WOOD SPECIES
Take a look at some examples of the most commonly used wood species. While the color tones are similar throughout each species, note that each tree will slightly differ than each other.
WALNUT
Dark tones, figuring grain pattern, and modern sleek design. What more can you ask for in a wood species? Walnut is currently one of the more popular choices in live edge wood making which presents a brown tone. Some slabs are darker than others so no two walnut slabs will look the same unless taken from the same tree.
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Coloring: Light brown to dark chocolate, with some blonde or yellow as well
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Possible grain patterns: Figuring, knots, straight grain, curly grain
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Sizing: Any, with slabs over 34" wide becoming more rare
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Janka Hardness Scale Rating: 1,010
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Pricing: $$$$
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MAPLE
Maple wood can have a straight grain pattern, or it can have a wide variety of character. Typically finishing in a light tone, Maple can accent any room while keeping a light, neutral look. Some maple slabs can also present eccentric edges if you are looking for a truly unique piece.
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Coloring: Light brown to yellow
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Possible grain patterns: Tiger, curly, wavy, rippled or spalting
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Sizing: Any, with slabs over 30" wide becoming more rare
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Janka Hardness Scale Rating: 1,450 (Hard Maple), 950 (Soft Maple)
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Pricing: $$$
OAK
Showcasing a nice light tone typically, Oak comes from a variety of individual species so the tones are endless, but often keep a consistent pattern through a given slab. Oak can fit into any traditional space and will sometimes darken over time.
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Coloring: Light beige through brown and red
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Possible grain patterns: Straight grain
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Sizing: Any, with slabs over 40" wide becoming more rare
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Janka Hardness Scale Rating: 1,360 (White), 1,290 (Red)
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Pricing: $$$
ELM
A softer hardwood with a lot of character. Not a common or widely available choice at the sawmill, Elm can showcase a uniform or eccentric shape. Choices in size may be limited, but if you are looking for nice even tone, Elm is for you.
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Coloring: Light beige
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Possible grain patterns: Typically straight with occasional knots
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Sizing: Any, with slabs over 30" wide becoming more rare
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Janka Hardness Scale Rating: 830
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Pricing: $$$
HICKORY
The hardest American native hardwood available. Break out those muscles because Hickory is a very dense/heavy wood, great for dining table. Not a common or widely available choice at the sawmill, so choices in size may be limited, but if you are looking for nice light brown, heavy duty slab, go for Hickory.
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Coloring: Variations of light brown
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Possible grain patterns: Knots, mineral streaking, pin holes, and burls
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Sizing: Slabs typically come 17-28" wide if any are available
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Janka Hardness Scale Rating: 1,820
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Pricing: $$$$
