Whether you're planning a home renovation, building custom furniture, or starting a woodworking project, choosing the right timber for bespoke joinery is crucial for long-lasting results. When considering the types of wood and timber, they are typically divided into three main categories: hardwoods, softwoods, and engineered woods. Each has unique characteristics that suit different applications.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular types of wood used in bespoke joinery, carpentry, construction, and design—covering traditional species like Oak and Douglas Fir as well as high-performance products like Accoya.

🌳 Types Of Timber: Hardwoods

Hardwoods come from deciduous trees—species that lose their leaves annually. Known for their density and durability, hardwoods are commonly used for furniture, flooring, and detailed joinery.

Oak

Grain: Prominent, coarse grain
Colour: Light to medium brown
Common Uses: Flooring, cabinetry, beams, furniture
Strengths: Extremely durable and resistant to pests

Ash

Grain: Straight with occasional figuring
Colour: Creamy to light brown
Common Uses: Tools, sports equipment, furniture
Strengths: Strong yet flexible; excellent shock resistance

Beech

Grain: Fine and even
Colour: Pale cream with a pink hue
Common Uses: Chairs, toys, kitchenware
Strengths: Tough, wear-resistant, easy to finish

Tulipwood (Poplar in North America)

Grain: Straight, uniform
Colour: Pale green to cream, often with purple streaks
Common Uses: Painted furniture, interiors, mouldings
Strengths: Lightweight and easy to work with

Sapele

Grain: Interlocked, decorative
Colour: Reddish-brown
Common Uses: Doors, flooring, instruments
Strengths: High-end look; stable and durable

Iroko

Grain: Interlocked to irregular
Colour: Golden to medium brown
Common Uses: Outdoor furniture, marine use
Strengths: Natural resistance to decay and moisture

Walnut

Grain: Rich and straight
Colour: Deep chocolate brown
Common Uses: High-end furniture, gunstocks, veneers
Strengths: Workable and visually striking

Wenge

Grain: Very tight, with dark streaks
Colour: Nearly black
Common Uses: Decorative inlays, flooring, musical instruments
Strengths: Exceptionally hard and bold in appearance

🌲 Types Of Timber: Softwoods

Softwoods come from coniferous trees, which are typically evergreen. They’re usually faster-growing and more sustainable, making them cost-effective for structural and general-purpose uses.

Douglas Fir

Grain: Straight, pronounced growth rings
Colour: Reddish-tan
Common Uses: Construction, flooring, joinery
Strengths: Strong, stable, and durable

Southern Yellow Pine

Grain: Dense, with prominent rings
Colour: Yellow to deep orange-brown
Common Uses: Decking, framing, flooring
Strengths: Very strong and stiff

Redwood

Grain: Straight with a soft texture
Colour: Pink to reddish-brown
Common Uses: Outdoor furniture, cladding, fencing
Strengths: Naturally rot- and insect-resistant

🧱 Types Of Timber: Engineered Woods

Engineered woods are man-made composites, designed for enhanced performance, consistency, and sustainability. One standout option is:

Accoya

Process: Wood modified via acetylation for durability
Colour: Pale, uniform; easily stained or painted
Common Uses: Windows, doors, cladding, decking
Strengths: Outstanding resistance to rot, swelling, and shrinking; eco-friendly and dimensionally stable

🔍 How to Choose the Right Wood for Your Project

When selecting timber, consider:

Durability: For outdoor use, opt for Iroko, Accoya, or Redwood
Workability: Tulipwood, Beech, and Walnut are easy to machine and finish
Cost: Softwoods are generally more affordable than hardwoods
Aesthetics: For rich colours and decorative finishes, choose Wenge, Walnut, or Sapele

✅ Conclusion

From the classic strength of Oak to the cutting-edge performance of Accoya, understanding the different types of wood and timber is essential for making better, longer-lasting choices in bespoke joinery. Whether you're a joiner, DIY enthusiast, or architect, selecting the right timber is the foundation of any great build.