Choosing the Right Hardwood for Your Project

Selecting the right hardwood species is crucial to the success of any woodworking or construction project. This guide will help you navigate the options.

Key Considerations

Durability Class

For exterior applications, choose species with durability class 1-2 like Iroko, Azobé, or Padauk. Interior projects can use any durability class.

Hardness

High-traffic flooring needs hard species like Doussié (Janka 1810) or Wenge (1930). Furniture can use softer species for easier workability.

Color and Grain

Consider the aesthetic you want to achieve:

• Warm reds: Padauk, African Mahogany
• Rich browns: Sapele, Iroko
• Dark tones: Wenge, Ebony
• Light colors: Ayous, Okoumé

Workability

Some species are easier to machine than others. Okoumé and Ayous are very easy to work, while Azobé requires carbide tooling.

Species Recommendations by Application

| Application | Recommended Species | |-------------|---------------------| | Flooring | Doussié, Iroko, Padauk | | Furniture | Sapele, Mahogany, Wenge | | Decking | Iroko, Bilinga, Azobé | | Marine | Okoumé, Iroko, Niangon | | Joinery | Sapele, Framiré, Sipo |

Conclusion

The right choice depends on balancing performance requirements with budget and availability. Our team is always available to provide guidance.