Hardwoods

Properties:

1. Close grained

2. Hardwearing

3. Strong & tough

4. Finishes well

5. Warps easily

Uses:

1. Furniture

2. Toys

3. Kitchen utensils

4. Tool handles

Properties:

1. Tough, hard & durable

2. Finishes well but stains in contact with steel

3. Open grained

4. Corrodes steel screws & fittings

Uses:

1. Furniture including garden

2. Expensive furniture

3. Interior woodwork

Properties:

1. Tough

2. Open grained

3. Flexible

4. Can be bent if steamed

Uses:

1. Tool handles

2. Laminating

3. Sports equipment

Properties:

1. Durable

2. Easy to work but with some difficulty

3. Interlocking grain

4. Fairly strong & robust

5. Resists swelling & warping over time, making it ideal for areas prone to excessive moisture or humidity

Uses:

1. Good quality & outdoor furniture 

2. Shop fittings

3. Veneers

Properties:

1. Strong & durable

2. Resistant to moisture

3. Colour darkens when exposed to light

Uses:

1. Outdoor furniture

2. Boats

3. Science labs