Is This “Wood” Hardwood – A Simple Hardwood Guide


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Is Oak A Hardwood?

Oak is a hardwood species that is native to the northern hemisphere. The Oak genus is divided into approximately 500 different species of oak, and the most common species of oak in North America is the White Oak. White Oak has a Janka hardness rating of 1350lbf and is a fairly dense hardwood. Oak can be used for firewood, woodworking, flooring, and construction.

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Is Maple A Hardwood?

Maple is a hardwood species native to the northern hemisphere. Most of the over 100 existing maple species can be found in Asia, but some maple species can be found in North America, Europe, and Northern Africa. The most common species of maple in North America is the Sugar Maple which has a Janka hardness rating of 1450lbf. Maple can be used for firewood, woodworking, and maple syrup.

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Is Walnut A Hardwood?

Walnut is a hardwood species that is native to North America, South America, Southern Europe, Asia, and the West Indies. There are about 20 walnut species. The most common walnut species in North America is the Black Walnut which has a Janka Hardness rating of 1010lbf, English walnut is also fairly common. The wood from black walnut is greatly valued by woodworkers because of the unique dark color and grain of the wood.

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Is Cherry A Hardwood?

Cherry is a hardwood species that is native to the northern hemisphere. The highest concentration of cherry trees can be found in East Asia. The most common cherry tree used for woodworking is the Ameican Black Cherry tree. The American Black Cherry has a Janka hardness rating of 950lbf. Cherry is one of the most sought-after woods for fine woodworking.

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Is Birch A Hardwood?

Birch is a hardwood species that is native to the northern parts of North America and Europe. There are over a dozen different species of birch in North America. The most common species of Birch in North America is the Paper Birch. Paper Birch has a Janka hardness rating of 910lbf. Birch is used for woodworking, medicine, syrup, and much more.

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Is Ash A Hardwood?

Ash is a hardwood species that is native to the northern parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. There are about 60 different species of Ash. The most common species of Ash in North America is the American White Ash tree. The American White Ash has a Janka hardness rating of 1320lbf. American White Ash is prone to becoming extinct because of the emerald ash borer.

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Is Poplar A Hardwood?

Poplar is a hardwood species that is native to the Northern Hemisphere. There are about 30 different species of Poplar. The most common species of Poplar in North America is the White Poplar. White Poplar has a Janka hardness rating of 410lbf which is a very low density for being a hardwood. Poplar is used for woodworking and is used a lot for decorating parks.

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Is Beech A Hardwood?

Beech is a hardwood species that is native to temperate parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. There are 13 different species of Beech trees. The most common species of Beech in North America is the American Beech tree. The American Beech has a Janka hardness rating of 1300lbf. Beech is mainly used for woodworking.

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Is Alder A Hardwood?

Alder is a hardwood species that is native to the Northern Hemisphere. There are about 30 different species of Alder. A common species of Alder in the USA is the Red Alder tree. Red Alder has a Janka hardness rating of 590lbf. Alder is used for many types of woodworking.

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Is Elm A Hardwood?

Elm is a hardwood species that is native to the northern hemisphere. There are about 35 different species Elm. A common species of Elm in North America is the American Elm. American Elm has a Janka hardness rating of 830lbf. Elm is often used to construct boats and barns because it can handle water well without decaying.

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Is Hickory A Hardwood?

Hickory is a hardwood species that is native to North America. There are about 18 different species of Hickory. One of the most common species of Hickory is the Shagbark Hickory Tree. Shagbark Hickory has a Janka hardness rating of 1880lbf. Hickory is one of the best firewoods and is also used for tool handles.

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Is Balsa A Hardwood?

Balsa is a hardwood that is native to the Americas. The wood from the balsa tree is known as one of the hardwoods with the lowest density. Balsa wood has a Janka hardness rating of 67lbf. The low density of Balsa wood makes it suitable for many special applications. Balsa is used for model building, packaging, and flotation devices.

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Is Basswood A Hardwood?

Basswood is a hardwood species that is native to Eastern North America. Basswood is a species of Linden trees that hosts around 30 different species. Basswood is low-density hardwood with a Janka hardness rating of 410lbf. Basswood is valued by woodcarvers for the soft nature of the wood.

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Is Pine A Hardwood?

Pine is not a hardwood species. Pine is a softwood species that are native to the Northern Hemisphere and some parts of the tropics. A common species of Pine in North America is the Eastern White Pine. Eastern White Pine has a Janka hardness rating of 380lbf. Pine is widely used for construction and utility uses.

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Is Spruce A Hardwood?

Spruce is not a hardwood species. Spruce is a softwood species native to temperate and cold regions in the Northern Hemisphere. There are about 35 different species of spruce. A common species of Spruce in North America is the Sitka Spruce. Sitka Spruce has a Janka hardness rating of 510lbf.

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Is Fir A Hardwood?

Fir is not a hardwood species. Fir is a softwood species native to the Northern Hemisphere. A common Fir species in North America is the Pacific Silver Fir. Pacific Silver Fir has a Janka hardness rating of 430lbf.

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Is Yew A Hardwood?

Yew is not a hardwood species. Yew is a softwood species that grows all over the world but is most common in the Northern Hemisphere. A common Yew species is the European Yew. Europan Yew has a Janka hardness rating of 1520lbf. Yew wood is one of the densest and hardest softwood and has a unique red tint to the wood.

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