Different Types of Timber and Wood from Canada and USA for Interior Design and Decorating
Characteristics of Timber and Wood Produced by Canada/USA
Douglas Fir, Canadian Oregon, British Columbian Pine
- Very tall tree of approx 50-100m
- Softwood
- Native North Western America
- Heartwood is a pale yellowish brown, moderately durable
- Sapwood is lighter in color, non durable
- It is difficult to machine due to its strong stringy grain
Uses - heavy structural beams, timber framing, ladder making, trusses, masts, spars.
Hemlock
- Soft wood
- Light grey brown color
- It has a slight sheen on its surface
- Grown in USA/Canada
Uses - general joinery and structural work
Western Red Cedar
- Large tree of up to 60m in height
- Softwood
- Native North Western America
- Heartwood is very durable and the color varies from dark chocolate brown to salmon pink
- Sapwood is also durable, is a pale light yellow color, almost white
- It has a high acid content (eats nails)
- Light weight, strong odour
- Easily machined
- Very stable timber
- Straight grain which turns silver after exposure to weather
Uses - roof shingles, louvers, joinery/furniture, doors, window sashes, external cladding.
American Red Oak
- As for White Oak, except the timber color has a "champagne" (pinkish) tint
- The characteristics and uses are the same as White Oak
American White Oak
- Medium size tree, 20-40m in height
- Native to North America
- Hardwood
- Timber resembles English Oak, pale yellow brown to mid brown, sometimes with a hint of pink
- Strength and quality varies due to widespread growing situations
- Has characteristic "silver grain" figure due to the broad medullary rays (quarter cut)
- Very durable timber
- When dry it tends to split badly
Uses - interior finishing, vats and barrels, high class joinery and furniture, boat building
Black Walnut
- Native of North America
- Hardwood
- Timber color is chocolate brown/purplish black
For more on Interior Design and Decorating Interior Finishes - Types of Timber and Wood select from below.
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