Wood, in all its grainy glory, has been the go-to material for interior design since, well, forever. It’s timeless, versatile, and oozes character. With so many options available it hard to understand type of wood for home, though, choosing the right types of wood for the interior can feel like picking a favorite star in the sky.
But don’t worry,this guide will break it down, so by the end, you’ll be a wood-whisperer. Let’s explore 20 different types of wood for home that can totally transform your space, all served up with a side of funkiness.
1. Oak
Oak, it must be said, is the Beyoncé of woods, classic, durable, and a total crowd-pleaser. The grain is distinct and brings a texture that says, "I’m here, and I’m fabulous." Red oak, with its warm tones, is preferred by many, while white oak is often chosen for its superior water resistance. Kitchens and bathrooms have been blessed with white oak, while red oak is favoured for other areas.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Flooring, cabinets, doors, and even a little molding magic.
2. Walnut
Walnut is the James Bond of the wood world, sleek, dark, and effortlessly cool. It has been prized for its rich, chocolatey hue, which screams luxury. Even though it’s softer than oak, its durability is still impressive, making it a top choice for high-end interiors.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Furniture, fancy cabinetry, veneers, and those chic accent walls.
3. Cherry
Cherry wood ages like fine wine, getting richer and deeper in color over time. This wood is a favorite for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their space. With its smooth texture and fine grain, cherry wood has been used in spaces where sophistication is the name of the game.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Fancy furniture, cabinets, paneling, and trim that says, "I’m classy."
4. Maple
Maple has been dubbed the minimalist’s dream. It’s light, it’s bright, and it’s got a smooth grain that loves to show off. Known for its toughness, maple has been chosen for high-traffic areas that need to stay fabulous under pressure.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Flooring that stands the test of time, sleek cabinets, kitchen bits, and stylish furniture.
5. Mahogany
When mahogany enters a room, you know it. This wood is all about luxury, with its deep, reddish-brown tones and fine grain. It’s been celebrated for adding warmth and richness to interiors, especially in spaces where traditional vibes reign supreme.
Use of this type of wood for home:
High-end furniture that makes a statement, cabinetry, paneling, and doors that mean business.
6. Pine
Pine is the laid-back, casual cousin in the wood family. Light in color and sprinkled with character-building knots, pine has been adored for its rustic charm. Budget-friendly and easy to work with, pine has been the choice for those who want style without the hefty price tag.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Furniture with a homey feel, flooring that feels like a hug, paneling, and shelving that keeps it simple.
7. Teak
Teak is the wood you call when you need something that can handle the elements. Known for its durability and natural resistance to moisture, teak has been the go-to for outdoor spaces, but its golden-brown glow has also been appreciated indoors.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Outdoor furniture, flooring that can take a beating, countertops, and bathroom fixtures that refuse to warp.
8. Ash
Ash, with its light color and smooth grain, is all about that Scandinavian vibe. It’s strong, flexible, and has been favored for furniture that demands a bit of bending. Ash’s subtle look has been chosen by those who want a space that whispers rather than shouts.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Furniture with curves, sleek flooring, cabinetry that blends in, and even some sporting goods.
9. Birch
Birch has been the wood of choice for those who love the look of maple but want to save a few bucks. Its light color and fine grain have made it a modern favorite. Birch has been stained and styled to mimic more expensive woods, making it a savvy designer’s pick.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Plywood (because it’s versatile), cabinetry, furniture, and doors that look good without breaking the bank.
10. Beech
Beech is the quiet overachiever in the wood world—strong, reliable, and always looking good. With its pale, reddish-brown hue and fine grain, beech has been used in contemporary designs where smooth and sleek rule the day.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Furniture that’s built to last, flooring, cabinetry, and kitchen tools that feel good in the hand.
11. Cedar
Cedar has been the fragrant, rustic choice for those who need wood that can handle moisture like a pro. Its reddish-brown color and straight grain have made it a favorite for spaces where both durability and a natural vibe are needed.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Closets that smell divine, outdoor furniture, paneling with personality, and even saunas.
12. Hickory
Hickory is the rugged cowboy of the wood family—strong, durable, and full of character. Its grain pattern, which can range from straight to wild, has been adored for adding a rustic touch to any room. Hickory has been the wood of choice in spaces that need to stand up to serious wear and tear.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Flooring that can handle a stampede, cabinets, furniture, and even tool handles.
13. Rosewood
Rosewood is the diva of the wood world—rich, exotic, and utterly striking. With its deep brown to purple hues and dramatic grain, rosewood has been reserved for spaces where luxury is the order of the day.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Musical instruments that look as good as they sound, fine furniture, cabinetry, and decorative veneers.
14. Bamboo
Bamboo might technically be a grass, but it’s been treated like royalty in the wood world. It’s eco-friendly, light, and incredibly strong for its weight. Bamboo has been loved for its sustainability and modern look, making it a top pick for green design.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Flooring that’s gentle on the planet, furniture, cabinetry, and cool accessories.
15. Elm
Elm is the comeback kid once popular, nearly wiped out, and now cherished for its rustic appeal. Its interlocking grain has made it tough as nails, and its medium to dark brown color has been used to add warmth to interiors.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Furniture with a history, paneling that adds depth, flooring, and even boatbuilding (because it’s that strong).
16. Poplar
Poplar is the wood that’s happy to play a supporting role. Light in color and on the softer side, poplar has been chosen for projects where it’s destined to be painted or used behind the scenes. It’s not the most durable, but it’s affordable and easy to work with.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Painted furniture that makes a statement, cabinets, molding that pops, and doors.
17. Ebony
Ebony is the rock star of the wood world—dark, dense, and rare. Known for its jet-black color and fine grain, ebony has been used sparingly in interiors where a touch of luxury is needed. It’s expensive, but a little goes a long way.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Musical instruments that demand attention, inlays, fancy furniture accents, and decorative pieces.
18. Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is the no-nonsense workhorse of the wood world. Light brown with a straight grain, it’s strong and dependable, often used in both structural and aesthetic applications. Its warm, rustic look has been appreciated in interiors where natural beauty is key.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Flooring that can handle it all, beams that hold up the world, paneling, and furniture that’s built to last.
19. Zebrawood
Zebrawood is the wild child—bold, unique, and impossible to ignore. With its striking striped pattern, zebrawood has been used to add drama to spaces that need a little something extra. It’s not cheap, so it’s often used in small doses.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Veneers that wow, accent furniture, decorative items that pop, and inlays that demand attention.
20. Chestnut
Chestnut is the old soul of the wood world—rich in history and rustic charm. Once common, now rare, chestnut has been treasured for its warm, reddish-brown color and coarse grain. Today, reclaimed chestnut is all the rage, adding a touch of nostalgia to modern interiors.
Use of this type of wood for home:
Reclaimed furniture that tells a story, flooring that feels like home, paneling, and beams that add character.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it 20 types of wood that have been jazzing up interiors left and right. Each wood brings its own vibe, whether it's the classic appeal of oak, the luxury of walnut, or the eco-friendly charm of bamboo. The right wood can transform your space, making it feel just right. So go ahead, pick your favorite, and let your space do the talking. Happy designing!
