Woodworker's Handbook. Roger Horwood
And then there is the olfactory experience— the variety of aromas exuded from woods is a pleasure in and of itself, and, in the writer’s opinion, is better than a visit to any perfumery!
The different woods listed in this book fall into two major categories: natural wood (direct from the tree) and man-made “wood” (manufactured from by-products of wood from the tree).
Natural Wood
This category is divided into two major groups: softwoods and hardwoods. When applied to wood, the terms “soft” and “hard” are usually in relation to each other, but there are exceptions. Balsa, for example, is physically probably one of the softest woods available commercially, but due to its makeup, it is scientifically classified as a hardwood. Balsa is a light wood, both in weight and in color, and has very little structural strength. It is not used for furniture making, but mainly in the construction of model airplanes and other such projects.
At the other end of the scale are hardwoods, such as teak and ironwood, which are amazingly strong, hard, and durable.
There are literally hundreds of different natural woods, and it is important that you select wood with the characteristics you require for the type of project you have in mind. This choice will be governed by factors such as durability, strength, practicality, and color. For example, most ordinary kitchen and children’s furniture will be made from pine, as it is relatively inexpensive, easy to work, and it doesn’t matter too much if it is abused through everyday use. On the other hand, dining-room and lounge furniture will usually be made from an attractive and relatively expensive hardwood, as it is important that the furniture is aesthetically pleasing as well as long-lasting.
The name of each wood represented in this chapter is, in most instances, the common name for a number of varieties within that species. Although it is possible to import almost any wood available on world markets, the type of wood you use within each group will largely depend on what is the easiest to obtain in your location.
Softwoods
Softwoods are harvested from trees that take about twenty to twenty-five years to mature. The most prolific wood in this category comes from the family of trees known collectively as pine. Pine is available almost all over the world and is still relatively inexpensive. The trees grow tall and straight, a characteristic which, in years gone by, made them suitable for the masts of sailing vessels as well as large construction beams. Their long, uninterrupted growth makes pine trees perfect for use in the furniture and building industries.
Himalayan cedar
Cedar
Generally the color of liquid honey, most varieties of cedar are aromatic and have a straight, clearly defined grain. Western red cedar is often used in the construction of houses and joinery, while cedar of Lebanon is a popular choice for cabinetmaking as its chemical makeup deters insects. Many varieties in the cedar family are not particularly strong, but they are very durable.
Oregon pine
Oregon Pine (Oregon Cedar, Douglas Fir)
Oregon pine is a popular wood used in country-style furniture. It is easy to work, has a particularly attractive grain, and has a lovely brown-yellow color. This wood gives off a pleasant aroma when being worked.
South African pine
Pine (All Varieties)
Pine is generally a clean white or creamy yellow color. It is easy to work, is in plentiful supply, and is therefore usually inexpensive. Pine can be obtained in a variety of sizes, but good-quality, solid boards are not easy to come by. When selecting pine for furniture making, watch out for knots as they can be a feature or a problem. Knots in timber are caused by the growth of a branch out of the trunk, and if they are “dead” they can fall out of the board (literally!), but if they are “live” they can be a very attractive feature in the finished product.
Hardwoods
The woods in this category are harvested from trees that take a very long time to grow to maturity, in many cases as many as two hundred to three hundred years. Traditionally, the more popular hardwoods for woodworking include oak, beech, walnut, and mahogany. Generally speaking, the hardwoods have a much more beautiful character, pattern, and grain formation, and are far more hardy than the softwoods. They are, therefore, a more popular choice for furniture making than softwoods.
American red oak
American Red Oak
This wood is heavy, durable, and very strong. It has similar qualities to American white oak, but tends to be redder in color and has a more interesting grain.
American white oak
American White Oak
Although similar in appearance to other oak varieties, American white oak has a yellowish-red color and a less attractive grain. What it loses in attractiveness, however, it gains in a reputation for toughness and durability.
Australian red cedar
Australian Red Cedar
Unlike other cedar varieties, this timber is a hardwood. It is slightly redder in color than other cedars and has a grain very similar in appearance to Oregon pine (see here) when finished. It is most commonly used for small cabinets and other furniture.
American beech
Beech
This is another popular furniture-making wood, as it is light, strong, and hard. The whiter the wood, the younger it is and the more popular for furniture making. Avoid using the darker or discolored wood as this comes from much older trees and has the tendency to split quite easily.
Beech has an excellent texture, making for easy planing, joining, and finishing. It takes the bumps and scrapes of normal household use very well, and because of its smooth finish it is also a favorite choice for use in tool handles.
Cherry
Cherry
Cherry wood is a popular choice with professional cabinetmakers, but it is quite difficult to obtain and is usually expensive outside the USA and Canada.
It can be difficult to work as the grain tends to tear easily, but if worked properly it can give a very beautiful finish.
The two most commonly used species within this family are English cherry and American cherry.