Wood Guide

Alder is the softest hardwood we work in and the most even in tone, running from pale honey to a light reddish brown with very little variation board to board. Its grain is fine and subtle, so it reads as a calm, uniform surface rather than a textured one.

It takes stain more consistently than any of the other woods, which is why it is often chosen when a specific color matters more than raw hardness. Being softer, it will pick up marks more readily with everyday use.

Ash is pale, strong and boldly grained, with the most pronounced figure of the light woods. Its color runs from light cream to a pale brown, and the grain pattern is open and easy to read from across a room.

It suits pieces where you want the timber itself to be the decoration rather than a quiet background, and it is hard wearing enough for daily use. Ash also takes stain well if you want the grain without the pale tone.

Cherry has a clean, smooth grain and a warm tone that develops beautifully over time. When new, it’s usually lighter with a subtle rosy tint, then gradually deepens into a richer reddish-brown as it’s exposed to light.

The grain is typically understated, giving cherry a calm, furniture-grade look that works in both traditional and modern spaces. It’s durable enough for daily use and finishes to a smooth, silky feel. If you like a tabletop that will noticeably “warm up” and gain character as it ages, cherry is a great option.

Hickory is known for bold natural contrast—often mixing light and darker tones in the same tabletop. The grain is noticeable, and the overall look is energetic and rugged. It’s a great choice if you want a surface that feels very “natural” and doesn’t look uniform.

Hickory is also a durable option for everyday use, making it a good fit for busy households and workspaces. Because the color variation is a signature feature, no two tops look the same. If you want a tabletop with strong character and a one-of-a-kind look, hickory stands out.

Mahogany has a smooth, classic look with a rich reddish-brown tone and a more even, refined grain. It’s often chosen for its timeless style—warm, elegant, and not overly dramatic. The surface typically finishes very smoothly and looks polished without feeling glossy or artificial.

Mahogany tends to keep a consistent appearance, making it a good fit if you want a cleaner, more uniform tabletop. Over time, it can deepen slightly in color, adding to the warmth. If you’re after a traditional, upscale look that feels calm and confident, mahogany is a strong option.

Maple is a light, bright hardwood with a smooth, subtle grain that gives a clean, minimal look. It’s a good choice if you want the tabletop to feel crisp and modern, or if you’re pairing it with darker bases and want contrast.

Maple is known for being hard and resistant to everyday wear, making it practical for busy spaces. Its appearance is usually even and consistent, though some boards may show natural figuring that adds interest without being too bold. If you prefer a lighter wood that feels simple, clean, and durable, maple is an excellent pick.

Padauk is a bold, eye-catching hardwood with a naturally vibrant red-orange color. It’s a statement wood—great if you want something different from the usual browns and tans. The color is strongest when new and typically deepens over time into a darker red-brown with light exposure.

Padauk’s grain is visible and gives a strong, high-contrast look that stands out in modern spaces. It’s also a durable choice for everyday use. If you want a tabletop that immediately draws attention and brings warmth and color to a room, padauk delivers that impact.

Pine has a light, warm look with visible grain and natural knots that give it a casual, rustic feel. It’s a great option if you like natural character and a less “perfect” appearance. Pine is softer than hardwoods, so it can pick up dents and marks more easily—many customers see that as part of its charm and lived-in style.

Its color can deepen slightly over time and can show variation from board to board. If you want a tabletop that feels relaxed, inviting, and full of natural character, pine is a solid choice.

Purpleheart is known for its distinctive purple tone, making it one of the most unique wood choices available. When new, it can appear vivid and saturated, then gradually shifts toward a deeper, darker purple-brown as it ages and is exposed to light.

The grain is usually fairly clean, so the color is the main feature. It’s a strong, durable wood that holds up well with normal use. If you want a tabletop that feels modern, bold, and unmistakably different—without adding extra patterns or busy grain—purpleheart is a standout choice.

Red oak is a classic, dependable hardwood with a bold grain pattern and a warm, natural color. It’s a great fit if you like visible wood texture and a traditional look. Red oak’s open grain makes the pattern stand out more than smoother woods, so it tends to feel more “woodsy” and less sleek.

It’s a strong choice for everyday use and pairs well with many stain tones, from light and natural to deeper colors. If you want a tabletop with a noticeable grain pattern and a familiar, timeless style, red oak checks the box.

Walnut is a premium hardwood with a deep brown tone and a naturally rich, warm look. Its grain tends to be smooth and flowing, with occasional lighter streaks that add natural contrast. Walnut feels substantial and refined, making it a popular choice for statement tabletops.

It holds up well to everyday use and finishes with a soft, high-end sheen. Over time, walnut may lighten slightly with exposure to sunlight, settling into a more even, mellow brown. If you want a classic, upscale look that isn’t overly busy, walnut is a strong choice.

White oak is known for its clean, modern look and strong, confident grain. Its color ranges from light tan to medium brown, and it works especially well in contemporary, farmhouse, or Scandinavian-style spaces. White oak is a durable wood choice for daily use, and it holds up well over time.

The grain can be straight and subtle or more dramatic, depending on the cut, but it generally feels refined rather than rustic. White oak also takes stain well if you want a specific tone. It’s a great all-around option when you want strength and a timeless appearance.