---
title: "The 10 Best Woods for Woodworking (According to a Pro)"
date: "2013-11-20"
modified: "2019-02-22"
authors:
  - name: "Marisa Villarreal"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer & Editor"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/marisa-villarreal/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-10-best-woods-for-woodworking-according-to-a-pro-46483/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Tools"
tags:
  - "wood"
  - "woodworking"
---

# The 10 Best Woods for Woodworking (According to a Pro)

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cherry-wood.jpg>)

### Which Wood is Best

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cover_shot.jpg>)
*&#160;Storey Publishing*

For a seasoned woodworker, like Spike Carlsen, former executive editor of *Family Handyman* and author of *Woodwoorking FAQ: The Workshop Companion,* choosing the right wood for the right job is second-nature. For the rest of us, it involves a bit of research. If you are tackling a project—and in doubt, read on to find out Carlsen's top 10 picks for the best woodworking woods.

### Ash

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ash.jpg>)
*Trendir*

**Characteristics:** Gray-brown; straight, pronounced grain; coarse texture; heavy and strong

**Uses:** Bats, hockey sticks, tool handles, furniture, curved boat parts

**Price:** $$

### Butternut

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/butternut.jpg>)
*House Beautiful*

**Characteristics:** White to light brown; soft; straight, coarse grain

**Uses:** Carving, cabinets, turning, kitchen utensils

**Price:** $$

### Cherry

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cherry.jpg>)
*Core77*

**Characteristics:** Light to dark, reddish brown; straight, faint grain; moderately hard; finishes well

**Uses:** Cabinets, architectural woodwork, furniture, pipes

**Price:** $$$

### Hard Maple

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Maple_Butcher_Block_Island_Countertop_devoswoodworking.jpg>)
*DeVos Custom Woodworking*

**Characteristics:** Light, reddish brown; straight, faint grain; moderately hard; finishes well

**Uses:** Furniture, cabinets, flooring, butcher blocks, baseball bats, piano actions

**Price:** $$

### Mahogany

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/mahogany.jpg>)
*Pinebeds.org*

**Characteristics:** Light to deep reddish brown; straight, interlocked grain; coarse texture

**Uses:** Fine furniture, office furniture, decorative veneers, stairways, boatbuilding, caskets, pattern making

**Price:** $$$

### Pine

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pine.jpg>)
*kitchencabinets.tk*

**Characteristics:** Pale yellow to light brown; soft and lightweight; stains poorly; good workability

**Uses:** Construction lumber, millwork, window sashes, doors, musical instruments, cabinets, paneling

**Price:** $

### Rosewood

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/rosewood.jpg>)
*wikipedia.org*

**Characteristics:** Chocolate brown to violet brown; amazing figure; heavy, hard, and dense (barely floats); oily; rare

**Uses:** Stringed instruments, turning, fine furniture, decorative items

**Price:** $$$$

### Teak

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/teak.jpg>)
*costaricainvest.blog spot.com*

**Characteristics:** Golden brown; resists rot and moisture; oily; abrasive on tool edges; sawdust is an irritant

**Uses:** Outdoor furniture, boat decks, flooring

**Price:** $$$

### Walnut

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/walnut.jpg>)
*glumber.com*

**Characteristics:** Light gray-brown to purplish brown; highly figured grain, burls, and crotches; polishes well; strong and stable

**Uses:** Furniture, carving, gunstocks, cabinets

**Price:** $$$

### White and Red Oak

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/red_oak.jpg>)
*houzz.com*

**Characteristics:** Reddish brown to tan; strong grain figure; hard and heavy; stains well

**Uses:** Cabinets, flooring, furniture; cooperage and boatbuilding (white oak only)

**Price:** $$

## Author
Marisa Villarreal is a landscape architect trained at [Harvard University Graduate School of Design](<https://www.gsd.harvard.edu>), where she was co-chair of Women in Design, the program's largest student-run organization. Ms. Villarreal also served as the editor of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design Student Guide. As a media professional, her career has included roles at BobVila.com, [Food52.com](<https://www.food52.com>), and [20x200](<https://20x200.com/>).

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/marisapaloma/>)