I suspect that almost all of us have products made from hardwood lumber in our home. Whether you are seeking a rustic charm feel or a more modern flair, hardwoods probably play a role inside your house. There are many different types of North American hardwood species used for home based products. Although not an all-encompassing list, from our experiences we find these are a few common uses for hardwood lumber in the home.
Red Oak
Red Oak, (quercus rubr), is the most abundant species grown in the United States. We find it used in many applications. One of the most common uses is hardwood flooring. It’s strength, attractive grain patterns and durability make it an excellent choice floors and stairs.
White Oak
Known for its light color and tight grain, white oak (quercus alba), is a popular choice for furniture and cabinetry products. White oak is also very prevalent in the United States, and boasts a beautiful light brown hue that complements various interior styles. Its water-resistant properties make it ideal for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Hard Maple
By far, we find hard maple, (acer saccharum), being used in many cabinet manufacturing applications. But is also used in furniture, flooring, mouldings and millwork. Often desired for its clean, bright white color, hard maple also stains well and is commonly requested in SLR2E and S4S products by secondary manufacturers.
Cherry
For generations, cherry, (prunus serotinas), has been a hardwood species chosen in various cabinet and furniture applications. Its smooth grain patterns and reddish-brown tint have worked well it everything from dining room tables to bedroom furniture for centuries. One interesting fact about cherry lumber is it can darken overtime due to oxidation which makes it an interesting species to match pieces against.
Poplar
We find poplar, (a.k.a. tulipwood) liriodendron tulipifera, is often used in the home for many interior moulding and trim applications. It is known to be stable, take paint and stain very well and regularly found in longer lengths, (12’,14’ & 16’). In addition, over the years we have seen the use of poplar grow in popularity in the manufacturing of picture frames.
Walnut
Walnut, (juglans nigra), is one of America's most widely known and most valuable species. The wood is moderately heavy, hard, and strong. Over the years, walnut has held a certain level of esteem with consumers and been has build a reputation for a species of choice in luxury items. That’s why you find walnut used in many fine furniture applications and woodware items.
So, look around your home. See where hardwoods help make your life better. And if you are looking to update, renovate or add to the splendor of your home consider using products made from hardwoods! And check out the Real American Hardwoods Coalition website for more interesting hardwood information.
Tony C.
The Baillie Group