Think all wood is the same? That’s the first mistake most people make. Truth is, not all wood performs the same. Some woods are ideal for keepsake furniture. Others shine in floors, walls, or sleek built-ins. And if you pick the wrong one for the job, you’ll end up with warped panels, split edges, or items that really won’t last.
Knowing the types of wood available and what they do best makes the difference between a project that just looks good and one that actually works. Let’s break down the most common (and handy) types of wood and how to work with them confidently.
Why the Right Wood Choice Matters
Here’s the thing: wood isn’t just a material, it’s a choice that affects cost, life, strength, and style. Whether you’re making a table, fitting a floor, or adding wall panels, different wood types still act in very different ways.
Some are rock-solid but tricky to work with. Others are soft, budget-friendly, and perfect for indoor use, just not outside. Knowing where each one shines is key.
Before we look at individual examples, bear in mind: most projects need the right mix of strength, stability, and finish. That balance relies entirely on the type of wood you pick.
Solid Wood vs Engineered Wood: Quick Primer
Before we look at specific woods, it shows the full picture.
- Solid wood: Cut straight from logs. Offers natural grain, strength and durability. Often used in floors and high-end furniture.
- Engineered wood: Made from layers, fibres, or wood bits bonded with resins. More affordable, more stable, and simpler to work with.
Both have their uses, what matters is matching material to purpose.
Which Type of Wood Should You Use and When?
1. Oak – Timeless and Tough
- Best for: Flooring, dining tables, staircases, cabinetry
- Why it works: Oak is dense, durable, and improves with age. It holds shape and takes stains well.
- Watch out for: It’s heavy and can cost more, but it’s an investment for the long run.
2. Pine – Affordable and Easy to Work With
- Best for: Shelving, wall panelling, furniture frames
- Why it works: Pine is light, soft, and widely available. Great for both rustic and painted finishes.
- Watch out for: It dents easily and may yellow over time if untreated.
3. Walnut – Rich Tone, Premium Feel
- Best for: Feature furniture, décor accents, thin wood layers
- Why it works: Smooth grain, dark colour, and steady build make it a top pick for high-end projects.
- Watch out for: Cost. It’s one of the more expensive woods per square metre.
4. MDF – Smooth, Stable, and Cost-Effective
- Best for: Painted wall panelling, cabinets, built-ins, and decorative moulding
- Why it works: As one of the most common types of wood used in construction, MDF has no grain, no knots, and a flat surface ideal for painting.
- Watch out for: It doesn’t tolerate damp; choose moisture-resistant versions for bathrooms or kitchens.
5. Ash – Strong with a Light, Modern Look
- Best for: Contemporary furniture, chairs, and kitchen units
- Why it works: Flexible and long-lasting, with a pale tone that suits modern styles.
- Watch out for: Limited availability can push the price up.
6. Birch – Clean and Consistent
- Best for: Plywood sheets, cabinetry, toy-making, minimalist designs
- Why it works: Tight grain, pale tone, and steady plywood layers make birch a reliable choice for various uses.
- Watch out for: It can be tricky to stain evenly because of the grain density.
7. Teak – Built for the Outdoors
- Best for: Garden furniture, decking, and exterior trims
- Why it works: Naturally oily and weather-resistant, teak stands up to sun, rain, and years of use.
- Watch out for: High cost and heavy weight, reserve it for areas where longevity truly matters.
8. Cherry – Elegant and Ageing Gracefully
- Best for: Traditional cabinetry, desks, and formal interiors
- Why it works: Warm reddish tones that deepen with age. Fine-grain and excellent shaping ability.
- Watch out for: Colour darkens noticeably over time, so plan your finish accordingly.
9. Hardwood Ply – Strength Without the Solid Price Tag
- Best for: Flooring underlayment, wardrobes, carcasses
- Why it works: Layers of hardwood veneer give toughness, flatness, and resistance to movement. A great alternative when solid wood isn’t needed.
- Watch out for: Surface finish may need extra prep if it’s exposed, as veneers can show seam lines.
10. Reclaimed Wood – Sustainable with Built-In Character
- Best for: Feature walls, rustic décor, bespoke furniture
- Why it works: Every board is unique, full of natural weathering, aged colour, and distinctive imperfections.
- Watch out for: Variations in size, shape, or past treatments, always inspect each piece carefully.
Choosing the Right Wood for the Job
Still wondering which to use? Let’s simplify:
Furniture: Choose solid woods like oak, walnut or ash for strength and finish. MDF or plywood works for low-cost, painted items.
Flooring: Oak, teak or engineered hardwoods last for years. Avoid softwoods; they won’t hold up.
Décor: Walnut, birch ply or reclaimed boards that show different types of wood and their uses can add feature detail without overpowering the room.
Construction: Use strong, stable materials like MDF, plywood, or types of wood used in construction, such as treated pine or hardwood, for building work.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Wood
A few quick tips to keep your project on track:
- Don’t skip the moisture test, some woods warp if used in damp spots.
- Avoid mixing too many grains or colours in one space unless you plan for contrast.
- Always consider movement, wood expands and contracts, so plan joints to cope.
- Sand and seal raw wood before painting or staining for the best result.
Why Choose BuildersMerchant for Quality Timber?
Whether you’re making a dining table, laying flooring, or updating your interiors, the quality of your wood matters as much as the design. At BuildersMerchant, we help you find the right material without overpaying or worrying that your order will be wrong. From structural boards to decorative timber, we stock reliable options and deliver when you need them.
- Trusted Timber Selection: We offer a selected range of common and specialist types of wood, each picked for performance and reliability.
- Clear Specs, No Guesswork: Every product shows essential details, grade, thickness and intended use, so you know exactly what arrives.
- Moisture-Resistant and Treated Options: For damp areas or outdoor projects, we have types of wood used in construction made to resist the elements.
- Fast UK-Wide Delivery: Receive your materials on schedule, carefully packed and ready to use, so your project keeps moving.
- Help You Can Rely On: Whether you’re a DIYer or in the trade, our team speaks your language and knows timber inside out.
Not All Timber is Equal, And That’s a Good Thing
Wood isn’t the same for every job, and it shouldn’t be. The trick is knowing which types of wood match your needs, budget and look. From MDF and plywood to top-grade hardwoods, the right panel keeps every project running smooth, strong and good-looking.
Browse our range at BuildersMerchant to explore different types of wood and their uses, and have the right material shipped to your door, whether you’re building, finishing or making something built to last. Find the right timber for every project, shop quality wood products at BuildersMerchant and get them when you need them.