Ash is a very common, very tough hardwood. It bends extremely well and is used mostly for furniture that has bent sections. Ash is also used a great deal as a veneer, and it holds up well for that purpose. The color can range from a stark white to a very dark reddish brown. Ash is a sensible choice as a moderately priced hardwood.
Basswood is an extremely common hardwood, used mostly in combination with more rare types of hardwood like walnut or mahogany. The color, like ash can run the spectrum from very white to reddish, but basswood has more streaking and more prominent growth rings. This wood has a very even, close grain. Basswood is both inexpensive and easy to work with.
Cherry is an amazingly popular hardwood. Very valuable, it is used mostly in fine furniture. If you want to impress the neighbors with your new home theater, build it with cherry. The color, while traditionally dark, can also be very light brown. The grain is distinctive to say the least, and cherry often carries a mottle. This wood has a close grain and will require no filler. All you need is a light stain. Power tools are required to work with this tough, and very expensive, wood.
Elm is an often overlooked hardwood that has great bending qualities. It is used in almost every type of furniture, especially bentwoods. The color ranges from a light to dark, and predictable, brown. If you look, you might be surprised to find some Elm that has beautiful red streaks that really pop under the right varnish. The grain is distinctive, especially with Rock Elm. Rock Elm is special because of its contrasting light and dark areas. It gives a very natural look to the wood. Elm has become rare thanks to Dutch elm disease, so it tends to be hard to find as well as expensive.
Rosewood is one of my favorites. Like mahogany, it is a prized wood and extremely expensive. While you can get it in a veneer, the best pieces are made with rosewood throughout. The color varies from dark brown to dark purple, and the black streaks in the wood are rich and deep. This wood is difficult to work, so no hand tools. Its best applications are bedroom sets and home offices or libraries. If you are adventurous, use it in your home theater to give it that luxury look.
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Tags: home, furniture, wood, redecorating, hard wood