Wood is one of the most frequently used material in interior designs. Each type of wood come with different characteristics that can be further processed to give different look and feel. There are two main category of wood materials, hardwood, soft wood.
Hardwood is wood from are usually found in broad-leaved temperate and tropical forests. They usually have higher density hence the hardness. The wood also have elegant grain as they get older. Hardwood are often used for counters, furniture and flooring. It can also be used as house supporting materials.
Common species included:Mahogany,Walnut,Oak,Ash,Birch,Maple,Cherry
Oak – Oak is a very popular wood, it is very hard wearing and heavy. It is known for having lovely open wood grain markings. Oak can be purchased in two shades; white oak, which is grey/brown in colour or red oak which is very similar but with a prominent reddish tint.
Birch – Birch is a hard, strong and heavy wood. It has a fine, tight grain and even texture. Beech wood is very light in colour and has a high shock resistance. It is a popular wood for furniture and will give your room a warm feeling. With its smooth finish it is a great wood to polish.
Maple-Maple wood is much more durable and heavier. As maple wood is so strong and moisture resistant it is the ideal wood to withstand years of wear and tear. Maple wood is pale in colour and has natural swirls and twists in the wood grain. It can easily accepts any type of stain or paint.
Walnut-Walnut is a hardwood and is known for its strength, straight grain and its rich chocolate brown colour, however lighter shades are available. Walnut can be a very versatile wood, offering a range of shades and grains to complement your décor.
Softwood is necessarily inferior product compare to their hardwood counterpart. Both softwoods and hardwoods offer a diverse range of options.Depending on the species, they can be more budget friendly compare to hardwood.
Common species included: Pine, Spruce, Cedar, Fir, Larch
Pine-Pine is very affordable and lightweight with a pale finish which is great for staining. It is less durable wood compared to hard woods such as maple or oak. Pine blends well with other woods, making it ideal if you are looking for furniture that will match existing pieces in your home.
Courtesy of furniture123