A Guide to Domestic Hardwoods: Walnut, Cherry, Oak & Maple

Whether you’re building a farmhouse table, a keepsake box, or a classic Shaker side chair, choosing the right wood is as important as the craftsmanship itself. Domestic hardwoods offer a blend of beauty, workability, and availability that make them staples in American workshops. Four species in particular—walnut, cherry, oak, and maple—stand at the top for their versatility and performance.

Here’s a guide to what makes each one unique, how they behave in the shop, and which projects they’re best suited for.

Walnut: The Dark, Rich Classic

If any domestic wood feels like royalty, it’s walnut. With its deep chocolate color, striking grain, and refined appearance, walnut brings warmth and sophistication to any project.

Characteristics

• Color: Ranges from light brown to deep, chocolatey brown with occasional purplish tones

• Texture: Fine, smooth grain; often straight but can be wavy

• Hardness: Medium (Janka: 1,010)

• Movement: Low compared to many hardwoods
  

Why Woodworkers Love It

Walnut machines beautifully, holds crisp details, and finishes like a dream. It’s hard enough for furniture but not punishing on tools.

Best Uses

• High-end furniture and cabinetry

• Keepsake boxes and small goods

• Gunstocks and heirloom instruments

• Statement pieces where the wood itself is the star

Cherry: The Wood That Ages Gracefully

Cherry is one of those woods that quietly gets better with time. Fresh cherry starts as a soft pinkish-tan, but exposure to sunlight deepens it into a rich reddish brown with a gentle glow.

Characteristics

• Color: Light pinkish brown that darkens dramatically with age

• Texture: Fine, even grain; subtle figure; silky feel

• Hardness: Medium (Janka: 995)

• Movement: Moderate—design with seasonal expansion in mind

Why Woodworkers Love It

Cherry is predictable, forgiving, and delightful to work. It planes beautifully—especially by hand—and glows under a simple oil finish.

Best Uses

• Shaker and traditional furniture

• Tabletops, cabinets, and dressers

• Frame-and-panel construction

• Carvings and turned pieces

Pro tip: Avoid blotchiness by using a pre-stain conditioner or a thin coat of shellac before staining—unless you choose to leave cherry natural, which many woodworkers prefer.

Oak: Strong, Dependable, and Full of Character

Oak—particularly white oak—is synonymous with durability. With its prominent grain and robust structure, oak has been the backbone of American furniture for centuries.

Characteristics

• Color:

• White oak: light tan to medium brown
  Red oak: pinkish tan with bold cathedral grain

• Texture: Open-grained, prominent rays (especially in white oak)

• Hardness: Medium to high (Janka: ~1,200)

• Movement: Moderate

Why Woodworkers Love It

White oak is extremely stable, glues well, and pairs beautifully with simple finishes like oil or lacquer. It also resists moisture thanks to its closed cellular structure—perfect for outdoor-ready designs.

Best Uses

• Mission and Arts & Crafts furniture

• Dining tables and chairs

• Flooring and millwork

• Whiskey and wine barrels (white oak, of course)

• Exterior projects when properly finished

Maple: Clean, Modern, and Incredibly Tough

Maple comes in two primary varieties—soft maple and hard maple—and both have their place in the workshop. Hard maple is tough and dense, while soft maple is easier to work and often more affordable.

Characteristics

• Color: Creamy white with light golden or reddish tones

• Texture: Fine, smooth, often with curl, birdseye, or quilted figure

• Hardness:

• Hard maple: very hard (Janka: 1,450)

• Soft maple: more moderate (Janka ~950)

• Movement: Moderate—especially across the grain

Why Woodworkers Love It

Maple takes crisp edges, holds up to abuse, and looks clean and modern. It can be prone to burning with power tools, so sharp bits and light passes help.

Best Uses

• Cutting boards and butcher blocks (hard maple)

• Cabinets and dressers

• Painted projects (soft maple)

• Workbench tops

• Decorative pieces featuring figured maple

Choosing the Right Wood for Your Project

If you’re unsure which wood to pick, here’s a quick guide:

• Want something dark and elegant? Choose walnut.

• Prefer warm tones and graceful aging? Go with cherry.

• Need strength and traditional character? White oak is your friend.

• Looking for clean lines and durability? Pick maple.

Each wood tells its own story—through grain, color, density, and the way it ages. Part of the joy of woodworking is matching the right species to the project, letting the wood’s natural beauty shine through thoughtful craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts

Domestic hardwoods are beloved for a reason: they’re beautiful, reliable, and built into the history of American craftsmanship. Whether you’re a beginner selecting boards for your first project or a seasoned woodworker chasing the perfect piece for an heirloom, understanding these woods opens up a world of possibilities.