A Quick Guide to Wood Species
Here’s a curated guide to the domestic hardwoods we love working with. These are species we trust for their beauty, character, and reliability. Whether you’re looking for light and airy, dark and dramatic, or something with a bit of visual texture, this list is a great place to start.
Ash
Used in everything from hockey sticks to shaker-style furniture, Ash is a sturdy Canadian hardwood with a pale, open grain and a springy strength that holds up to daily life.
Colour: Light, almost white
Red or Yellow: Leans yellow
Staining: Excellent—takes stain evenly and beautifully
Birch
The quiet multitasker. Birch shows up in everything from plywood to fine furniture. Smooth, pale, and subtle, it’s like Maple’s artsy cousin from the Maritimes and Ontario.
Colour: Creamy white to pale gold
Red or Yellow: Leans yellow
Staining: Stains well, but needs extra time & care
Cherry
Used in fine furniture across Ontario and Quebec, Cherry deepens with age like a good whisky. Warm, smooth, and quietly elegant.
Colour: Light pinkish-brown that darkens over time
Red or Yellow: Leans red
Staining: Stains well, but many skip it to let nature do the work
Maple
The classic Canadian. Used in everything from curling rinks to kitchen cabinets, Maple is dense, smooth, and built to last, just like your grandma’s furniture.
Colour: Creamy blonde to pale brown
Red or Yellow: Leans yellow
Staining: Can be tricky. Requires attention to get it right.
Oak
If you’re not sure which Oak you’re looking at, you’re not alone. Both Red and White are workhorses in Canadian homes. It’s strong, grainy, and full of character.
Colour: Varies—light to medium brown
Red or Yellow: Depends on species
Staining: Very stain-friendly
Red Oak
Red Oak is your dependable Canadian classic, used in floors, doors, and furniture for decades. Grainy, bold, and not afraid to show it.
Colour: Warm light brown with pinkish tones
Red or Yellow: Leans red
Staining: Soaks it up easily for a dramatic look
White Oak
Tough and timeless. White Oak is rot-resistant, straight-grained, and famously used in wine barrels and mission furniture.
Colour: Pale tan to light brown
Red or Yellow: Neutral, maybe a bit yellow
Staining: Excellent. It loves a deep, rich finish
Walnut
A bit of a show-off, Walnut isn’t as common in Canadian forests anymore but is beloved for rich colour and luxe vibes. Think heirlooms, guitars, and fancy countertops.
Colour: Chocolate brown with lighter sapwood
Red or Yellow: Leans red
Staining: Usually left natural. Why mess with a good thing?
