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Furniture Essentials
Types of Wood
Characteristics of Hardwood
The majority of hardwood species are deciduous. Those of temperate regions lose their
leaves every autumn as temperatures fall and are dormant in the winter, but those of
tropical regions may shed their leaves in response to seasonal or sporadic periods of
drought. Hardwood from deciduous species, such as oak, normally shows annual growth
rings, but these may be absent in some tropical hardwoods.
Examples of Hardwoods Include
Acacia:
most acacia trees are fast growers, but they usually live only 20
to 30 years. Many varieties are valued for their long roots which help
stabilize the soil in areas threatened by erosion. The sturdy roots reach
deep for underground water, which explains why the tree tolerates ex-
treme drought conditions.
Mango:
Mango trees are fast growing and plantation grown in South-
east Asia region. Mango wood has unique “Tigard” stripes and multi-
tudes of grain and color variations. Perhaps its best character would be
the “Glow” in the wood once finished. It is a hard wood which will pro-
vide durability even with everyday usage. Mango lumber is best used
in a rustic finish and craftsman designs. It is easy to love this beautiful,
exotic wood that is also an affordable value.
Oak:
A tree that bears acorns as fruit, and typically has lobed deciduous
leaves. Oaks are common in many north temperate forests and are an
important source of hard and durable wood used chiefly in construc-
tion, furniture and (formerly) shipbuilding. Oak is hard, stiff, strong, and
shock resistant.