137
Wood Species
44
Free Calculators
48
Expert Guides
4
Species Compared Side by Side
About the Library
Built for woodworkers, by wood obsessives
Explore wood species by hardness, density, appearance, durability, and intended use. Profiles bring together available measurements and practical descriptions; coverage varies by species, and missing measurements are shown as unknown.
Compare options side by side, estimate materials, organize your shortlist, and use AI assistance to explore species and finishing questions. AI answers can be incorrect; confirm critical decisions with authoritative references or a qualified professional.
AI-Powered
Tools to move your project forward
Explore options with AI assistance and reference tools. Recommendations are a starting point, not a substitute for independent verification.
Wood Recommender
Get project-based species suggestions
Species Comparer
Compare properties side by side
Photo ID
Explore possible wood identities
Finish Advisor
Ask about species-specific finishes
Substitute Finder
Explore alternative species
Wood Calculators
Estimate materials, weight, and cost
Everything You Need
The complete wood reference
Comprehensive Species Database
A growing library 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 4 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
Ask about finishing options for your species and end use.
Substitute Finder
Explore alternatives by hardness, color, and workability; confirm local prices and sourcing separately.
Photo Identification
Explore possible matches from a sample photo. Results are estimates, not verified identification.
Wood Calculators
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.
Popular Species
Most searched wood species
Knowledge Base
Latest expert guides
Best Woods for Outdoor Furniture: A Durability-First Guide
Choosing weather-resistant species for decks, patios, and garden furniture that lasts
Hardwood vs. Softwood: What the Terms Actually Mean
Why Balsa is a hardwood, why Yew is a softwood, and what these classifications really tell you
How to Choose the Right Wood Finish for Your Project
Oil vs. polyurethane vs. lacquer vs. shellac — a decision guide for every project type
Maple vs. Walnut vs. Cherry: Which Hardwood Is Right for Your Furniture?
A side-by-side comparison of America's three most popular furniture hardwoods
Free Tools
Most popular calculators
Board Foot Calculator
Calculate board feet from lumber dimensions — thickness, width, length, quantity, with waste factor and cost estimates.
Deck Board Calculator
Calculate how many deck boards you need — total boards, linear feet, board feet, cost, and weight for any deck size.
Hardwood Flooring Calculator
Calculate square footage, board feet, boxes, and cost for hardwood flooring — with pattern waste and species weight.
Wood Weight Calculator
Estimate lumber weight by species and dimensions — in pounds, kilograms, and tons using real density data from our species database.
Lumber Cost Calculator
Build a lumber list with multiple board sizes, estimate total board feet, cost with waste factor and tax.
Fence Material Calculator
Calculate posts, rails, pickets, and concrete bags for any fence project — with gate support and waste factor.
Data Quality
Know the data. Understand its limits.
Profiles combine recorded properties with editorial and AI-assisted summaries. Not every measurement has a documented source or independent review. Wood varies with moisture, growing conditions, and cut; check authoritative references before making structural, safety, or regulatory decisions.
- Hardness and density recorded throughout the current library
- Strength and shrinkage measurements where available
- Durability, workability, and outdoor suitability ratings
- Conservation listings are not proof of legal sourcing
- Illustrative imagery is not diagnostic specimen photography
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 currently contains 137 published species. Available information includes hardness, density, appearance, workability, and conservation listings; technical depth varies by species.
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.