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Wood Species
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Free Calculators
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Expert Guides
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Properties Per Species
About the Library
Built for woodworkers, by wood obsessives
The Wood Species Library was built to be the single reference you actually want to use. Every species profile is packed with real mechanical data — Janka hardness, density, modulus of rupture, shrinkage values, decay resistance — alongside plain-English explanations of what those numbers mean for your project.
Beyond raw data, our AI tools help you discover the right species, compare options side-by-side, identify unknown wood samples, get finishing advice, and calculate materials — all backed by the actual database, not generic internet advice.
AI-Powered
Seven AI tools, backed by real data
Every recommendation and analysis is grounded in our species database — not hallucinated from training data.
Wood Recommender
Get personalized species picks
Species Comparer
AI-powered side-by-side analysis
Photo ID
Identify wood from a photo
Finish Advisor
Species-specific finish guidance
Substitute Finder
Find alternative species
Wood Calculators
Board feet, decking, fencing & more
Everything You Need
The complete wood reference
Comprehensive Species Database
Hundreds of wood species with detailed mechanical properties, appearance data, workability ratings, and sustainability info.
AI Wood Finder
Describe your project and our AI matches the best species from real database properties — not generic advice.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
Compare up to 3 species with interactive radar charts, property tables, and AI-powered analysis.
Grain & Figure Explorer
Browse species by visual character — grain pattern, texture, figure, color family, and luster.
Interactive Hardness Charts
Scatter plots and ranked lists of Janka hardness and density across every species in the database.
AI Finish Advisor
Get species-specific finishing recommendations based on grain structure, oil content, and end use.
Substitute Finder
Find cheaper, more available, or more sustainable alternatives matched by hardness, color, and workability.
Photo Identification
Upload a photo of a wood sample and our AI analyzes grain, color, and texture to identify the species.
Wood Calculators
43+ free calculators for board feet, deck boards, fence materials, flooring, framing, weight, and cost estimation.
Project Guide
Curated species recommendations for decking, flooring, furniture, boatbuilding, instruments, and turning.
In-Depth Guides
Expert articles on wood identification, safety, finishing techniques, species deep dives, and buying advice.
Sustainability Data
CITES status, IUCN ratings, and ethical sourcing notes for every species — make informed choices.
Data Quality
Every number verified. Every description original.
Mechanical properties sourced from published research. Descriptions are original editorial summaries generated from structured data — not copied from other sites. Natural materials vary by region and growth conditions.
- Janka hardness, MOR, elastic modulus, crushing strength
- Shrinkage values (radial, tangential, volumetric, T/R ratio)
- Decay resistance, outdoor suitability, stability ratings
- CITES & IUCN conservation status for every species
- Finishing notes, machining tips, blunting effect data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Janka hardness and why does it matter?
Janka hardness measures the force needed to embed a steel ball halfway into wood. It's the standard measure of wood hardness, helping you choose the right species for flooring, furniture, and high-wear applications. Our database includes Janka ratings for every species.
How do I choose the right wood species for my project?
Consider your project's needs: hardness for wear resistance, decay resistance for outdoor use, workability for complex joinery, and appearance for aesthetics. Our AI Wood Finder lets you describe your project and get matched to species from real database properties.
What's the difference between hardwood and softwood?
Despite the names, hardwood and softwood are botanical classifications — not measures of actual hardness. Hardwoods come from broad-leaved flowering trees (Oak, Walnut, Maple). Softwoods come from cone-bearing conifers (Pine, Cedar, Fir). Some softwoods are harder than some hardwoods.
How many wood species are in the database?
Our database contains 0+ species with 50+ data points each, including mechanical properties, appearance data, workability ratings, sustainability status, and expert editorial summaries.
Ready to find the right wood?
Browse our database, use our AI tools, or dive into our expert guides. Everything you need, in one place.