A Guide to Common Wood Types Used for Construction

Wood is a sturdy and reliable material perfect for constructing fixtures inside and outside of the home. However, the type of wood you choose can play a major role in the success of a project, so it’s crucial that you choose wisely. Here are a few common wood selections to consider when it comes to home improvement.

Softwood

Softwood is often used in the interior of the home. Softwood is reliable and sturdy but doesn’t have the heft of hardwood (which is why it’s a good option for interior fixtures like cabinets and doors). Softwood includes:

• Cedar – Cedar offers good decay-resistance and people love its woodgrain pattern and color, which is a light brown shade. 

• Spruce – Spruce is a lighter beige shade and generally sturdier than other types of softwood. However, it’s not great at resisting decay, which means it will require some care and upkeep. 

• Pinewood – Pinewood is an appealing pale-yellow color, but the softwood is also suitable for staining. It’s a great option for windows and doors as it isn’t likely to warp. 

Hardwood

When it comes to exterior projects, such as fence and gate construction, hardwoods offer greater strength and durability than softwoods. Common types of construction hardwoods include:

• Cherry – Cherry isn’t likely to warp, which makes it a good option when in need of heartier wood to complete a project. However, most people are drawn to cherry wood’s deep, reddish-brown coloring. 

• Oak – Oak is great for outdoor construction, as it can capably withstand water damage and fungal growth. Red oak is lighter with more complex wood grain patterns, while white oak can be light to dark brown and often has a simpler pattern. 

• Walnut – Walnut comes many attractive shades, from light brown to a dark, chocolatey color. The smoothness of walnut makes it ideal for woodworking, as it can be carved in all sorts of appealing designs. 

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood contains additional elements, such as resin, along with wood. It can be used for many of the same projects as softwoods and hardwoods, as it offers similar workability and sturdiness. However, engineered wood may lack some of the visual details of other types of construction wood. 

We Can Help You Choose the Best Wood for the Project

Here at El Pueblo Woodworking, we can customize gates, fences, and other wood structures to ensure our clients are fully satisfied with the end result. However, our extensive knowledge of fine woodworking enables us to provide helpful advice when needed, such as which type of wood is best for a specific project. 

Contact us today for more information on what we can do for you. You can also call (505)221-5321 to schedule a consultation in Albuquerque.