Teak is a tropical hardwood that has fragrant white flowers and large leaves and in genuine form is referred to as “Burmese teak”. Teak has a leathery smell when milled. It is very expensive- perhaps one of the most expensive large size, non-figured lumbers available.
Black Ash is a thirsty hardwood that is native to the great lakes region of North America and shares a habitat with tamarack and black spruce. It looks similar to Oak when stained, is comparable to oak in price, and has less chatter than Oak so it often displays a brighter finish.
Lyptus is a trademarked name that is used for a hybrid of two Eucalyptus species. Lyptus is attractive to consumers because it is a “green” economically friendly wood species that is abundant, easy to attain, and very affordable.
Douglas fir is an evergreen conifer species that is native to western North America and can be found from the Rocky Mountains to Oregon and Washington’s coast. Its appearance is desired in cabinetry and furniture with flat sawn material being very aesthetically pleasing.
Butternut is a hardwood species of walnut native to North America that is sometimes referred to as White Walnut, due to its close relation to Black Walnut. Its soft qualities make it a great species to use in carved furniture and is a favorite of wood carvers.
True Mahogany is a hardwood that was once thought to be a type of Cedar. Mahogany is prized for its beauty, durability, color, and character. It is naturally resistant and can withstand literally hundreds of years of use as a dining room table, yet is classy enough to be the choice material for accent pieces in luxury cars.
Utile, otherwise known as Sipo, is another common wood that is used as a Mahogany alternative and is often considered to be the closest resemblance to Genuine Mahogany. Utile is quickly becoming the most desired Mahogany alternative.
Sapele is an exotic hardwood native to tropical Africa. Its heartwood is usually a golden to dark reddish brown and its sapwood is a white or pale yellow color. Due to its outward characteristics and export restrictions on genuine mahogany, sapele is often used as a mahogany substitute.
Soft maple is a term that refers to several different species of maple, such as big leaf, silver, and red maple, in an effort to differentiate between soft and hard maples. Where soft maple refers to several types of maple, hard maple refers to only one: the sugar maple.
Red Oak is a hardwood that is native to North America – mainly Eastern and Central United States. Red oak is a versatile hardwood and the most popular hardwood in the United States. Depending on the cut of the wood, you can go from a classic, timeless look to a more contemporary look.