Wood Species Guide
Every species has its own personality — hardness, grain pattern, color, workability, and natural durability. This guide covers the species we carry at Boise Lumber, with special attention to the woods native to Idaho that form the backbone of our reclaimed and new lumber inventory.
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Idaho Native Species
Idaho's diverse forests — from the moist cedar groves of the Panhandle to the dry pine stands of the Boise foothills — produce some of the finest softwood lumber in North America. These are the species you will find most often in our reclaimed and locally sourced new lumber inventory.
Pseudotsuga menziesii
The most important structural softwood in North America. Idaho's Douglas fir forests are a primary source for both new and reclaimed timber. Old-growth reclaimed Doug fir is especially prized for its tight grain and deep color.
Pinus ponderosa
One of Idaho's most abundant tree species. Knotty Ponderosa pine paneling is iconic in Idaho cabins and lodges. The clear (knot-free) grades are excellent for painted trim and millwork. Available in both new and reclaimed stock at Boise Lumber.
Thuja plicata
Found in northern Idaho's moist forests. The premier softwood for outdoor applications — naturally resists rot, insects, and moisture without chemical treatment. Its distinctive aroma also makes it popular for closet lining and cedar chests.
Pinus monticola
Idaho's state tree. Once the dominant timber species in northern Idaho before blister rust reduced populations. Today it is valued for its exceptional workability and uniform appearance. Reclaimed Idaho White Pine from historic structures is rare and highly sought after.
Picea engelmannii
Common in Idaho's high-elevation forests. Often sold as part of the SPF (Spruce-Pine-Fir) framing lumber mix. Specialty-grade Engelmann spruce with clear, tight grain is used for guitar and violin tops.
Abies grandis
Native to Idaho's mid-elevation forests. Often grouped with other true firs commercially. A workable, affordable species for interior and non-structural applications.
Larix occidentalis
Idaho's hardest native softwood — harder than many imported hardwoods. Western larch is an underrated species that combines the warmth and workability of softwood with a hardness approaching that of hardwoods. Excellent for flooring and high-traffic applications.
Softwood Species
Softwoods come from coniferous (cone-bearing) trees — pines, firs, cedars, spruces, and larches. Despite the name, some softwoods (like Western larch) are harder than many hardwoods. Softwoods dominate structural framing and are the primary species in Idaho's reclaimed lumber inventory.
Pseudotsuga menziesii
The most important structural softwood in North America. Idaho's Douglas fir forests are a primary source for both new and reclaimed timber. Old-growth reclaimed Doug fir is especially prized for its tight grain and deep color.
Color
Light reddish-brown heartwood with yellowish-white sapwood; darkens with age and UV exposure
Grain
Straight, prominent grain with distinct growth rings that create a bold, linear pattern
Workability
Good — machines well, holds fasteners excellently, accepts stain unevenly due to grain density variation
Durability
Moderate — heartwood is moderately decay-resistant, suitable for above-ground exterior use with finish
Janka Hardness
Moderate (660 lbf)
Common Uses
Structural framing, timber framing, beams, joists, decking, flooring, plywood, reclaimed barn wood
Pinus ponderosa
One of Idaho's most abundant tree species. Knotty Ponderosa pine paneling is iconic in Idaho cabins and lodges. The clear (knot-free) grades are excellent for painted trim and millwork. Available in both new and reclaimed stock at Boise Lumber.
Color
Pale yellow to light brown heartwood with nearly white sapwood. Knots add reddish-brown contrast
Grain
Straight, even grain with moderate texture. Growth rings visible but less pronounced than Douglas fir
Workability
Excellent — easy to cut, shape, sand, and finish. Accepts paint and stain well. Minimal blunting of tools
Durability
Low — not naturally decay-resistant. Requires treatment or finish for exterior use
Janka Hardness
Low (460 lbf)
Common Uses
Interior trim, moulding, paneling, shelving, furniture, window frames, doors, craft projects, knotty pine paneling
Thuja plicata
Found in northern Idaho's moist forests. The premier softwood for outdoor applications — naturally resists rot, insects, and moisture without chemical treatment. Its distinctive aroma also makes it popular for closet lining and cedar chests.
Color
Reddish-brown to pinkish-brown heartwood that weathers to silver-gray if left unfinished
Grain
Straight, fine, even grain with a silky texture. Low density gives it a light, almost spongy feel
Workability
Excellent — lightweight, easy to cut, does not split easily. Aromatic. Can corrode unprotected iron fasteners
Durability
Excellent — one of the most naturally decay-resistant softwoods. Ideal for ground contact and wet environments
Janka Hardness
Very Low (350 lbf)
Common Uses
Exterior siding, shingles, shakes, fencing, decking, pergolas, hot tub surrounds, closet lining, outdoor furniture
Pinus monticola
Idaho's state tree. Once the dominant timber species in northern Idaho before blister rust reduced populations. Today it is valued for its exceptional workability and uniform appearance. Reclaimed Idaho White Pine from historic structures is rare and highly sought after.
Color
Creamy white to pale straw heartwood with minimal color difference between heartwood and sapwood
Grain
Fine, even, straight grain with a smooth, satiny texture. Very uniform appearance
Workability
Excellent — one of the easiest woods to work with. Carves, routs, and machines beautifully. Excellent for detailed work
Durability
Low to moderate — not highly decay-resistant but better than many pines. Best used for interior applications
Janka Hardness
Low (420 lbf)
Common Uses
Pattern making, carving, architectural millwork, interior doors, moulding, match-grade lumber, cabinet interiors
Picea engelmannii
Common in Idaho's high-elevation forests. Often sold as part of the SPF (Spruce-Pine-Fir) framing lumber mix. Specialty-grade Engelmann spruce with clear, tight grain is used for guitar and violin tops.
Color
Nearly white to pale yellow with little distinction between heartwood and sapwood
Grain
Straight, fine, even grain. Excellent resonance properties
Workability
Good — machines cleanly, glues well, accepts finish. Can be woolly if tools are not sharp
Durability
Low — not decay-resistant. Interior use only unless treated
Janka Hardness
Low (390 lbf)
Common Uses
Framing (as SPF mix), musical instrument soundboards, interior paneling, millwork, ladder rails
Abies grandis
Native to Idaho's mid-elevation forests. Often grouped with other true firs commercially. A workable, affordable species for interior and non-structural applications.
Color
Light brown heartwood with white to pale yellow sapwood. Subtle grain appearance
Grain
Straight, fine grain with a smooth texture. Less distinct ring pattern than Douglas fir
Workability
Good — cuts and machines cleanly. Does not hold fasteners as well as Douglas fir
Durability
Low — not naturally durable. Interior use or treated exterior only
Janka Hardness
Low-Moderate (490 lbf)
Common Uses
Interior framing, sheathing, crating, pulp products, light construction
Larix occidentalis
Idaho's hardest native softwood — harder than many imported hardwoods. Western larch is an underrated species that combines the warmth and workability of softwood with a hardness approaching that of hardwoods. Excellent for flooring and high-traffic applications.
Color
Russet-brown heartwood with a warm, reddish tone. Yellowing sapwood. Deepens attractively with age
Grain
Straight, tight grain with a fine, even texture. Pronounced growth rings create strong visual grain pattern
Workability
Moderate — harder than most softwoods. Machines well but dulls blades faster. Excellent nail-holding
Durability
Moderate to good — heartwood is moderately decay-resistant. Comparable to Douglas fir
Janka Hardness
High for softwood (830 lbf)
Common Uses
Flooring, structural timber, decking, posts, exposed beams, boat building, mine timbers
Hardwood Species
Hardwoods come from deciduous (broad-leaved) trees — oaks, maples, walnuts, and cherries. Generally harder and more expensive than softwoods, hardwoods are the preferred choice for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and architectural millwork where appearance and durability are critical.
Quercus alba
The gold standard for hardwood durability. White oak's closed-cell structure makes it waterproof — the reason it is used for barrels. Quarter-sawn white oak reveals beautiful ray fleck patterns prized in Arts & Crafts furniture.
Color
Light to medium brown heartwood with olive undertones. Sapwood is lighter, nearly white
Grain
Straight grain with medium to coarse texture. Prominent ray fleck pattern visible in quarter-sawn cuts
Workability
Moderate — hard but machines well. Excellent steam-bending properties. Reacts with iron fasteners (tannin staining)
Durability
Excellent — one of the most durable North American hardwoods. Heartwood is rot-resistant and waterproof due to tyloses
Janka Hardness
High (1,360 lbf)
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, wine and whiskey barrels, boat building, exterior trim, timber framing
Quercus rubra
The most widely used hardwood in North America for flooring and cabinetry. Red oak takes stain better than almost any other species due to its large, open pores. Not suitable for exterior use or contact with moisture — unlike white oak, its pores are open.
Color
Light pinkish-red to medium brown heartwood. Sapwood is white to light brown
Grain
Straight grain with coarse texture. Very open, porous grain pattern. Strong visual grain character
Workability
Good — machines and sands well. Takes stain excellently due to open pores. Good for steam bending
Durability
Low to moderate — open pores make heartwood susceptible to moisture. Interior use only
Janka Hardness
High (1,290 lbf)
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, stair parts, veneer, millwork
Acer saccharum
One of the hardest domestic hardwoods. Hard maple's density and shock resistance make it ideal for flooring, countertops, and any surface that takes heavy use. Figured maple with bird's eye or curly patterns commands premium prices.
Color
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood. Sapwood is prized for its bright, white appearance
Grain
Fine, uniform grain with a smooth, almost waxy texture. Figured maple (bird's eye, curly, quilted) is common and highly valued
Workability
Moderate to difficult — very hard, dulls tools quickly. Tends to burn when machined with dull cutters. Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
Durability
Moderate — not decay-resistant. Interior use only
Janka Hardness
Very High (1,450 lbf)
Common Uses
Butcher blocks, cutting boards, bowling alleys, gym floors, fine furniture, musical instruments, cabinetry
Juglans nigra
The most prestigious domestic hardwood. Walnut's rich, dark color and exceptional workability make it the top choice for heirloom furniture, live-edge tables, and architectural features. We carry both new and reclaimed walnut.
Color
Rich chocolate brown to purplish-black heartwood — one of the darkest domestic woods. Pale sapwood provides dramatic contrast
Grain
Usually straight, occasionally wavy or figured. Medium texture with a natural luster when finished
Workability
Excellent — one of the best hardwoods to work with. Machines, carves, and finishes beautifully. Easy on tools despite its hardness
Durability
Good — heartwood is naturally decay-resistant. Suitable for limited exterior use
Janka Hardness
Moderate-High (1,010 lbf)
Common Uses
High-end furniture, gunstocks, musical instruments, turned objects, live-edge slabs, architectural paneling, veneer
Prunus serotina
Cherry's dramatic color change — from pale pink to deep reddish-brown — is one of the most distinctive characteristics of any domestic hardwood. The darkening happens naturally with light exposure and continues for several years.
Color
Light pinkish-brown when fresh, darkening significantly to a rich, warm reddish-brown with UV exposure over months
Grain
Fine, straight grain with a smooth, satiny texture. Occasional figured patterns (curly, crotch)
Workability
Excellent — machines cleanly, sands easily, finishes to a glass-smooth surface. One of the most pleasant hardwoods to work
Durability
Moderate — moderately decay-resistant heartwood. Primarily used for interior applications
Janka Hardness
Moderate (950 lbf)
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, architectural millwork, musical instruments, turned objects
Fraxinus americana
Ash is renowned for its flexibility and shock resistance — the reason it has been used for tool handles and baseball bats for centuries. The emerald ash borer has reduced North American supply, making ash lumber increasingly valuable.
Color
Light to medium brown heartwood with beige to light brown tones. Wide, pale sapwood
Grain
Straight grain with coarse texture. Bold, dramatic grain pattern similar to oak but with a lighter, more contemporary feel
Workability
Good — machines well, excellent steam-bending. Good nail and screw holding. Takes stain well
Durability
Low — not decay-resistant. Interior use only
Janka Hardness
High (1,320 lbf)
Common Uses
Tool handles, baseball bats, furniture, flooring, cabinetry, boat oars, steam-bent items, stair parts
Carya spp.
The hardest and strongest common domestic hardwood. Hickory's dramatic color variation between heartwood and sapwood makes it a popular choice for rustic and character-grade flooring. Extremely durable underfoot.
Color
Wide variation from pale white sapwood to medium brown heartwood, often in the same board. High contrast
Grain
Usually straight but can be wavy. Coarse texture. Bold grain pattern with dramatic color variation
Workability
Difficult — extremely hard, tough, and dense. Dulls tools quickly. Pre-drilling essential. Difficult to glue
Durability
Moderate — not highly decay-resistant despite its hardness. Best for interior use
Janka Hardness
Extremely High (1,820 lbf)
Common Uses
Flooring (high-traffic), tool handles, ladder rungs, smoking wood, rustic furniture, cabinetry
Liriodendron tulipifera
The workhorse of painted millwork. Poplar is the go-to hardwood when the finished product will be painted — it is affordable, stable, easy to machine, and takes paint better than almost any other wood. Not suitable for stain-grade work due to uneven absorption.
Color
Pale cream to yellowish-green heartwood, sometimes with purple or dark green streaks (mineral stain). White sapwood
Grain
Straight, fine grain with a uniform texture. Relatively bland grain pattern — which is actually an advantage for painted work
Workability
Excellent — one of the easiest hardwoods to work. Cuts cleanly, machines well, takes paint exceptionally. Does not stain evenly
Durability
Low — not decay-resistant. Interior use only
Janka Hardness
Low for hardwood (540 lbf)
Common Uses
Painted trim, moulding, cabinet interiors, drawer sides, hidden structural components, economy furniture frames
Quick Comparison
The Janka test measures the force (in pounds-force) required to embed a steel ball halfway into a wood sample. Higher numbers indicate harder wood. Use this ranking to compare species for flooring, countertops, and high-wear applications.
* Idaho native species
Tell us about your project — interior or exterior, structural or decorative, rustic or refined — and our team will recommend the best species, grade, and source (reclaimed or new) to match your needs and budget.