Our Premium
Hardwood Options
Not sure which wood is right for your project? This guide covers everything you need to know about the hardwoods we use — color, grain, durability, and best uses.
The Right Wood Makes All the Difference
Every hardwood has its own personality. Walnut is dramatic and dark. Maple is clean and bright. Cherry deepens with age. Oak is open-grained and bold. The wood you choose affects how your piece looks, how long it lasts, and how it performs in its environment.
At WoodworkingGuys, we never use MDF, plywood, or veneer. Every piece is built from solid domestic hardwood — sourced from reputable mills right here in the USA.
This guide will help you understand the differences between the woods we offer so you can make the best choice for your custom piece.
5 Premium Hardwoods
Most PopularAmerican Black Walnut
Juglans nigra
Black Walnut is the crown jewel of American hardwoods. Its rich, dark espresso-brown color and dramatic flowing grain make it the most visually striking wood we work with. Walnut darkens slightly with age and develops a beautiful patina that only gets better over time. It's strong, stable, and works beautifully with both hand and power tools.
Best for KitchenHard Maple
Acer saccharum
Hard Maple is the workhorse of the kitchen. Its creamy white color, fine even grain, and exceptional hardness make it the gold standard for cutting boards and butcher blocks. It's one of the hardest domestic hardwoods available, resists moisture well, and stands up to decades of daily use without complaint.
Ages BeautifullyAmerican Cherry
Prunus serotina
Cherry is the wood that rewards patience. It starts with a warm pinkish-brown tone and deepens into a rich reddish-brown as it ages and is exposed to light — a process that takes months and years. The result is a piece that looks more beautiful with every passing year. Cherry has a smooth, fine grain that takes finishes exceptionally well.
Great for FurnitureWhite Oak
Quercus alba
White Oak is the furniture maker's favorite for good reason. Its warm golden tone, distinctive ray fleck pattern, and open grain give it a bold, organic character that photographs beautifully and looks stunning in any interior. It's also naturally water-resistant — making it one of the most versatile hardwoods we use.
Best for OutdoorWestern Red Cedar
Thuja plicata
Cedar is the outdoor specialist. Its natural oils make it inherently resistant to moisture, insects, and decay — without any chemical treatment needed. Lightweight and easy to work with, cedar is the go-to choice for outdoor furniture, planters, and any project that will be exposed to the elements. Its distinctive aroma is an added bonus.
Wood Comparison Chart
| Wood | Color | Hardness | Best Use | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Walnut | Dark espresso brown | High (1010) | Furniture, cutting boards, shelving | Premium |
| Hard Maple | Creamy white | Very High (1450) | Kitchen items, cutting boards | Mid-range |
| Cherry | Warm reddish-brown | Medium (950) | Signs, gifts, decorative pieces | Mid-range |
| White Oak | Warm golden | High (1360) | Tables, benches, shelving | Mid-range |
| Cedar | Reddish-pink | Low (350) | Outdoor furniture, planters | Affordable |
Still Not Sure Which
Wood to Choose?
Tell us about your project and we'll recommend the perfect wood and finish — completely free, no obligation.