When it comes to types of wood, there are certain species that builders swear by, the fan favorites of the construction world. But you don’t have to be a professional contractor to appreciate the qualities of fine lumber. Each type of wood has its own unique qualities and characteristics that make it right for a particular job. And when you pick the right wood for your project, you’re setting yourself up for success. Here are five of the most popular types of wood, and what you should use them for.

Douglas Fir

This versatile coniferous tree could frame your home and provide the siding and flooring too. It can also be used for trim and to craft furniture, making it an all-around choice for lumber. Douglas fir is one of the top woods for home building, and it can contribute to the structure or aesthetic to any room in the home. Plus, it’s tough enough to withstand the elements; this hardy wood has been used throughout history for boat building and aircraft construction.

Despite being a softwood, fir is known for its strength and durability and can be used for many of the same functions as hardwoods. Douglas fir timbers can be strikingly uniform, and any subtle color variance from light to warm yellow can give a traditional or modern look.

Pine

Pine wood can be used for furniture, trim, and flooring. It has the advantages of being lightweight, inexpensive, and highly attractive. It’s also very workable – easy to manipulate with machine and hand tools – and there’s no need to pre-drill holes. This makes for quick construction, which can save time in a crunch.

Cedar

As a visually appealing lumber in a reddish-brown hue, cedar is a popular choice for decking, fencing, siding, and trim. Western red cedar is highly sought after for outdoor uses because it is naturally water-resistant. It also has strong insect-repellent properties, making it the ideal choice for chests, dressers, and other furniture that hold clothing items.

Maple

Maple is a hardwood, which means it comes from a deciduous tree, or one that loses its leaves each year. With strength and durability ranking high in maple’s characteristics, it’s an easy choice for flooring. In fact, it’s often used for bowling alleys in both the lane flooring and pins. You can also take advantage of its strength and bright white-to-reddish color at home, using it for high-end furniture, cabinetry, or flooring.

Oak

When it comes to hardwoods, oak is one of the most widely used. It has long been prized for furniture making and carving because of its strength and durability, along with an aesthetic defined grain. It’s also fungus resistant, so it is ideal for pieces meant to last for generations. It can be difficult to work with because of the grain, and it must be properly dried before use. The drying process can take a lot of time, and oak trees are slow to grow. Because of this, oak typically comes at a much higher price than other types of wood.

Marks Lumber specializes in circle sawn Douglas fir material, bringing top-quality timbers, flooring, siding, and lumber to any project. Whether you’re in the planning stages or putting finishing touches on a project, you can find quality lumber and professional advice here. Contact Marks Lumber for ideas and recommendations on how to turn your ideas into a reality.