Types Of Wood

Choosing the right wood shapes how a project looks, lasts, and works. This section profiles common and specialty species, compares softwoods and hardwoods, and helps you match the right board to each job.

Species profiles: whitewood, purpleheart, mango wood, and fir.

Compare & choose: SYP vs SPF lumber, is pine a hardwood, solid wood vs rubberwood, and the lightest woods.

By use: best wood for exterior trim and types of particle board.

For a side-by-side of every species (with Janka hardness), see our complete types of wood guide.

Is pine a hardwood or softwood? Pine is a softwood, though some pines are harder and more durable than certain hardwoods for everyday use.

What is the strongest common wood? Among widely available species, hickory, hard maple, and white oak rank highest for hardness and strength.