Timber Selection to Application

Guide to Choosing the Right Tree Species

When embarking on a new woodworking project, choosing the right wood species is key. At Elephant Timber, we supply a range of carefully sourced, kiln dried timbers, each with unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications. This guide will take you through the best timber selection for each type of project, helping you choose the right wood species for your needs.

Best Timber for Furniture Making

When crafting furniture, selecting the right timber can significantly impact both the look and durability of your pieces.

• Raw cherry wood is well known for its fine, smooth texture and rich, reddish-brown colour. Over time, its colour deepens, adding warmth to any piece of furniture. Cherry is perfect for creating high-end furniture, cabinetry and decorative woodwork.
• Ash offers strength, flexibility and a pale colour with smooth grain patterns. It is a great option for making durable furniture that still maintains an elegant and modern feel. Our ash tree slabs are particularly well suited for furniture that requires a combination of strength and flexibility, such as chairs, tables and cabinetry.
• Sycamore is highly valued for its fine, smooth texture and excellent workability. This timber is perfect for carving, turning and veneering, making it a popular choice for detailed and intricate furniture pieces. Our sycamore tree slabs take stains and finishes well, which also makes sycamore ideal for creating high-quality furniture with a natural finish.

Best Timber for Structural Applications

For projects that require strong, long-lasting support, selecting a timber species known for its durability is essential.

• Oak is one of the most durable and versatile woods available. It is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for construction projects such as beams, flooring and structural support. Oak raw wood has beautiful grain patterns and its rich colour makes it a popular choice for both modern and traditional designs. Oak is also a fantastic option for doors, windows and framing.
• Elm is another highly durable wood, known for its resistance to splitting. This characteristic makes it perfect for structural projects that require long-lasting support. Whether you are constructing a timber-framed building, creating support beams, or working on flooring, our elm tree slabs are strong and resilient, making elm an excellent choice.

Best Timber for Outdoor Projects

Outdoor projects such as decking, garden furniture, or cladding require timber that is resistant to the elements.

• Cedar is a lightweight, aromatic timber known for its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects. Its weather resistant properties make it the ideal choice for outdoor use. Cedar is commonly used for decking, garden furniture, and external cladding, where exposure to the elements is a constant concern. Our cedar wood slabs are  beautiful and have a distinctive colour and texture.
• Yew is an extremely durable and dense timber with a fine grain and rich colour. It is perfect for outdoor furniture and carving, particularly when you want to add intricate designs and features to your outdoor spaces. Our yew wood slabs stand up well to the elements, making yew suitable for garden furniture and benches.

Best Timber for Restoration Projects

Restoration projects, particularly those involving historical buildings or heritage sites, require timber that complements traditional styles and offers durability.

• Raw chestnut wood has a rich, warm colour and distinctive grain, making it an excellent choice for historical restoration work. Whether you are restoring old furniture, panelling, or flooring, chestnut offers both beauty and strength, making it ideal for maintaining the traditional look of historical buildings and interiors.
• Burr Oak is highly prized for its stunning grain patterns, making it perfect for historical restoration or crafting bespoke, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. The unique characteristics of Burr Oak also make it suitable for creating intricate detailing in restoration work, such as window frames, doorways and wooden mouldings.

Best Timber for Small-Scale Woodworking Projects

For smaller-scale projects like shelves, small furniture items, or carpentry, you need timber that is easy to work with and offers versatility.

• Sycamore’s fine texture and excellent workability make it a great choice for smaller DIY projects. It can be easily carved, shaped and finished, allowing you to create detailed, polished pieces. From small shelves to bespoke cabinetry, our sycamore tree slabs are perfect for woodworking enthusiasts to create professional results.
• Ash is a practical choice for furniture and carpentry. Our ash tree slabs have a smooth grain and flexibility making it easy to work with. Its natural strength also ensures that your finished projects are sturdy.
• Cedar works well in small woodworking projects, such as creating wooden boxes, frames and decorative items. Our cedar wood slabs with their lightweight nature and distinctive colour make cedar an easy timber to work with.

Choose the Right Timber for Every Project

At Elephant Timber, we believe in providing only the best, sustainably sourced timber for your projects. Each species we offer has been carefully selected for its unique characteristics, ensuring that you have the perfect wood for your needs. Whether you are working on a structural build, crafting fine furniture, or creating outdoor features, the right timber selection can make all the difference.

Browse our range of timbers online or contact us for expert advice on which wood species is best suited to your project. Let us help you bring your vision to life with kiln dried timber that stands the test of time.