| OAK: |
Oak is one of the most widely used hardwoods today, and has been for centuries. It has a very recognizable grain and is well known for its toughness and weight. Kitchen cabinets have been made from oak for quite some time because of this durability. You also find oak used as main beams in post and beam homes, as well as in older buildings.
We stock oak in several sizes, including 1x6, 1x8, and 1x10 in various lengths. The timber we buy comes to us sanded on all four sides (aka S4S), which means that the oak has a nice smooth surface straight from the mill, and so requires a bit less sanding for a nice, clean look.
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| POPLAR: |
Poplar is a widely used hardwood where the finished product is going to be painted. The woodgrain is generally tight, which means that there is very little grainy texture that will show up through the paint. Poplar also tends to have rivers of grain in it that are green or brown. It is because of this green grain that it is most often painted rather than stained.
Poplar is also generally less expensive, as far as hardwoods go, because of the coloration of the grain. So, thanks to the lower cost, and its durability, when you have a project that will be painted, but that needs to be harder than pine, poplar is a great option.
We stock poplar in a variety of sizes, including 1x6, 1x8, and 1x10.
We also have a few more intricate mouldings in stock that are made from poplar. The hardness of the wood allow for some fantastic details in the mouldings, and can help dress up almost any room.
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| MAPLE: |
Maple has been a popular wood for some time, just like oak. It also has a nice hard texture, but it is known for its very clear appearance. Maple does not tend to show much grain, or have much variation in its coloring. As a result, maple floors continue to be popular, despite their cost.
Maple is also very popular for kitchen cabinets for the same reasons. Its grain allows for a broad range of stain colors, and its hardness helps to resist the inevitable dings and bumps that occur in the kitchen.
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| CHERRY: |
Cherry is one of the more popular hardwoods, and it also can be one of the more expensive as well. Cherry has a nice, solid feel to it, and it ages very well. Its color darkens over time into a rich reddish brown if left alone. It does take stain, of course, and has been gaining popularity as stair treads and interior railing systems. The cost is a bit higher than oak, but the end result can be well worth it for many years.
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| HICKORY: |
Hickory is a hardwood that has lots of character to it, much like oak. In fact, if you look quickly, it is easy to confuse hickory with oak if the finish is dark enough. Generally, though, hickory has a more rustic appearance, and is known for its rock hard texture.
If you are looking to add a more rustic or colonial look to a project, or to a kitchen, hickory can be a great option.
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| ASH: |
Ash has some qualities similar to those of hickory. It has been used for generations in applications where strength and durability are important. It does not have quite the same rustic feel as some of the other woods, but it is not as even as maple either.
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| MAHOGANY: |
We keep two sizes of mahogany in stock, and can easily order a variety of different profiles and styles to suit your needs. What we stock are a 1 x 4 and a 5/4 x 6 meranti mahogany.
-1 x 4 Mahogany:
We stock a square edge and a tongue and groove 1 x 4 mahogany. It is a good choice for farmer's porches or decks, as mahogany is very weather resistant, thanks to its heavy, tight grain. The 1 x 4 has a slim profile, yet is a very strong species of timber.
-5/4 x 6:
We have recently begun stocking the 5/4 x 6 mahogany, and it has become a popular option for new decks. It has the thicker profile and is very durable. It is a fine grade of wood, lacking knots and possessing a beautiful straight grain.
It is very important to note that the ends of mahogany boards are usually waxed. This helps keep moisture from travelling up the fibers of the wood and causing undue checking.
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