1. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
 Origin: North America (USA, Canada)
Growth Cycle: 50–70 years
Rarity: ★★★★☆
Hardness: Medium (Janka ~1,010 lbf)
Color: Rich chocolate brown with purplish undertones
Grain: Straight to wavy, luxurious natural patterns
Stability: Excellent, resists warping
Price: Expensive
Workability: Easy to machine, finish, and carve
👉 Known for timeless elegance, Black Walnut is widely used in premium furniture and luxury décor.
2. White Oak (Quercus alba)
Origin: North America
Growth Cycle: 60–80 years
Rarity: ★★★☆☆
Hardness: High (Janka ~1,350 lbf)
Color: Pale beige to light brown
Grain: Straight, prominent rays, and flecks
Stability: Very stable, resistant to moisture
Price: Moderate to Expensive
Workability: Moderate—dense but finishes beautifully
👉 A favorite for hardwood flooring and whiskey barrels due to its strength and water resistance.
3. Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
 Origin: North America
Growth Cycle: 50–70 years
Rarity: ★★☆☆☆
Hardness: Medium-High (Janka ~1,290 lbf)
Color: Pinkish to reddish brown
Grain: Open, coarse texture with strong patterns
Stability: Moderate, can expand with humidity
Price: Affordable
Workability: Easy to machine but absorbs stain unevenly
👉 Popular in budget-friendly furniture and cabinetry.
4. Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Origin: Europe & Asia
Growth Cycle: 40–60 years
Rarity: ★★☆☆☆
Hardness: Medium (Janka ~1,450 lbf)
Color: Pale cream with a slight pink hue
Grain: Straight and fine, uniform texture
Stability: High, but sensitive to moisture changes
Price: Affordable
Workability: Easy to bend, good for curved furniture
👉 Ideal for chairs, toys, and everyday wooden items.
5. Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum)
Origin: Central & West Africa
Growth Cycle: 60–80 years
Rarity: ★★★☆☆
Hardness: High (Janka ~1,410 lbf)
Color: Golden to reddish brown
Grain: Interlocked, shimmering ribbon patterns
Stability: Stable when seasoned properly
Price: Moderate
Workability: Challenging due to interlocked grain
👉 Often called “African Mahogany,” used in musical instruments and high-end veneers.
6. Cherry (Prunus serotina)
 Origin: North America
Growth Cycle: 30–50 years
Rarity: ★★★☆☆
Hardness: Medium (Janka ~995 lbf)
Color: Light pinkish-brown, darkens with age
Grain: Fine, straight, smooth texture
Stability: Excellent dimensional stability
Price: Expensive
Workability: Very easy to machine and polish
👉 Famous for its warm aging patina, often seen in classic American furniture.
7. Burmese Teak (Tectona grandis)
Origin: Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand)
Growth Cycle: 60–80 years
Rarity: ★★★★★ (heavily regulated)
Hardness: Medium (Janka ~1,070 lbf)
Color: Golden brown with oily sheen
Grain: Straight, rich and elegant
Stability: Extremely stable, naturally weather-resistant
Price: Very Expensive
Workability: Moderate; silica content dulls tools
👉 The king of outdoor wood—perfect for luxury yachts, outdoor furniture, and premium décor.
8. Wenge (Millettia laurentii)
Origin: Central Africa
Growth Cycle: 70–90 years
Rarity: ★★★★★
Hardness: Very hard (Janka ~1,930 lbf)
Color: Deep dark brown to nearly black
Grain: Coarse, dramatic linear streaks
Stability: Stable when dried properly
Price: Expensive
Workability: Hard to machine; requires sharp tools
👉 Exotic and bold, Wenge is used in luxury flooring and statement furniture.
9. Rosewood (Dalbergia spp.)
Origin: Brazil, India, Africa
Growth Cycle: 70–100 years
Rarity: ★★★★★ (CITES restricted)
Hardness: Very hard (Janka ~2,200 lbf)
Color: Dark reddish-brown with black streaks
Grain: Rich, complex, fragrant when cut
Stability: Excellent stability
Price: Extremely Expensive
Workability: Difficult, but polishes to mirror finish
👉 Traditionally used for fine instruments and luxury décor.
10. Purpleheart (Peltogyne spp.)
Origin: Central & South America
Growth Cycle: 70–100 years
Rarity: ★★★★☆
Hardness: Very hard (Janka ~2,520 lbf)
Color: Vivid purple that deepens with age
Grain: Straight, sometimes wavy
Stability: Stable, dense, heavy
Price: Expensive
Workability: Hard to cut, requires special tools
👉 Its unique purple tone makes it a favorite for artistic and decorative wooden items.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the classic elegance of Black Walnut, the durability of White Oak, or the exotic rarity of Rosewood and Teak, each wood type carries its own story and value. Understanding their origin, rarity, and workability helps you make smarter choices when investing in solid wood décor or furniture.
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