How to choose the right wood for carpentry?

Choosing the right wood for a carpentry project is an essential step, whether you are a craftsman, architect or industrialist. Each wood species has its own particularities: aesthetics, density, stability, ease of work... This guide helps you select the fuel that is most suitable for your use, while integrating sustainability, rendering and budget issues.

1. The essential criteria for choosing wood for carpentry

✓ Natural sustainability

Some woods are more resistant to insects, fungi, and humidity. For outdoor structures (doors, cladding, garden furniture), opt for naturally sustainable species such as oak (Quercus robur) or black locust.

✓ Dimensional stability

Wood is a living material. It can work (deform) with changes in temperature and humidity. To guarantee stability, prefer well-dried wood (ideally between 10 and 12% humidity).

✓ Aesthetics and veining

The choice is also aesthetic: natural color, veining, presence or absence of knots... The ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior) for example, offers a very graphic veining, which is appreciated in designer furniture.

✓ The ease of work

Not all essences are processed in the same way. The beech (Fagus sylvatica) or fir are easy to plane, machine, drill, while oak is denser, but more resistant.

✓ The budget

Some noble species such as oak are more expensive, but offer remarkable longevity. The choice may therefore also depend on the end use (high-end furniture, layout, interior carpentry...)

2. Comparison of the main species used in carpentry

EssenceLatin nameMain assets/Recommended uses/OakQuercus roburDurable, noble, resistantDoors, parquet floors, high-end furnitureBeechFagus sylvaticaEasy to work with, economical, Furnishing, Interior, AshFraxinus excelsiorMarked, solid veining Furniture, stairs, pine fittingsAbies albaLightweight, easy to cloud Ossature, lightweight layoutRobinierRobinia pseudoacaciaUltra durable outdoorsPatio, garden furniture

3. Interior vs exterior carpentry: which species should you prefer?

• For the interior : we are looking for good stability, a beautiful finish and wood that is easy to machine. Beech and ash are often used for stairs, furniture, kitchens.
• For outdoor use : you need woods that are naturally durable or treated. Oak, Douglas fir, black locust are recommended.

4. Drying and storage: two decisive steps

Good carpentry is not just about gas. Its humidity level, its storage and its preparation are decisive.

• Choose wood wiped dry then artificially dried (10-12% humidity).
• Make sure it has been stored in sheltered air, protected from humidity and UV.

5. In conclusion

Choosing the right wood for carpentry means taking into account both the end use, the budget, the desired finish and the technical constraints. To make the right choices, do not hesitate to rely on a wood professional who will be able to guide you to the sections, species and treatments that are most suitable for your project.