What is Specialty Wood?
Specialty woods are different types of hard and softwoods that are used for a multitude of different reasons. Flooring, furniture, siding, and many more are all things that can be built with specialty wood. These types of woods tend to be exotic and well known for their beauty, stability, durability and versatile ways of being used.
When it comes to using reclaimed wood, whether it is for a small project or for building a home, it is vital that you choose the correct type of wood for the job. Each species has its own characteristics that are important based on the application in which they are used.
Hardwood and Softwood
Among the different species of specialty woods, they are categorized into two groups- hardwood, and softwood. Hardwood is harder to come across and isn’t used as much due to the price that comes with it. It also isn’t the easiest to work with. Being hardwood, it the opposite of an ideal candidate for furniture and small woodworking builds. Softwood is easier to find and is more commonly used, because it is much easier to work with. When it comes to saw cutting and securing with nails and screws, hardwoods are more likely to crack or split, whereas softwood is very easy to cut through and secure with a less likely chance of accidental damage.
What are the most common types of hardwoods?
The most common types of hardwoods used for building are Mahogany, Walnut, Red Oak, Birch, Maple, and Cherry. There are many more types of hardwoods, but these are the most commonly used. All of these hardwoods look immaculate in any home. Mahogany is a popular wood for luxury furniture and accent pieces such as trim, doors and window frames. It is extremely durable and vibrant looking, giving it a high end and classy appearance with its bright red and brown tones. The other types of commonly used hardwoods are perfect for pieces of furniture, carvings, crown molding, flooring, cabinetry, and doors.
What are the most common types of softwoods?
The most common types of softwoods that are used in home building are pine, spruce, cedar, and redwood. The other less heard of softwoods are fir, juniper, and yew. All softwoods are ideal for home building and woodworking, because they are very easy to maneuver and work with. When it comes to saw cutting and securing, it is a no brainer. Softwood is light – lightweight, light in color, and has fine woodgrain allowing for a prestige appearance. Softwoods are used for all the same applications as hardwoods, it just depends on the type of project and the wanted durability and type of build you are looking for.
Keeping up with Hardwood
The upkeep for hardwoods is relatively easy to keep up with. With any spills on hardwood, avoid letting it sit for long periods of time as it can soak into the hardwood and permanently stain it. Dust the surface regularly and use cleaners that are specifically made for hardwoods to avoid damage.
Keeping up with Softwood
Softwood is a little bit more high maintenance when it comes to the upkeep. Everything is the same as with hardwoods when it comes to cleaning up spills as soon as possible, dusting regularly, and only using certain cleaners to avoid damage. Although, softwood is much softer than hardwood which makes it easier to chip, dent, and shift. Sealing your softwoods can prevent chipping and denting and regular upkeep will prolong the life of your softwood and prevent the need for replacing.
Specialty wood is perfect for home building and the projects within a home because no matter if it is softwood or hardwood, every exotic wood species has vibrant, luxurious colors with durability and stability. When it comes to construction and home building there are pros and cons to just about everything, but what is important is that the outcome is your dream turned into a reality! Specialty woods check off every box for the general wants with homeowners. A vibrant and naturally beautiful wood look, durability, and low maintenance.
