What is a Wood Species

Wood species refer to or identify a type of tree a wood material is from. They fall into two main categories:hardwoods and softwoods. The names or groups are used by woodworkers to reference the common traits of each species. There is an exhaustive list of different wood species, but only around a dozen that are used most frequently in cabinet construction. Those most commonly used hardwoods, or woods produced from leaf-bearing trees, include: Alder, Cherry, Hickory, Mahogany, Maple, Oak, Poplar and Walnut. The most commonly used softwoods, or woods produced from cone-bearing trees, include: Douglas Fir, Juniper, Hemlock and Pine. Each of these wood species are unique, but it's typically the color, style and overall look that determines what is selected as a kitchen cabinet.