Cedar (Eastern red cedar): Cedar, a softwood, is
used primarily in chests and closets; it has a distinctive scent, and is
effective in repelling insects. The wood is a light red, with light
streaks and knots; the grain is quite pleasing. Cedar is close-grained.
It should not be bleached or stained. Cedar storage chests should be
left unfinished on the inside, and treated with a clear finish on the
outside. Cedar is moderately expensive.
Cherry (black cherry):
Cherry, one of the most valued of hardwoods, is used in fine furniture
and cabinets. Its color varies from light brown to dark reddish brown,
and it has a very attractive and distinctive grain, often with a
definite mottle. Cherry is close-grained, and does not require a filler.
A light stain is sometimes used to accentuate the color. Cherry is
difficult to work with hand tools, and it is expensive.
Elm (rock elm, American elm): This hardwood has
excellent bending qualities; it's used in all types of furniture, and
especially for bentwoods. Elm is light brown to dark brown, often with
some red streaks Elm has a distinct grain; rock elm has contrasting
light and dark-areas. Because Dutch elm disease has destroyed so many
trees, elm has become a rare wood, and can be both hard to find and
expensive.
Gum (sweetgum, red gum): This hardwood
is often used in veneers or in combination with rare woods; it's also
used in some moderately priced furniture. Gum is an even brown, with a
reddish cast; it sometimes has darker streaks. Its price is moderate to
low.
Hickory (shagbark hickory): This hardwood is noted
for its strength, hardness, and toughness; it is used in rockers,
Windsor chairs, lawn furniture, and some veneers. The wood is brown to
reddish brown, with a straight, indistinct grain; it is open-grained.
Hickory is very hard and heavy, and is difficult to work with hand
tools. Its price is moderate.
Lauan (red lauan, white lauan):
This hardwood, a mahogany look-alike, is used in less expensive grades
of furniture; it is often sold as Philippine mahogany. The wood varies
in color from tan to brown to dark red, with a ribbonlike grain pattern
similar to that of true mahogany. Red lauan is more expensive than
white.