No one does it better than Edensaw when it comes to
domestic wood supplies. Edensaw Woods is one of Washington state's top suppliers of high-quality domestic woods and lumber for home building, woodworking, furniture making, and remodeling projects. We have expert and knowledgeable staff who can help answer any questions you may have about which domestic wood is the best fit for your specific project, from building your DIY furniture to a major home construction job. At Edensaw, you can find a vast collection of premium quality domestic woods, including alder, ash, basswood, beech, birch, cedar, cherry, douglas fir, hickory, maple (eastern and western), pine, poplar, red oak, tennessee cedar, walnut, white oak, and other domestic wood species that suit your needs.
Domestic wood and timber are naturally abundant in North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, making it a popular choice for furniture manufacturers, woodworkers, and home builders. The region is home to a wide variety of wood species that are known for their quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. These woods are used in a variety of applications, such as furniture manufacturing, cabinetry, flooring, and decorative woodworking.
Hardwoods vs. Softwoods: Understanding the Difference - While the names suggest hardness, the classification is biological:
- Hardwoods: Come from deciduous trees (leaf-shedding), such as Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Walnut. They are typically denser, providing superior durability, impact resistance, and a beautiful, complex grain pattern, making them ideal for furniture, flooring, and high-end cabinetry.
- Softwoods: Come from coniferous trees (cone-bearing), such as Cedar, Pine, and Fir. They grow faster, are generally less dense, and are easier to work with. Softwoods are the primary material for framing, structural components, decking, and exterior trim.
What are the most common and most popular domestic woods in North America?
Douglas fir wood is highly valued for its great strength, stability, and stunning reddish-brown color. Douglas fir (DF) is a versatile wood that may be used to make structural framework, flooring, cabinetry, and furniture.
Western red cedar wood is well-known for its inherent resistance to rot and insects, making it a popular choice for outdoor applications such as decking, siding, fence, and garden furniture. Its rich hue and distinct grain pattern give warmth and character to any project.
White oak wood is a favorite among furniture manufacturers and craftsmen because of its amazing strength, longevity, and beautiful grain. Because of its resilience to moisture and rot, it is often used for flooring, cabinetry, millwork, and barrels.
Hard maple is highly valued for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and turned goods because of its light hue, smooth texture, and great hardness. Its tight grain allows for outstanding finishes and adds a modern, stylish touch to any project.
Black walnut wood is a popular choice for fine furniture, flooring, and ornamental pieces due to its rich, dark brown hue and remarkable grain patterns. Its natural beauty and exceptional workability make it a preferred choice among woodworkers.
Understanding Lumber Cuts: Grain and Stability - The way a log is cut dictates the grain pattern, stability, and cost of the finished board:
- Plain Sawn (Flat Sawn): This is the most common and cost-effective method. It results in a cathedral or arch pattern on the face of the board. It is generally the least stable cut, prone to cupping and warping, making it best for general construction and furniture where stability is less critical.
- Quarter Sawn: The log is cut into quarters, and then each quarter is sawn. This results in a straight, striped grain pattern and exceptional stability (less prone to expansion/contraction). This method is preferred for high-end cabinetry, doors, and flooring.
- Rift Sawn: This is the most expensive cut, achieved by cutting boards at a precise angle to the center of the log. It produces a perfectly straight, linear grain with no flecking and provides the highest level of stability, making it ideal for the finest furniture and architectural elements. Red Oak riftsawn-quartersawn and White Oak riftsawn-quartersawn combine the benefits of both stability and aesthetic appeal.
The Critical Role of Moisture Content (MC) - Moisture content is the single most important factor determining wood quality and stability for interior projects:
- Why MC Matters: If wood is installed when its MC is too high, it will shrink significantly, leading to gaps, cracking, and warpage. Wood installed when its MC is too low may swell and buckle.
- Standard for Interior Use: Lumber designated for furniture, cabinetry, and interior flooring should have a moisture content between 6\% and 8\%. This range is achieved through kiln drying and ensures the wood is stable for a climate-controlled indoor environment.
- Exterior Use: Lumber for exterior applications (like decking and fencing) is stable at a slightly higher moisture content, though it must still be monitored to prevent decay.
Are you looking for a
complete variety of domestic woods for your woodworking projects? As your local domestic and exotic wood supplier,
Edensaw Woods (
Edensaw.com) offers a wide selection of top-quality
domestic wood and lumber essential for cabinet, marine, and construction projects across the Pacific Northwest region. From our locations in Port Townsend-Tacoma, Washington, USA, we provide professionals and hobbyists in Seattle-Port Townsend-Tacoma with premium local rough sawn and surfaced lumber. Browse popular varieties, including
alder,
ash,
basswood,
beech, and
birch. Our specialty lumber selection also features beautiful hardwoods like
cherry,
hickory, and
walnut, alongside reliable softwoods like
fir and aromatic
tennessee cedar. We stock various maple options, including
maple (eastern) and
maple (western), plus oak selections like
red oak,
red oak riftsawn-quartersawn, classic
white oak, and premium
white oak riftsawn-quartersawn, among many more choices. Learn about our wide array of
products and
services by reaching out via
contact us.
