Hardwood Timber Product Guide
Choosing the right hardwood timber depends on what you are making, the species you choose and the finish you want. Use this guide to explore popular hardwoods, compare their characteristics and find out which species are commonly used for different projects.
What Are You Making?
Select your project to see which hardwood species are commonly considered.
What Is Hardwood Planed Timber?
Hardwood planed timber has been machined to produce a smoother surface and more consistent finished dimensions. It is commonly used for furniture, shelving, joinery, cabinetry, trim and other projects where the appearance and accuracy of the timber are important.
Hardwood species differ considerably in colour, grain, density, hardness, durability and workability. The best timber for a project therefore depends on both the intended use and the appearance you want to achieve.
Explore Hardwood Species
Select a species to see a generic example of planed timber together with its typical characteristics and uses.
Hardwood Species Comparison
A quick comparison of popular hardwood species used for furniture, joinery, shelving and woodworking.
| Species | Appearance | Typical Uses | General Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak | Distinctive grain with light to medium brown tones | Furniture, shelving, joinery | Hard and durable |
| Beech | Light colour with fine, relatively uniform grain | Furniture, cabinetry, machining | Hard and close grained |
| Ash | Light colour with prominent grain | Furniture, shelving, joinery | Strong and hard |
| Walnut | Rich brown colour with distinctive grain | Furniture, cabinetry, decorative work | Visually distinctive |
| Sapele | Reddish to medium brown with interlocked grain | Joinery, furniture, interior work | Hard and durable |
| Iroko | Golden to medium brown | Joinery and suitable external applications | Durable hardwood |
Understanding Hardwood Timber
What does planed timber mean?
Planed timber has been machined to remove material from the surface and produce a smoother, more consistent board. It is useful where the timber will be visible or where accurate dimensions are important.
What does PSE mean?
PSE means Planed Square Edge. The timber has been machined to create straight edges and a consistent finished profile.
What is the difference between planed and rough sawn timber?
Planed timber has a smoother machined surface and defined finished dimensions. Rough sawn timber retains its rough surface and generally provides additional material for machining or preparation.
Why is the finished size smaller than the nominal size?
Planing removes material from the original board, so the finished dimensions can be smaller than the original or nominal size. Always check the stated finished dimensions when ordering timber for a specific project.
Which hardwood is best for furniture?
Oak, beech, ash and walnut are all popular choices. The most suitable species depends on the required appearance, hardness, workability, durability and finish.
Which hardwood is best for shelving?
Oak, ash and beech are commonly considered for shelving. Thickness, width, span and method of support are also important when choosing timber for a shelf.
Can hardwood timber be painted, stained or oiled?
Yes. Many hardwood species can be painted, stained, oiled or varnished. Preparation and the choice of finish will depend on the species and the appearance required.
Can hardwood timber be used outside?
Some hardwood species are suitable for external applications, but suitability depends on the species, construction and level of exposure. Outdoor timber should be selected and protected appropriately for the intended environment.
Does hardwood timber move?
Yes. Hardwood is a natural material and can respond to changes in moisture and humidity. Correct storage, acclimatisation and suitable construction methods can help manage natural timber movement.
How should hardwood timber be stored?
Store hardwood timber flat, properly supported and protected from direct moisture. Avoid rapid changes in humidity and uneven drying, which can contribute to movement or distortion.
How to Choose Hardwood Timber
Choose the Species
Consider colour, grain, hardness, durability and the appearance you want.
Choose the Size
Check the required finished thickness, width and length for your project.
Consider the Application
Think about whether the timber will be used indoors, outdoors, in furniture or in joinery.
Consider the Finish
Decide whether the timber will be oiled, varnished, painted or left natural.
Allow for Movement
Natural timber responds to moisture, humidity and changes in its environment.
Check Finished Size
Always check the actual finished dimensions before ordering or machining.
Hardwood vs Softwood
What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?
Hardwood generally comes from broadleaf trees, while softwood usually comes from coniferous trees. The terms describe the type of tree rather than simply whether the finished timber is physically hard or soft.
Is hardwood always harder than softwood?
No. The terms hardwood and softwood do not directly describe the physical hardness of timber. Individual species vary considerably in density and hardness.
Choosing the Right Hardwood Timber
There is no single hardwood that is best for every project. Oak is popular where traditional grain, strength and durability are important, while beech is commonly used for furniture and machining. Ash provides a lighter appearance with prominent grain, while walnut is often selected for its darker colour and distinctive appearance.
Consider the species, finished dimensions, intended use, environment and final finish together when selecting hardwood timber. This will help ensure the timber is suitable for both the practical requirements and appearance of your project.