Choosing type of wood depends on the purpose and the type of the project. One needs to consider a number of things, such as the requirements for strength and beauty in the piece while selecting the right wood type.
At Cameroon Timber Export, we have different types of wood and their uses alongside for our valuable customers across the world. We also have a wide variety of wood available, each with its own benefits and features, which you can choose from based on your specific wood project requirements.
Here’s a brief guide on the types of wood and how to choose the right one for your woodworking project.
Types of Wood
Based on the origin, specifications and uses, wood can be typically classified into the following two types:
- Softwood
- Hardwood
Softwood
Softwoods are produced from coniferous trees that grow faster and are usually straight. These trees remain green all year round and are generally yellow or reddish in colour.
Softwoods are less dense and generally less expensive compared to hardwoods. They are also easily available in less-common places like farms and houses, which means their acquisition is easier and cheaper.
Common examples of softwood trees include pine, cedar, mahogany, redwood, fir, etc.
Hardwood
As the name suggests, hardwoods are generally more dense (harder) than softwoods. Their use is also more popular because of the huge variety of colors, textures, etc.
Hardwoods are generally more expensive than softwoods and some of the exotic ones are also very rare.
Examples include oak, African padauk, afzelia, blackwood, ebony, iroko, African mahogany, etc.
How to Choose the Right Wood Type
Besides the wood type, the strength and probable use of wood also depend on the way it has been cut at the mill. The three common types of milling processes are Plain, Quarter and Rift sawing, of which the first two are used mainly for hardwoods.
Plain sawing of hardwoods is done to build large wide wood slabs, which are ideal for building tabletops, flooring and furniture.
Quarter sawn hardwood is generally used for making furniture, because it is an expensive technique. This processing technique produces the most stable timber with beautiful patterning.
Softwoods that are processed through Rift milling are commonly used for the construction of decks, flooring, fencing, beams, framing, posts, landscaping and barn timbers.
Recommended: Top 10 Unique Woods that Only Available in Cameroon to Buy
Now, choosing type of wood will depend on the type of project as well. For instance, if you are looking for wood for an exterior project, such as exterior flooring, bench, etc., you need wood that has a high resistance to sun and weather. Look for the types of wood that are high in durability and strength and have the ability to protect against rot, water and insects.
On the other hand, if you are choosing the right type of wood for an interior project such as a dining table or chairs, you need not worry about high rot or insect resistance or protection against sun and weather conditions. So, you can choose a wood that is beautiful in appearance and has a decent durability.
Where to Find High-Quality Right Wood for your Project?
If you have already decided on the right wood type for your project and now looking for the best place to buy good quality hardwood timber, you don’t need to go anywhere else. At Cameroon Timber Export, we export and supply all types of wood timber and logs in a range of Africa wood species for all kinds of wood projects. So, whatever your requirement is, I’m sure you can find the right wood with us.
Go on, contact us right away to discuss your needs.
