Wood Species Guide — Pacific Northwest & Beyond
Detailed profiles for every reclaimed lumber species we carry. Janka hardness, grain patterns, workability, reclaimed sources, and application guidance from our team.
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Know Your Wood
Why Species Selection Matters
The species of wood you choose determines everything — hardness, color, grain pattern, workability, and durability. When working with reclaimed lumber, species selection becomes even more important because the wood's original growing conditions and decades of aging have intensified its natural characteristics.
Old-growth reclaimed lumber is often dramatically superior to its modern counterpart. Tighter growth rings mean higher density, greater hardness, and richer color. Below are detailed profiles for every species in our regular inventory.
Side-by-Side
Species Comparison Table
| Species | Janka | Density (lb/ft³) | Durability | Workability | Best Reclaimed Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii | 660lbf Medium | 34 Medium-High | Moderate natural durability | Excellent | Exposed beams, structural timbers, flooring |
| White Oak Quercus alba | 1360lbf Hard | 47 High | Excellent | Good but demanding | Flooring, furniture, cabinetry |
| Red Oak Quercus rubra | 1290lbf Hard | 44 High | Moderate | Good | Interior flooring, furniture, cabinetry |
| Heart Pine Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine) | 1225lbf Hard | 41 Medium-High | Very good | Moderate | Wide-plank flooring (the premier application), stair treads, mantels |
| Redwood Sequoia sempervirens | 420lbf Soft | 28 Medium-Low | Exceptional | Excellent | Exterior siding, decking, fencing |
| Western Red Cedar Thuja plicata | 350lbf Very Soft | 23 Low | Outstanding | Excellent | Exterior siding, roof shingles, fencing |
| American Chestnut Castanea dentata | 540lbf Medium-Soft | 30 Medium | Very good | Good | Accent walls, furniture, flooring |
| Hard Maple (Sugar Maple) Acer saccharum | 1450lbf Very Hard | 44 High | Moderate | Moderate to difficult | Flooring (high-traffic areas), butcher blocks, countertops |
| Black Walnut Juglans nigra | 1010lbf Medium-Hard | 38 Medium-High | Good | Excellent | Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork |
| Cherry (Black Cherry) Prunus serotina | 950lbf Medium | 35 Medium | Moderate | Excellent | Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural trim |
Janka hardness measured in pounds-force (lbf) — higher numbers indicate harder wood. Durability rated 1-5 for natural decay/moisture resistance.
Species Profile
Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Color
Warm reddish-brown to golden amber. Heartwood darkens with age and light exposure. Reclaimed Douglas Fir develops a rich, deep honey tone.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with prominent, attractive growth rings. Old-growth specimens show extremely tight rings (20-40 per inch) with stunning vertical grain patterns.
Workability
Excellent. Machines well, holds fasteners firmly, accepts stain and finish readily. Moderate resin content — use sharp blades to avoid pitch buildup.
Natural Durability
Moderate natural durability. Heartwood resists decay in protected applications. Not suitable for ground contact without treatment.
Common Reclaimed Sources
Pacific Northwest warehouse beams, bridge timbers, factory framing, barn structures, railroad infrastructure, old-growth building framing.
Best Applications
Exposed beams, structural timbers, flooring, stair treads, mantels, furniture, interior paneling, doors.
Expert Notes
The signature species of Pacific Northwest reclaimed lumber. Old-growth reclaimed Douglas Fir is dramatically superior to modern plantation stock — tighter grain, higher density, and incomparable character.
Species Profile
White Oak
Quercus alba
Color
Light tan to golden brown. Heartwood develops a warm honey patina over time. Medullary rays create distinctive flecks when quarter-sawn.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with prominent rays. Quarter-sawn faces reveal striking ray fleck patterns. Coarse texture with closed, tyloses-filled pores.
Workability
Good but demanding. Hard on blades due to high density. Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners near edges. Excellent for steam bending. Takes finish beautifully.
Natural Durability
Excellent. Highly resistant to moisture, rot, and insects due to tyloses blocking pores. One of the most naturally durable domestic hardwoods.
Common Reclaimed Sources
Barn timbers, wine/whiskey barrels, ship decking, industrial flooring, warehouse framing, bridge planking, railroad ties.
Best Applications
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, exterior applications, boat building, wine barrel furniture, countertops, stair treads.
Expert Notes
The closed-pore structure (tyloses) makes White Oak uniquely water-resistant among domestic hardwoods. Reclaimed White Oak from barrel or marine applications has already proven its moisture resistance.
Species Profile
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Color
Light pinkish-red to medium reddish-brown. More pronounced red tones than White Oak. Sapwood is nearly white.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with coarse texture. Open pores (lacks tyloses). Prominent ray patterns, especially quarter-sawn, though less dramatic than White Oak.
Workability
Good. Machines well despite hardness. Open pores make it easy to stain — absorbs finish readily and evenly. Excellent for steam bending.
Natural Durability
Moderate. Not naturally resistant to moisture or decay due to open pore structure. Best for interior applications.
Common Reclaimed Sources
Furniture factory stock, gymnasium flooring, residential framing in eastern states, pallet stock, industrial flooring.
Best Applications
Interior flooring, furniture, cabinetry, stair components, interior trim, plywood veneer, accent walls.
Expert Notes
Red Oak is America's most widely used hardwood. Reclaimed Red Oak from old gymnasium floors is especially prized for its tight grain and pre-hardened surface.
Species Profile
Heart Pine
Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine)
Color
Rich amber to deep reddish-orange. The resinous heartwood deepens dramatically with age and exposure, developing a warm, glowing patina.
Grain Pattern
Extremely tight, straight grain in old-growth specimens. 15-30+ rings per inch create stunning vertical grain patterns. High resin content produces a natural luster.
Workability
Moderate. High resin content gums blades — use sharp carbide tools and clean frequently. Nail holes easily due to density. Takes finish beautifully.
Natural Durability
Very good. High resin content provides natural resistance to insects and decay. Old-growth Heart Pine outlasts modern Southern Yellow Pine by decades.
Common Reclaimed Sources
Southern textile mills, tobacco warehouses, cotton gins, antebellum structures, church buildings, railroad trestles, factory flooring.
Best Applications
Wide-plank flooring (the premier application), stair treads, mantels, tabletops, exposed beams, architectural features.
Expert Notes
True Heart Pine comes only from old-growth Longleaf Pine, which was heavily logged from the 1700s through the early 1900s. New Longleaf Pine is extremely rare — virtually all Heart Pine on the market is reclaimed.
Species Profile
Redwood
Sequoia sempervirens
Color
Rich reddish-brown heartwood with creamy white sapwood. Color darkens and deepens with age. Weathering produces a distinguished silver-gray patina.
Grain Pattern
Straight, even grain with fine to medium texture. Old-growth specimens show very tight, uniform rings. Consistent and predictable grain patterns.
Workability
Excellent. Very easy to cut, shape, and sand. Accepts finish, stain, or paint readily. Low density means minimal tool wear. Splits easily — pre-drill for fasteners.
Natural Durability
Exceptional. Heartwood is naturally resistant to decay, insects, and moisture. One of the most durable domestic softwoods. Old-growth Redwood is extraordinarily long-lasting.
Common Reclaimed Sources
Water tanks and flumes, wine vats, barn siding in Northern California, old-growth fence stock, bridge timbers, cooling towers.
Best Applications
Exterior siding, decking, fencing, hot tub surrounds, garden structures, interior paneling, accent walls, outdoor furniture.
Expert Notes
Harvesting old-growth Redwood is now heavily restricted. Reclaimed Redwood is the only ethical source for old-growth material. Its exceptional decay resistance means reclaimed pieces from outdoor applications are often still in excellent condition.
Species Profile
Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata
Color
Warm reddish-brown to pinkish-tan heartwood. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white. Weathers to an attractive silver-gray when left unfinished outdoors.
Grain Pattern
Straight, even grain with fine texture. Distinctive aromatic scent. Old-growth Cedar has extremely tight, uniform grain. Very lightweight.
Workability
Excellent. Extremely easy to work with hand and power tools. Very lightweight. Accepts finish well but does not need it — natural oils provide inherent protection.
Natural Durability
Outstanding. Natural oils (thujaplicins) provide exceptional resistance to decay, insects, and moisture. The go-to species for exposed outdoor applications.
Common Reclaimed Sources
Roof shingles and shakes, greenhouse structures, boat building, dock pilings, fence stock, siding from Pacific Northwest structures.
Best Applications
Exterior siding, roof shingles, fencing, decking, closet lining (aromatic), hot tub surrounds, garden beds, outdoor furniture.
Expert Notes
The aromatic scent of Western Red Cedar is a natural moth deterrent, making reclaimed Cedar boards ideal for closet lining and storage chests. Reclaimed old-growth Cedar has tighter grain and greater rot resistance than modern plantation stock.
Species Profile
American Chestnut
Castanea dentata
Color
Warm light brown to medium brown with golden and tan tones. Darkens slightly over time. "Wormy" Chestnut (insect tracks) is a prized character feature.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with coarse texture. Open pores similar to Oak but without ray fleck patterns. Grain becomes more pronounced and attractive in older specimens.
Workability
Good. Relatively easy to work despite moderate hardness. Splits cleanly, making it historically preferred for rail fences. Takes stain and finish well.
Natural Durability
Very good. Naturally high tannin content provides excellent resistance to decay and insects. Comparable to White Oak in outdoor durability.
Common Reclaimed Sources
Pre-1920s barn structures (eastern US), rail fences, cabin logs, early American furniture stock, church pews, old-growth timber framing.
Best Applications
Accent walls, furniture, flooring, paneling, mantels, cabinet faces, picture frames, decorative beams.
Expert Notes
The American Chestnut blight (1904-1950s) killed an estimated 4 billion trees. Living American Chestnuts are virtually extinct in their original range. ALL Chestnut lumber on the market is reclaimed — making it one of the rarest and most historically significant species available.
Species Profile
Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum
Color
Creamy white to light reddish-brown. Heartwood is slightly darker. Exceptional clarity and luminosity. May exhibit curly, quilted, or birdseye figure.
Grain Pattern
Fine, even texture with closed pores. Generally straight grain, but prized figured varieties include curly (tiger), quilted, spalted, and birdseye. Figured Maple is rare and valuable.
Workability
Moderate to difficult. Very hard — demands sharp tools and slow feed rates. Can burn during routing and shaping. Pre-drill for all fasteners. Takes finish to a glass-smooth surface.
Natural Durability
Moderate. Not naturally resistant to decay. Best for interior applications. Excellent resistance to abrasion and wear, making it ideal for flooring and work surfaces.
Common Reclaimed Sources
Bowling alley lanes, gymnasium floors, butcher blocks, industrial workbenches, factory flooring, furniture factory stock.
Best Applications
Flooring (high-traffic areas), butcher blocks, countertops, cutting boards, furniture, musical instruments, turned objects.
Expert Notes
Reclaimed Maple from bowling alleys and gymnasiums has been compressed and hardened by decades of use, creating a surface even harder than new Hard Maple. These pieces are highly sought after for butcher blocks and countertops.
Species Profile
Black Walnut
Juglans nigra
Color
Rich chocolate brown to dark purplish-brown heartwood. Sapwood is pale yellow-white. The most dramatic heartwood/sapwood contrast of any domestic species.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with medium texture. Occasionally exhibits figure — crotch, burl, and curly patterns are highly prized. Open pores take finish beautifully.
Workability
Excellent. One of the most pleasant domestic hardwoods to work. Machines cleanly, carves well, glues easily, and takes finish to a magnificent luster.
Natural Durability
Good. Moderate natural decay resistance. Better than most domestic hardwoods in exterior exposure but best suited for interior applications.
Common Reclaimed Sources
Antique furniture stock, gunstock blanks, old-growth timber from Eastern estates, architectural millwork, historic door and window components.
Best Applications
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, gun stocks, turned objects, musical instruments, live-edge slabs, accent pieces.
Expert Notes
Black Walnut has been America's premier furniture wood for centuries. Reclaimed Walnut from old-growth sources features tighter grain and richer color than modern plantation-grown stock. It commands premium pricing.
Species Profile
Cherry (Black Cherry)
Prunus serotina
Color
Light pinkish-brown when fresh, darkening to a rich, warm reddish-brown with exposure to light. The most dramatic color change of any domestic hardwood — reaches full color in 6-12 months.
Grain Pattern
Fine, straight grain with smooth, satiny texture. Occasional gum pockets and pin knots. Some boards exhibit gentle curly figure. Closed pores produce an exceptionally smooth surface.
Workability
Excellent. Machines beautifully, carves easily, and sands to a glass-smooth finish. Minimal blunting of tools. Takes any finish exceptionally well — many craftsmen prefer a simple oil finish.
Natural Durability
Moderate. Not naturally decay-resistant. Interior use only for unprotected applications.
Common Reclaimed Sources
Antique furniture, architectural trim from historic homes, old cabinetry, church furniture, millwork from estate renovations.
Best Applications
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural trim, musical instruments, veneers, turned objects, jewelry boxes.
Expert Notes
Cherry's dramatic color deepening makes reclaimed Cherry boards extraordinarily beautiful — they've had decades to develop their full, rich reddish-brown patina. Exposure to UV light accelerates the color change; boards kept in darkness may be lighter.
Decision Guide
Quick Species Recommendations
Hardest flooring
Hard Maple (1450 lbf) or White Oak (1360 lbf)
Outdoor durability
Western Red Cedar or Redwood
Richest color
Heart Pine or Black Walnut
Strongest beams
Douglas Fir or White Oak
Most unique / rare
American Chestnut (extinct species)
Best value
Douglas Fir or Red Oak
Fine furniture
Black Walnut or Cherry
Accent walls
Mixed species / Barn-grade Douglas Fir
Water exposure
White Oak (tyloses block moisture)
Related Resources
Need Help Choosing a Species?
Our team handles thousands of board feet across all these species every month. Tell us about your project and we'll recommend the perfect species, grade, and quantity.