Janka: 800-900 lbf
Logging Countries: Central and South America.
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: High-risk. CITES Appendix II. Only use if 100% certified.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Fine furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, musical instruments.
Design Style: Traditional, Colonial, Victorian
Workability: Excellent. Very easy to work, stable, and finishes well.
Stain Acceptance: Excellent.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $6.00 - $28.00+)
Outdoor Use: Yes, very good durability.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, deepens to a rich red-brown.

Makore

Technical Name: Tieghemella heckelii
Color/Appearance: Pink to reddish-brown, similar to Mahogany but denser. Often has a figured, shimmering grain.
Janka: 1490 lbf
Logging Countries: West Africa
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: No. Listed as IUCN Endangered.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Veneer, high-end cabinetry, fine furniture, boatbuilding.
Design Style: Traditional, High-End Contemporary
Workability: Difficult. High silica content dulls tools severely.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $15.00 - $25.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Mango Wood

Technical Name: Mangifera indica
Color/Appearance: Golden yellow to rich brown, often with unique patterns and dark streaks from spalting (fungus).
Janka: 1070 lbf
Logging Countries: India, Southeast Asia (Pantropical)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes. A byproduct of agriculture; trees are harvested after they no longer bear fruit.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Tables, dressers, cabinets, side tables.
Design Style: Boho, Rustic, Farmhouse
Workability: Good, but can be stringy. Spalting and interlocked grain can be difficult.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $5.00 - $8.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor. Susceptible to insects and rot.
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Maple, Hard

Technical Name: Acer saccharum
Color/Appearance: Sapwood is creamy white (most used); heartwood is light reddish-brown. Fine, smooth grain.
Janka: 1450 lbf
Logging Countries: Northeastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Yes. Abundant and well-managed.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Dressers, tables, cabinets, cutting boards, flooring.
Design Style: Scandinavian, Modern, Minimalist, Contemporary
Workability: Good, but its density can burn with dull tools.
Stain Acceptance: Difficult. Prone to blotching. A pre-stain conditioner is required.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $3.00 - $8.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor / Non-durable.
Sun Fading: Will darken to a light honey/golden color.
Color Change: Yes, yellows/darkens over time.

Maple, Soft

Technical Name: Acer rubrum or Acer macrophyllum
Color/Appearance: Sapwood is almost white, heartwood is light golden or reddish-brown. Fine, even texture.
Janka: 700-950 lbf (Varies)
Logging Countries: North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and well-managed.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Cabinet frames, drawer boxes, "paint-grade" furniture, utility items.
Design Style: Utilitarian, Farmhouse
Workability: Excellent. Easier to work than Hard Maple.
Stain Acceptance: Difficult. Prone to blotching, similar to Hard Maple.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $3.00 - $6.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Will darken/yellow over time.
Color Change: Yes, yellows.

Meranti

Technical Name: Shorea spp. (Many species)
Color/Appearance: Highly variable, from light pink to deep red-brown. Coarse texture, interlocked grain.
Janka: ~400-800 lbf (Varies widely)
Logging Countries: Southeast Asia
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Generally No. A major driver of deforestation. Only use if 100% FSC certified.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Plywood, cheap furniture, window frames, molding.
Design Style: Utilitarian
Workability: Varies. Often easy, but can be stringy.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $3.00 - $6.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, with treatment.
Rot Resistance: Varies from poor to moderately durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens.
Color Change: Yes.

Movingui

Technical Name: Distemonanthus benthamianus
Color/Appearance: Bright, clear golden-yellow to orangish-brown heartwood.
Janka: 1230 lbf
Logging Countries: West Africa
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Generally sustainable (IUCN Least Concern).
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Furniture, flooring, veneer, cabinetry.
Design Style: Modern, Contemporary
Workability: Good, but interlocked grain can tearout. Dulls tools due to silica.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $9.00 - $14.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes.
Rot Resistance: Durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens slightly.
Color Change: Minimal.

Oak, Red

Technical Name: Quercus rubra
Color/Appearance: Light brown heartwood with a distinct reddish tint. Large, open grain. Less pronounced "ray flecks" than White Oak.
Janka: 1290 lbf
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and well-managed.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Cabinetry, tables, chairs, flooring, trim.
Design Style: Traditional, Farmhouse, Craftsman
Workability: Good. Machines well, but can splinter. Reacts with iron.
Stain Acceptance: Excellent. The large, open pores absorb stain very well.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $3.00 - $7.00)
Outdoor Use: No. The open-cell structure wicks water.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Minimal, may darken slightly.
Color Change: Very stable.

Oak, White

Technical Name: Quercus alba
Color/Appearance: Light to medium brown, often with an olive cast. Prominent grain with "ray flecks" when quarter-sawn.
Janka: 1350 lbf
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Generally sustainable from managed forests.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Tables, cabinets, chairs, flooring, outdoor furniture, boatbuilding.
Design Style: Farmhouse, Craftsman, Traditional, Modern
Workability: Good. Machines well, but can be splintery. Reacts with iron.
Stain Acceptance: Excellent. The large, open pores absorb stain beautifully.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $11.00+)
Outdoor Use: Yes. Closed-cell structure makes it water/rot-resistant.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable.
Sun Fading: Minimal, may darken slightly.
Color Change: Very stable.

Okoume

Technical Name: Aucoumea klaineana
Color/Appearance: Pale pink to light brown, darkens with age. Grain is straight to wavy.
Janka: 400 lbf (Very soft)
Logging Countries: West Africa (Gabon)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Complicated. IUCN listed as "Vulnerable." Use only FSC certified.
Type: Hardwood (technically, but very soft)
Furniture Use: Plywood (main use), veneer, boatbuilding, interior trim.
Design Style: Utilitarian, Marine
Workability: Easy, but high silica content dulls tools. Can be fuzzy.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $4.00 - $7.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Olive

Technical Name: Olea europaea
Color/Appearance: Cream or yellowish-brown heartwood with dramatic dark brown or black streaks. Wild, beautiful grain.
Janka: 2700 lbf (Extremely hard)
Logging Countries: Mediterranean Europe, Middle East
Price Point: $$$$
Sustainability: Yes. Lumber is a byproduct of agriculture (pruning, old trees). Not harvested for wood.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Small decorative items, bowls, cutting boards, veneer. Rarely in large furniture.
Design Style: Decorative, Rustic, Mediterranean
Workability: Difficult. Very dense and hard, interlocked grain.
Stain Acceptance: Not typically stained; finished clear to show grain.
Price (Board Foot): $$$$ (Very high, $30.00 - $70.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Stable.
Color Change: Minimal.

Padauk, African

Technical Name: Pterocarpus soyauxii
Color/Appearance: Bright, vivid orange-red when cut, darkening to a deep reddish-brown over time.
Janka: 1970 lbf
Logging Countries: Central and West Africa
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Generally sustainable (IUCN Least Concern).
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Fine furniture, musical instruments, decorative items, inlays.
Design Style: Decorative, High-End Contemporary
Workability: Good, but colored dust can stain other woods.
Stain Acceptance: Not typically stained; finished clear.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $10.00 - $15.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable.
Sun Fading: Yes, color fades/darkens dramatically. UV inhibitors needed.
Color Change: Yes, significant change from red to brown.

Paulownia

Technical Name: Paulownia tomentosa
Color/Appearance: Pale white to light brown. Straight grain, coarse texture.
Janka: 300 lbf (Extremely soft and light)
Logging Countries: Native to Asia; plantations globally.
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes. Extremely fast-growing, often considered invasive.
Type: Hardwood (technically, but one of the lightest)
Furniture Use: Utility items, surfboard cores, musical instruments, crates.
Design Style: Utilitarian
Workability: Very easy. Extremely light and soft, but stable.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $3.00 - $6.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes.
Rot Resistance: Durable.
Sun Fading: Minimal.
Color Change: Stable.

Pearwood

Technical Name: Pyrus communis
Color/Appearance: Uniform, pale pinkish-yellow or light reddish-brown. Extremely fine, even grain.
Janka: 1660 lbf
Logging Countries: Europe
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: Yes, a byproduct of agriculture.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Fine furniture, carvings, musical instruments, kitchen utensils.
Design Style: High-End, Decorative
Workability: Excellent. A favorite for carving and turning.
Stain Acceptance: Excellent, often ebonized (dyed black).
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $18.00 - $30.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Darkens slightly.
Color Change: Minimal.

Pecan

Technical Name: Carya illinoinensis
Color/Appearance: Light to medium brown heartwood with a reddish hue; pale sapwood. Often sold mixed with Hickory.
Janka: 1820 lbf
Logging Countries: USA, Mexico
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Yes, lumber is often a byproduct of agriculture.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Flooring, cabinetry, tool handles, furniture.
Design Style: Rustic, Farmhouse
Workability: Difficult. Very hard and dense, high blunting effect.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $4.00 - $8.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Minimal.
Color Change: Stable.

Pine, Eastern White

Technical Name: Pinus strobus
Color/Appearance: Light brown heartwood with a yellowish-white sapwood. Distinctive knots. Grain is straight and even.
Janka: 380 lbf (Very soft)
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes. Fast-growing and abundant.
Type: Softwood
Furniture Use: Dressers, beds, tables, shelving.
Design Style: Farmhouse, Rustic, Scandinavian, Country
Workability: Very easy. Cuts and shapes easily, but is prone to denting.
Stain Acceptance: Can be very blotchy. A pre-stain conditioner is essential.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $2.00 - $5.00)
Outdoor Use: Only if pressure-treated.
Rot Resistance: Poor / Non-durable.
Sun Fading: Will yellow and darken over time.
Color Change: Yes, yellows with age.

Pine, Southern Yellow

Technical Name: Pinus spp. (e.g., *Pinus palustris*)
Color/Appearance: Yellowish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood. Very strong contrast between light earlywood and dark latewood.
Janka: 690 lbf (Hard for a softwood)
Logging Countries: Southeastern USA
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and plantation-grown.
Type: Softwood
Furniture Use: Construction lumber, flooring, rustic tables, outdoor (if treated).
Design Style: Farmhouse, Rustic, Industrial
Workability: Good, but resin can gum up tools.
Stain Acceptance: Difficult. The hard latewood and soft earlywood absorb stain very differently.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $1.00 - $3.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes, when pressure-treated (very common).
Rot Resistance: Poor (untreated).
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Poplar

Technical Name: Liriodendron tulipifera
Color/Appearance: Light cream to yellowish-brown, with distinctive green or purple streaks in the heartwood.
Janka: 540 lbf (Soft)
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and fast-growing.
Type: Hardwood (technically, but very soft)
Furniture Use: "Paint-grade" furniture, cabinet frames, drawer boxes, molding.
Design Style: Utilitarian
Workability: Very easy. Machines and sands well. Too soft for high-wear items.
Stain Acceptance: Poor. The green streaks do not stain well. Almost always painted.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $2.00 - $5.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: The green streaks will turn dark brown.
Color Change: Yes, green turns brown.

Purpleheart

Technical Name: Peltogyne spp.
Color/Appearance: Dull purplish-brown when cut, turning a bright, vivid purple on exposure.
Janka: 2520 lbf (Very hard)
Logging Countries: Central and South America
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Generally sustainable (IUCN Least Concern).
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Decorative items, inlays, accents, heavy-duty flooring.
Design Style: Decorative, High-End
Workability: Difficult. Very dense, high blunting effect. Exudes resin when hot.
Stain Acceptance: Not applicable; finished clear.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $12.00 - $16.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable.
Sun Fading: Yes, color fades from purple to a dark brown. Needs UV protection.
Color Change: Yes, significant change from purple to brown.

Redwood, Coast

Technical Name: Sequoia sempervirens
Color/Appearance: Heartwood is light pinkish-brown to a deep reddish-brown. Straight grain.
Janka: 450 lbf (Very soft)
Logging Countries: USA (California, Oregon)
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: Complicated. Old-growth is not sustainable. Second-growth (FSC) is better.
Type: Softwood
Furniture Use: Outdoor furniture (decks, tables), beams, veneers.
Design Style: Outdoor, Rustic
Workability: Easy to work, but very soft and dents easily.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Varies wildly)
Outdoor Use: Yes.
Rot Resistance: Moderately to very durable.
Sun Fading: Will weather to a silvery-gray.
Color Change: Yes, weathers gray.

Rubberwood (Parawood)

Technical Name: Hevea brasiliensis
Color/Appearance: Pale cream to light tan. Coarse, straight grain. Similar to Soft Maple.
Janka: 960 lbf
Logging Countries: Southeast Asia, South America (Plantations)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes. A byproduct of agriculture; trees are harvested after they stop producing latex.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Inexpensive furniture, tables, cabinets, cutting boards.
Design Style: Utilitarian, Scandinavian, Farmhouse
Workability: Good. Easy to work, but can warp if not dried perfectly.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but can be blotchy.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $2.00 - $5.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor. Very susceptible to rot and insects.
Sun Fading: Minimal.
Color Change: Stable.

Sapele

Technical Name: Entandrophragma cylindricum
Color/Appearance: Golden to dark reddish-brown. Distinctive interlocked grain creates a "ribbon" effect when quarter-sawn.
Janka: 1410 lbf
Logging Countries: Tropical Africa
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Complicated. IUCN listed as "Vulnerable." Only use FSC certified.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Fine furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, musical instruments. A common Mahogany substitute.
Design Style: Traditional, High-End
Workability: Difficult. The interlocked grain is very prone to tearout.
Stain Acceptance: Excellent.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Approx. $7.00 - $12.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes.
Rot Resistance: Durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens over time.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Sassafras

Technical Name: Sassafras albidum
Color/Appearance: Medium to light brown, sometimes with an olive hue. Similar grain to Ash or Chestnut.
Janka: 630 lbf (Soft)
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes (IUCN Least Concern).
Type: Hardwood (technically, but soft)
Furniture Use: Utility furniture, fence posts, boatbuilding.
Design Style: Rustic, Utilitarian
Workability: Very easy. Machines and sands well.
Stain Acceptance: Good.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $3.00 - $5.00)
Outdoor Use: Yes.
Rot Resistance: Durable.
Sun Fading: Darkens with age.
Color Change: Yes, darkens.

Sheesham (Indian Rosewood)

Technical Name: Dalbergia sissoo
Color/Appearance: Golden brown to deep reddish-brown with dark, contrasting streaks.
Janka: 1660 lbf
Logging Countries: India, Pakistan (Plantations globally)
Price Point: $$
Sustainability: Complicated. All *Dalbergia* species are CITES listed. Plantation-grown is sustainable.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Tables, cabinets, dressers. Common in "boho" or "rustic" imported furniture.
Design Style: Rustic, Boho, Farmhouse, Traditional
Workability: Good, but can warp or split if not dried well.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but usually polished to show grain.
Price (Board Foot): $$ (Varies)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Durable.
Sun Fading: Color can darken.
Color Change: Yes.

Spruce

Technical Name: Picea spp.
Color/Appearance: Pale yellow-brown. Fine, straight grain.
Janka: ~400-500 lbf (Very soft)
Logging Countries: North America, Europe
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes, abundant and well-managed.
Type: Softwood
Furniture Use: Musical instruments (guitar tops), construction lumber, sofa frames (utility).
Design Style: Utilitarian, Musical
Workability: Easy, but very soft and prone to denting.
Stain Acceptance: Poor, very blotchy.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $1.00 - $3.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Yellows with age.
Color Change: Yes, yellows.

Sycamore

Technical Name: Platanus occidentalis
Color/Appearance: Pale white to light tan. Has a fine, even texture similar to Maple but with more prominent "ray fleck" patterns.
Janka: 770 lbf
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $
Sustainability: Yes (IUCN Least Concern).
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Butcher blocks, boxes, crates, interior trim.
Design Style: Utilitarian, Farmhouse
Workability: Easy, but interlocked grain can be difficult.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but can be blotchy.
Price (Board Foot): $ (Approx. $3.00 - $6.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Poor.
Sun Fading: Minimal.
Color Change: Stable.

Tamarind

Technical Name: Tamarindus indica
Color/Appearance: Very wide, pale yellow sapwood. Heartwood is deep reddish-brown. Often sold as "Spalted Tamarind" with black figuring.
Janka: 2690 lbf (Extremely hard)
Logging Countries: Tropical Africa, Asia (byproduct)
Price Point: $$$$
Sustainability: Yes. Lumber is a byproduct of agriculture (fruit).
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Small decorative items, carvings, turned objects, "live edge" tables.
Design Style: Decorative, Live-Edge
Workability: Difficult. Very dense, high blunting effect.
Stain Acceptance: Good, but usually finished clear.
Price (Board Foot): $$$$ (Very high)
Outdoor Use: No (sapwood).
Rot Resistance: Heartwood is durable; sapwood is poor.
Sun Fading: Stable.
Color Change: Minimal.

Teak

Technical Name: Tectona grandis
Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a golden or medium brown, which darkens with age.
Janka: 1070 lbf
Logging Countries: South/Southeast Asia, (Plantations globally)
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: Generally **not** sustainable from native forests. Plantation-grown (FSC) is the only sustainable option.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Outdoor furniture, boat decks, indoor flooring.
Design Style: Outdoor, Mid-Century Modern, Spa/Beach
Workability: Good, but high silica content dulls tools quickly.
Stain Acceptance: Generally not stained; finished with oil.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $7.00 - $41.00+)
Outdoor Use: Yes, considered the best.
Rot Resistance: Excellent. Natural oils repel rot and insects.
Sun Fading: Weathers to a silvery-gray patina if left untreated.
Color Change: Yes, darkens indoors, weathers gray outdoors.

Walnut, American

Technical Name: Juglans nigra
Color/Appearance: Rich, dark chocolate brown heartwood. Sapwood is a light, creamy white. Grain is usually straight.
Janka: 1010 lbf
Logging Countries: Eastern North America (USA, Canada)
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: Generally sustainable from managed forests.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: High-end tables, cabinets, chairs, gunstocks, headboards.
Design Style: Mid-Century Modern, Modern, Traditional
Workability: Excellent. A favorite among woodworkers.
Stain Acceptance: Excellent, though almost always finished clear.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $10.00 - $30.00+)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Moderately durable (heartwood). Not recommended.
Sun Fading: Yes, will lighten over time with UV exposure to a honey-brown.
Color Change: Yes, lightens with age.

Wenge

Technical Name: Millettia laurentii
Color/Appearance: Deep chocolate-brown to black with closely spaced, fine black lines. Coarse texture.
Janka: 1930 lbf
Logging Countries: Central Africa
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: No. Listed as IUCN Endangered.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Fine furniture, accents, inlays, musical instruments.
Design Style: Modern, Contemporary, High-Contrast
Workability: Difficult. Very dense, brittle, and prone to splintering.
Stain Acceptance: Not applicable; finished clear.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $20.00 - $30.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Very Durable.
Sun Fading: Very stable.
Color Change: No.

Zebrawood

Technical Name: Microberlinia brazzavillensis
Color/Appearance: Light cream or golden-brown with dark blackish-brown streaks, resembling zebra stripes.
Janka: 1830 lbf
Logging Countries: West Africa
Price Point: $$$
Sustainability: Complicated. IUCN listed as "Vulnerable." Only use FSC certified.
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Veneer, fine furniture, decorative items, accents.
Design Style: Decorative, Modern, Art Deco
Workability: Difficult. The hard and soft "stripes" machine unevenly.
Stain Acceptance: Not applicable; finished clear.
Price (Board Foot): $$$ (Approx. $20.00 - $40.00)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Durable.
Sun Fading: Minimal.
Color Change: Stable.

Ziricote

Technical Name: Cordia dodecandra
Color/Appearance: Various shades of black and dark brown with irregular, wavy "spider-web" grain.
Janka: 2200 lbf
Logging Countries: Central America (Mexico, Belize)
Price Point: $$$$
Sustainability: Complicated. IUCN listed as "Vulnerable."
Type: Hardwood
Furniture Use: Small decorative items, musical instruments, fine inlays.
Design Style: High-End Decorative, Musical
Workability: Good. Carves and turns well.
Stain Acceptance: Not applicable; finished clear.
Price (Board Foot): $$$$ (Extremely high, $60.00 - $80.00+)
Outdoor Use: No.
Rot Resistance: Non-durable.
Sun Fading: Minimal.
Color Change: Stable.