Choosing the right hardwood species is one of the most important decisions in furniture making. With reclaimed wood, the choice becomes even more interesting because you're often working with old-growth specimens that differ significantly from their modern counterparts.
White Oak is the workhorse of reclaimed hardwood furniture. It's hard (1,360 lbs on the Janka scale), dimensionally stable, and naturally resistant to moisture thanks to its closed-pore structure called tyloses. Reclaimed white oak typically has a warmer, deeper color than new oak due to natural oxidation. It takes finishes beautifully and is appropriate for virtually any furniture application.
Red Oak is nearly as hard as white (1,290 Janka) but has open pores that make it slightly less moisture-resistant. The grain is bolder and more pronounced. Reclaimed red oak is extremely common — it was the default flooring and millwork species for much of the 20th century. It's excellent for tables, shelving, and cabinets.
Hard Maple (1,450 Janka) is the hardest commonly available reclaimed species. Its tight, fine grain creates a smooth, almost silky surface when finished. Reclaimed maple was frequently used in factory and gymnasium flooring, which means it was often installed in large quantities — making it relatively easy to find matching boards.
Black Walnut (1,010 Janka) is the premium choice. Its rich, dark chocolate color and flowing grain patterns make it the most visually dramatic option. Reclaimed walnut is uncommon and commands a premium. When we get it, it sells quickly.
Cherry (995 Janka) is softer but has a renowned ability to deepen in color over time, developing from a light reddish-brown to a rich reddish-amber. Reclaimed cherry has already undergone this color shift, so you see the mature color immediately.
Douglas Fir (660 Janka) is technically a softwood, but old-growth reclaimed Doug fir is so dense and tight-grained that it performs more like a hardwood. It's excellent for tables and shelving where extreme hardness isn't required, and its dramatic grain pattern makes a bold visual statement.
Our recommendation: for a dining table, white oak. For a bookcase, hard maple or Douglas fir. For a desk, walnut if budget allows, otherwise white oak. For bedroom furniture, cherry for its warmth, or maple for a lighter look.