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Tropical Forest Products
Tropical Forest Products

Domestic
hardwoods

We source only the finest stock from the best growing regions in North America to meet your most particular needs.

Typically, the highest domestic hardwood grades – FAS and Select & Better – are stocked throughout our fully loaded warehouses in the U.S. and Canada, but we also offer lower grades for specialty projects.

Call for Availability: (855) 344-4500
Call for Availability: (855) 344-4500

The best selection of
domestic hardwoods, all under one roof

Most species are
carried in thicknesses
from 4/4 up to 16/4

We stock the
highest grades, FAS
and Select & Better

Wide variety of applications,
from decorative to
construction purposes

get our full stock list in your index

OVER 20 DOMESTIC HARDWOOD SPECIES

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Tropical Forest Products is the fastest-growing lumber distributor in North America and can supply you with any of your needs. No order too big for us.

How can we help you?

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WITH OUR DOMESTIC HARDWOODS

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white oak veneer 500x500 2

WHITE OAK (RIFT CUT)

White Oak (scientific name: Quercus alba) has a heartwood of light to medium brown color with an olive cast. Sapwood is almost white to light brown and not distinguishable from the heartwood. Its texture is coarse and uneven, and grain is straight.

commonly found in:

eastern United States

Janka Hardness:

5,990 N (1,350 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

755 kg/m3 (47 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Good results are achieved with either hand tools or machine tools. Turns well and responds well to steam bending. It is good with glues and stains and finishes well. Moderate to high shrinkage value results in poor dimensional stability, particularly in flat cut/sawn boards. Prone to reacting with iron, especially when wet), which causes discoloration and staining.

SUSTAINABILITY

White Oak is not mentioned on the Cites Appendices or the IUCN’s Red List.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

White Oak is generally available in ample quantity throughout the domestic markets in a wide array of shapes and sizes, with flat-sawn and quarter-sawn lumber being its in-demand variants. This type of hardwood is a bit more expensive than Red Oak, but it still falls within the moderately priced category of hardwoods. However, its thicker planks, as well as quarter-sawn boards, are pricier.

COMMON USES

Widely used in manufacturing cabins, furniture, boats, veneers, flooring, and interior trims, and it is also used in making barrels.

HARD MAPLE (QTR CUT)

Hard Maple, also called Sugar Maple and Rock Maple (scientific name: Acer saccharum), has a heartwood of dark red-brown color. Sapwood tends to range from nearly white to off-white cream with a red or golden hue. Its texture is fine and even, and the grain is straight but can be wavy.

commonly found in:

northeastern North America

Janka Hardness:

6,450 N (1,450 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

705 kg/m3 (44.0 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Fairly easy to achieve good results with either hand tools or machine tools.However, when machined with high-speed cutters it has a tendency to burn. It turns well and is good for steam bending. It is good with glues and finishes well.Staining can produce blotching. Avoid by using gel stain, toner or pre-conditioner for an even color.

SUSTAINABILITY

Hard Maple is not mentioned on the IUCN’s Red List or in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Hard Maple is usually more costly than Soft Maple due to the material’s higher density and firmness, but it is still an affordable option. However figured objects made out of Hard Maple, like quilt and birdseye, are on the expensive side.

COMMON USES

It is a widely used type of wood and has a wide array of applications ranging from the flooring of basketball courts to bowling alleys, to pulpwood for paper, to musical instruments, to various culinary utilities such as cutting boards and butcher blocks to sports equipment such as baseball bats, to turned wooden objects and specialty wooden objects.

Basswood 1

BASSWOOD

Basswood, also called American Basswood, Lime, and Linden (scientific name: Tiliaamericana), has a heartwood of white to light brown color. Sapwood is not distinguishable from heartwood, and knots are uncommon. Its texture is even, luster is moderate, and grain is straight.

commonly found in:

Eastern North America

Janka Hardness:

1,820 N (410 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

415 kg/m3 (26 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Soft and light, it is easy to work with. Well suited for hand carving, gluing, and finishing. Poor steam bending and nail holding properties.

SUSTAINABILITY

Basswood is not mentioned in the IUCN’s Red List or the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

This domestic hardwood is relatively inexpensive and widely accessible. It is available as lumber or carving blocks, and the price increases with the size of the blocks.

COMMON USES

It is used for making musical instruments (electric guitar bodies), carvings, veneer, plywood, lumber, wood pulp, and fiber products.

Alder

BEECH

Beech, also called American Beech (scientific name: Fagusgrandifolia), is a pale cream color and has a pink/brown hue. Flat cut/sawn surfaces are plain, quarter cut/sawn surfaces present silvery flecks. Its texture is fine to medium, has a straight grain and luster is moderate.

commonly found in:

Eastern North America

Janka Hardness:

5,780 N (1,300 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

720 kg/m3 (45 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Good for machining, gluing, and finishing. It turns well and responds excellently to steam bending. A large movement in service means stability needs to be considered.

SUSTAINABILITY

Beech is not mentioned in the IUCN’s Red List or the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Beech is widely available in the domestic market, and it is also an affordable alternative to Hard Maple thanks to its high density. The material’s hardness also makes it quite a durable choice.

COMMON USES

It is largely used in musical instruments, furniture, for flooring purposes, railroad ties, veneer, turned wooden objects, and small wooden products.

Birch 1

BIRCH

Birch, also called Silver Birch (scientific name: Betulapendula), has a heartwood of light red-brown color. Sapwood is nearly white. Its texture is even, luster is low and grain ranges from slightly wavy to mostly straight.

commonly found in:

Eastern North America

Janka Hardness:

4,050 N (910 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

610 kg/m3 (38 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Good results can be achieved with either hand tools or machine tools. It is good with glues and stains, and finishes well. Boards with wild grain are prone to tear-out during machining.

SUSTAINABILITY

Birch is not listed in the CITES Appendices or IUCN’s Red List.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Birch lumber is generally reasonably priced and its price range is usually similar to that of Maple and Oak. However, figured boards made of Birchwood can be slightly costlier than their Maple or Oak counterparts.

COMMON USES

It is used extensively as plywood, in boxes and crates, in interior trims of homes, in turned wooden objects, and also in certain specialty wooden objects.

Birdseye Maple 1

BIRDSEYE MAPLE

Birdseye Maple, also called Bird’s Eye Maple (scientific name: Acer saccharum), is not a distinct species of maple (see Hard Maple). It is considered a grain anomaly. It is almost exclusively harvested from Hard Maple.

Janka Hardness:

6,450 N (1,450 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

705 kg/m3 (44.0 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Fairly easy to achieve good results with either hand tools or machine tools. However, when machined with high-speed cutters it tends to burn. Turns well and is good for steam bending. It is good with glues and finishes well. Staining can produce blotching. Avoid using gel stain, toner, or pre-conditioner for an even color.

SUSTAINABILITY

It is mentioned in the IUCN’s Red List and falls under the ‘critically endangered’ category, as data suggests that there could be an 80% reduction in its population in its next three generations due to the introduction of new taxa. It is not mentioned in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Along with Oak, Ash is one of the least expensive types of utility hardwoods on offer in domestic markets.

COMMON USES

Ash is used for flooring, boxes, crates, and turned objects such as tool handles and baseball bats. It is also used in millwork.

Butternut 1

BUTTERNUT

Butternut, also called White Walnut (scientific name: Juglans cinerea), has a heartwood of light to medium tan color, occasionally with a red tint. Sapwood is pale yellow-white. Its texture is moderate to coarse, luster is silky and grain is straight.

commonly found in:

eastern United States

Janka Hardness:

2,180 N (490 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

435 kg/m3 (27 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Easy to work with hand tools and machine tools. It is good with glues and stains, and finishes well. Because it is so soft, planing and sanding can leave surface fuzzy. Avoid this with fine grit sandpaper and sharp cutters.

SUSTAINABILITY

While Butternut is not mentioned either in the IUCN’s Red List or in the CITES Appendices, it is still considered as a tree to be protected by Canadian authorities since a large number of Butternut trees have been affected by a fungal disease colloquially known as ‘Butternut canker’. This affliction in Butternut trees is not native to Canada and has also affected trees of this kind in the US, thereby compelling the US Fish and Wildlife Service to mention it in its list of species of federal concern.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Is generally available in the domestic market in the form of lumber or carving blanks. In terms of its pricing, it is regarded as a ‘mid-range’ domestic hardwood.

COMMON USES

It is used in the manufacture of boxes and crates, furniture, as veneers, for carvings, and decorative purposes such as in interior trims.

Cherry 1

CHERRY

Cherry, also called Black Cherry and American Cherry (scientific name: Prunusserotina), has a heartwood of light pink-brown color, which darkens to red-brown after being cut. Sapwood is pale yellow. Its texture is fine and even, luster is moderate and grain is straight (sometimes curly patterns).

commonly found in:

eastern North America

Janka Hardness:

4,230 N (950 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

560 kg/m3 (35 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

A stable and straight grain wood, it machines well and is excellent for workability. Common sapwood can lead to higher waste. Staining can occasionally produce blotchy results. Avoid using gel-based stain or using a sanding-sealer before staining.

SUSTAINABILITY

It is not mentioned in the IUCN’s Red List and CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Cherry is domestic lumber and therefore is reasonably priced and is generally affordable, but it is usually priced higher than Maple and Oak lumbers, with its price being comparable to that of walnut.

COMMON USES

It is used extensively in high-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, and also in turned wooden items and specialty wooden objects.

Curly Maple

CURLY MAPLE

Curly Maple, also called Fiddleback, Maple, Tiger Maple, Flamed Maple, and Ripple Maple (genus: Acer) is not a distinct species of maple (see Hard Maple). It is considered a grain pattern is found in most Acer species.

Janka Hardness:

6,450 N (700 to 1,450 lbf) depending on species

Average Dried Weight:

485 to 705 kg/m3 (30.2 to 44.0 lbs/ft3) depending on species

SUSTAINABILITY

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

COMMON USES

Hard Maple 1

HARD MAPLE

Hard Maple, also called Sugar Maple and Rock Maple (scientific name: Acer saccharum), has a heartwood of dark red-brown color. The sapwood tends to range from nearly white to off-white cream with a red or golden hue. Its texture is fine and even, and the grain is straight but can be wavy.

commonly found in:

northeastern North America

Janka Hardness:

6,450 N (1,450 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

705 kg/m3 (44.0 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Fairly easy to achieve good results with either hand tools or machine tools. However, when machined with high-speed cutters it tends to burn. It turns well and is good for steam bending. It is good with glues and finishes well. Staining can produce blotching. Avoid using gel stain, toner, or pre-conditioner for an even color.

SUSTAINABILITY

Hard Maple is not mentioned on the IUCN’s Red List or in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Hard Maple is usually more costly than Soft Maple due to its higher density and firmness, but it is still an affordable option. However, figured objects made out of Hard Maple, like quilt and birdseye, are expensive.

COMMON USES

It is a widely used type of wood and has a wide array of applications ranging from the flooring of basketball courts to bowling alleys, to pulpwood for paper, to musical instruments, to various culinary utilities such as cutting boards and butcher blocks to sports equipment such as baseball bats, to turned wooden objects and specialty wooden objects.

Hickory 1

HICKORY

Hickory, also called Shagbark Hickory (scientific name: Caryaovata), has a heartwood of light to medium brown color, with a reddish hue. Sapwood is pale yellow-brown. Its texture is medium and grain is straight (sometimes wavy).

commonly found in:

eastern United States

Janka Hardness:

8,360 N (1,880 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

800 kg/m3 (50 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

It is difficult to work with, and prone to tear-out during machining if cutter is not sharp. Also causes cutting edges to become blunt. It is good with glues and stains, and finishes well. Responds well to steam bending.

SUSTAINABILITY

It is not listed either in IUCN’s Red List or in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Generally, species of Hickory wood are bundled together with species of Pecan wood and are sold in the markets under the name of Hickory. Depending upon the supply rate, it is usually priced in the low-mid range, with its pricing being comparable to that of similar hardwoods like Soft Maple and Red Oak.

COMMON USES

It is widely used in making ladder rungs, for flooring purposes, in wheel spokes, and tool handles.

614vnWdLm7L. SX466

WHITE OAK (QTR CUT)

White Oak (scientific name: Quercus alba) has a heartwood of light to medium brown color with an olive cast. Sapwood is almost white to light brown and not distinguishable from the heartwood. Its texture is coarse and uneven, and grain is straight.

commonly found in:

eastern United States

Janka Hardness:

5,990 N (1,350 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

755 kg/m3 (47 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Good results are achieved with either hand tools or machine tools. Turns well and responds well to steam bending. It is good with glues and stains and finishes well. Moderate to high shrinkage value results in poor dimensional stability, particularly in flat cut/sawn boards. Prone to reacting with iron, especially when wet), which causes discoloration and staining.

SUSTAINABILITY

White Oak is not mentioned on the Cites Appendices or the IUCN’s Red List.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

White Oak is generally available in ample quantity throughout the domestic markets in a wide array of shapes and sizes, with flat-sawn and quarter-sawn lumber being its in-demand variants. This type of hardwood is a bit more expensive than Red Oak, but it still falls within the moderately priced category of hardwoods. However, its thicker planks, as well as quarter-sawn boards, are pricier.

COMMON USES

Widely used in manufacturing cabins, furniture, boats, veneers, flooring, and interior trims, and it is also used in making barrels.

Poplar

POPLAR

Poplar also called Tulip Poplar and Yellow Poplar (scientific name: Liriodendron tulipifera), has a heartwood of light cream to yellow-brown color with occasional grey/green streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow to white and not distinguishable from the heartwood. Its texture is medium, luster is low and grain is straight and uniform.

commonly found in:

eastern United States

Janka Hardness:

2,400 N (540 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

455 kg/m3 (29 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Good results achieved with either hand tools or machine tools and easy to work within almost all regards. Softness can cause fuzzy surface and edges while sanding and shaping. Get a smooth surface by using the finer grit of sandpaper.

SUSTAINABILITY

It is not mentioned in the Cites Appendices or on the IUCN’s Red List.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

This is one of the most affordable hardwoods since it organically grows in great abundance throughout the eastern states of the United States.

COMMON USES

This is one of the most widely utilized wood types as it is used in almost every kind of wood product; from veneers to wooden crates, plywood, furniture framework, to even pulpwood used to make paper.

Red Oak 1

RED OAK

Red Oak (scientific name: Quercusrubra) has a heartwood of light to medium brown color, with a reddish cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown and not distinguishable from the heartwood. Its texture is coarse and uneven, and grain is straight. Quarter cut/sawn sections have prominent ray fleck patterns.

commonly found in:

southeastern Canada and northeastern United States

Janka Hardness:

5,430 N (1,220 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

700 kg/m3 (44 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Good results achieved with either hand tools or machine tools.Turns well and responds well to steam bending. It is good with glues and stains and finishes well.Moderate to high shrinkage value results in poor dimensional stability, particularly in flat cut/sawn boards. Prone to reacting with iron, especially when wet, which causes discoloration and staining.

SUSTAINABILITY

It is not listed either in IUCN’s Red List or in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Red Oak is a hardwood type that is readily available in almost all domestic markets in various thicknesses and the form of flat-sawn and quarter-sawn lumber. It’s marginally cheaper than White Oak, but its quarter-sawn boards and thicker planks are relatively costlier.

COMMON USES

It is generally used in furniture, cabinetry, and for flooring purposes as well as decorative purposes such as interior trims in households.

Qtr Cut Red Oak 1

RED OAK (QTR CUT)

Red Oak (scientific name: Quercusrubra) has a heartwood of light to medium brown color, with a reddish cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown and not distinguishable from the heartwood. Its texture is coarse and uneven, and grain is straight. Quarter cut/sawn sections have prominent ray fleck patterns.

commonly found in:

southeastern Canada and northeastern United States

Janka Hardness:

5,430 N (1,220 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

700 kg/m3 (44 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Good results are achieved with either hand tools or machine tools. Turns well and responds well to steam bending. It is good with glues and stains and finishes well. Moderate to high shrinkage value results in poor dimensional stability, particularly in flat cut/sawn boards. Prone to reacting with iron, especially when wet, which causes discoloration and staining.

SUSTAINABILITY

It is not listed either in IUCN’s Red List or in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Red Oak is a hardwood type that is readily available in almost all domestic markets in various thicknesses and the form of flat-sawn and quarter-sawn lumber. It’s marginally cheaper than White Oak, but its quarter-sawn boards and thicker planks are relatively costlier.

COMMON USES

It is generally used in furniture, cabinetry, and for flooring purposes as well as decorative purposes such as interior trims in households.

81WZIM51pML. SX679 1

RED OAK (RIFT CUT)

Red Oak (scientific name: Quercusrubra) has a heartwood of light to medium brown color, with a reddish cast. Sapwood is nearly white to light brown and not distinguishable from the heartwood. Its texture is coarse and uneven, and grain is straight. Quarter cut/sawn sections have prominent ray fleck patterns.

commonly found in:

south eastern Canada and northeastern United States

Janka Hardness:

5,430 N (1,220 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

700 kg/m3 (44 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Good results are achieved with either hand tools or machine tools. Turns well and responds well to steam bending. It is good with glues and stains and finishes well. Moderate to high shrinkage value results in poor dimensional stability, particularly in flat cut/sawn boards. Prone to reacting with iron, especially when wet, which causes discoloration and staining

SUSTAINABILITY

It is not listed either in IUCN’s Red List or in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Red Oak is a hardwood type that is readily available in almost all domestic markets in various thicknesses and the form of flat-sawn and quarter-sawn lumber. It’s marginally cheaper than White Oak, but its quarter-sawn boards and thicker planks are relatively costlier.

COMMON USES

It is generally used in furniture, cabinetry, and for flooring purposes as well as decorative purposes such as interior trims in households.

DSC 7411 848x530 1

SOFT MAPLE

Soft Maple, (genus: Acer) is not a distinct species of maple (see Hard Maple). It is a commercial lumber term used to distinguish between Hard Maple and other types of maple.

commonly found in:

in temperate regions of North America

Janka Hardness:

4,230 N (700 to 950 lbf) depending on species

Average Dried Weight:

485 to 610 kg/m3 (30.2 to 38.0 lbs/ft3) depending on species

SUSTAINABILITY

It is mentioned in the IUCN’s Red List and falls under the ‘critically endangered’ category, as data suggests that there could be an 80% reduction in its population in its next three generations due to the introduction of new taxa. It is not mentioned in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Along with Oak, Ash is one of the least expensive types of utility hardwoods on offer in domestic markets.

COMMON USES

Ash is used for flooring, boxes, crates, and turned objects such as tool handles and baseball bats. It is also used in millwork.

Walnut

WALNUT

Walnut, also called Black Walnut (scientific name: Juglansnigra), has a heartwood of pale brown to dark brown color with dark brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-grey to white. Figured grain patterns are also present. Its texture is medium, luster is moderate and grain is generally straight but may be slightly irregular.

commonly found in:

eastern United States

Janka Hardness:

4,490 N(1,010 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

610 kg/m3(38 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Easy to work with if the grain is straight and regular. If the grain is irregular or figured, surface pieces can suffer tear-out during planning. It is good with glues and stains(even if staining is unlikely) and finishes well. Responds well to steam bending.

SUSTAINABILITY

It is mentioned in the IUCN’s Red List and falls under the ‘critically endangered’ category, as data suggests that there could be an 80% reduction in its population in its next three generations due to the introduction of new taxa. It is not mentioned in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Along with Oak, Ash is one of the least expensive types of utility hardwoods on offer in domestic markets.

COMMON USES

Ash is used for flooring, boxes, crates, and turned objects such as tool handles and baseball bats. It is also used in millwork.

walnut veneer quarter cut

WALNUT (QTR CUT)

Walnut, also called Black Walnut (scientific name: Juglansnigra), has a heartwood of pale brown to dark brown color with dark brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-grey to white. Figured grain patterns are also present. Its texture is medium, luster is moderate and grain is generally straight but may be slightly irregular.

commonly found in:

eastern United States

Janka Hardness:

4,490 N(1,010 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

610 kg/m3(38 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Easy to work with if the grain is straight and regular. If the grain is irregular or figured, surface pieces can suffer tear-out during planning. It is good with glues and stains(even if staining is unlikely) and finishes well. Responds well to steam bending.

SUSTAINABILITY

It is mentioned in the IUCN’s Red List and falls under the ‘critically endangered’ category, as data suggests that there could be an 80% reduction in its population in its next three generations due to the introduction of new taxa. It is not mentioned in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Along with Oak, Ash is one of the least expensive types of utility hardwoods on offer in domestic markets.

COMMON USES

Ash is used for flooring, boxes, crates, and turned objects such as tool handles and baseball bats. It is also used in millwork.

White Ash

WHITE ASH

White Ash, also called American White Ash (scientific name: Fraxinusamericana), has a heartwood of light to medium brown color. Sapwood tends to be wide and of a beige or light color. Its texture is medium to coarse and like that of oak.

commonly found in:

Eastern North America

Janka Hardness:

5,870 N (1,320 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

675 kg/m3 (42 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Good results can be achieved with either hand tools or machine tools. It is good with glues and stains and finishes well. Responds well to steam bending.

SUSTAINABILITY

It is mentioned in the IUCN’s Red List and falls under the ‘critically endangered’ category, as data suggests that there could be an 80% reduction in its population in its next three generations due to the introduction of new taxa. It is not mentioned in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Along with Oak, Ash is one of the least expensive types of utility hardwoods on offer in domestic markets.

COMMON USES

Ash is used for flooring, boxes, crates, and turned objects such as tool handles and baseball bats. It is also used in millwork.

White Oak 1

WHITE OAK

White Oak (scientific name: Quercus alba) has a heartwood of light to medium brown color with an olive cast. Sapwood is almost white to light brown and not distinguishable from the heartwood. Its texture is coarse and uneven, and grain is straight.

commonly found in:

eastern United States

Janka Hardness:

5,990 N (1,350 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

755 kg/m3 (47 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Good results are achieved with either hand tools or machine tools. Turns well and responds well to steam bending. It is good with glues and stains and finishes well. Moderate to high shrinkage value results in poor dimensional stability, particularly in flat cut/sawn boards. Prone to reacting with iron, especially when wet), which causes discoloration and staining.

SUSTAINABILITY

White Oak is not mentioned on the Cites Appendices or the IUCN’s Red List.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

White Oak is generally available in ample quantity throughout the domestic markets in a wide array of shapes and sizes, with flat-sawn and quarter-sawn lumber being its in-demand variants. This type of hardwood is a bit more expensive than Red Oak, but it still falls within the moderately priced category of hardwoods. However, its thicker planks, as well as quarter-sawn boards, are pricier.

COMMON USES

Widely used in manufacturing cabins, furniture, boats, veneers, flooring, and interior trims, and it is also used in making barrels.

Alder

ALDER

Alder, also called Red Alder and Western Red Alder (scientific name: Alnusrubra), has a heartwood of light tan to red-brown color. Sapwood is not distinguishable from the heartwood. Its texture is medium-fine, and grain is mostly straight.

commonly found in:

western North America

Janka Hardness:

2,620 N(590 lbf)

Average Dried Weight:

450 kg/m3(28 lbs/ft3)

Workability:

Easy to achieve good results with hand tools and machine tools. It is very good with glues and stains, and finishes well. It sands easily, but softness makes it prone to denting. Good for turning.

SUSTAINABILITY

It is not mentioned on the IUCN’s Red List and in the CITES Appendices.

PRICING/ AVAILABILITY

Red Alder is available in the domestic markets in two variants: Knotty Red Alder and Clear Red Alder. Knotty Red Alder is cheaper than most hardwoods and its price range is comparable to that of Aspen and Poplar hardwoods. Clear Red Alder, however, is priced relatively higher and belongs to the price band of cabinet hardwoods like Maple and Birch.

COMMON USES

Generally used as plywood, furniture, veneers, musical equipment, in millwork, for cabins, and as pulpwood.