Wood Species
At AgainstTheGrain, we offer a wide variety of options when it comes to wood species. Our selection includes both locally sourced hardwoods and those sourced out of state, each with their own unique characteristics. Contact us to learn more about our options and find the perfect wood for your project.
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.
- HARDWOODS
From the dark, rich tones of Walnut to the varying degrees of light brown and beige fluctuations in Hickory, choosing the right wood species for your project can be overwhelming. Don't worry - we are here to help!
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Each wood species will offer its' own color tones, grain patterns, durability, and overall slab characteristics. Take a look at our wood species guide below to find out what our most common wood species have to offer so that you can choose the right one for your project. If you have something in mind that's not listed, just let us know and we can discuss options.
Define your style
- SO MANY CHOICES -
Common Wood Species
At AgainstTheGrain, we are committed to providing our customers with the best woodworking products and services. All of our custom products are 100% unique, which starts with the slab! Every wood species has its own breathtaking attributes, so take a look to see what speaks to you.
01
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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Janka Hardness Scale Rating: 1,010
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Pricing: $$$$
02
Maple
Maple wood can have a straight grain pattern, or it can have a wide variety of character. Typically finishing in a light tone, Maple can accent any room while keeping a light, neutral look. Some maple slabs can also present eccentric edges if you are looking for a truly unique piece.
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Coloring: Light brown to yellow
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Janka Hardness Scale Rating: 1,450 (Hard Maple), 950 (Soft Maple)
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Pricing: $$$
03
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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Janka Hardness Scale Rating: 1,360 (White), 1,290 (Red)
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Pricing: $$$
04
Elm
A softer hardwood with a lot of character. Not a common or widely available choice at the sawmill, Elm can showcase a uniform or eccentric shape. Choices in size may be limited, but if you are looking for nice even tone, Elm is for you.
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Coloring: Light to dark beige
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Janka Hardness Scale Rating: 830
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Pricing: $$$
05
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 and tan
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Janka Hardness Scale Rating: 1,820
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Pricing: $$$$
06
Cypress
If you are looking for your slab to have a story, this is it. Cypress is not native to Indiana, but we do work with a supplier in the South that has ancient burial cypress slabs - and by ancient, we mean 1,000+ years old. Cypress is a soft wood, but the grain patterns are exquisite.
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Coloring: Dark beige with brown highlights
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Janka Hardness Scale Rating: Soft wood
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Pricing: $$$$$
