Within the scope of site carpentry in the UK, most of the structural timber that is used on site is softwood. Treated structural timber is typically milled from softwood Spruce or Douglas Fir trees, with Spruce also being known in the UK as Whitewood. Untreated internal timber is also often manufactured from Spruce, and sometimes Pine depending on the intended application. These species of timber are strong, grow quickly in terms of effective and sustainable farming, and have very appropriate properties for use in construction. All materials used are dependent on supply from the merchant, meaning some suppliers distribute different species of timber intended for similar applications. 

For use in external fencing, cladding, and decking, softwood Cedar is a fantastic softwood with excellent weather resistant properties, with softwood Larch also being a popular choice. Cedar is commonly used for timber as it lasts a long time and takes on a desirable patina. Larch is a traditional choice for use in fence panels due to its natural resistance to both moisture and rot. Both materials are extremely hard wearing and rot resistant, perfect for outdoor use, though treated Spruce is also cost-effective choice for most outdoor applications. Treated or stained decking is generally milled from cheap Pine or Spruce, though premium products made from specific species can be purchased from specialist suppliers.  

Internally, doors can be made from a variety of different wood species. Common examples of joinery grade doors include hardwood timber species such as Oak, Walnut, and softwood Pine. These timber species are great choices for use in finished interior work due to their aesthetic appearance, durable surface finish, as well as other important properties. An important consideration when it comes to timber choice for use in interior doors, is their resistance to fire, as highlighted within the fire regulations. Fire rated door frames and linings are also constructed from fire safety approved timbers, with oak frames being a common requirement for installation in situations such as doors leading into garages. The manufacturers and suppliers of these doors provide a standardised fire rating in accordance with fire safety regulations, typically in terms of the resistance to fire in minutes. Standard internal doors can come in almost any species of timber however, again - cost depending. 

Other internal components such as stairs are also subject to a large array of timbers for their construction. Baseline flights of stairs are ordinarily machines in a workshop and are typically made from Pine or Spruce - cheaper materials that are often covered with carpet. More bespoke, higher end flights of stairs are often made from more aesthetic timber species, such as Oak, Ash, or Walnut. These timbers are fantastic choices for higher end staircases and really stand out as a luxurious option. 

Typically speaking, most hardwoods are harder than softwoods, and the reverse is true with most softwoods being comparatively softer than most hardwoods, however this rule is not hard and fast. English Yew is a softwood that is known for being very hard relative to other softwoods and was the timber of choice for the construction of English war bows in the past. On the other end of the spectrum, American Balsa Wood, harvested from the hardwood Balsa tree, is a tremendously lightweight and soft timber. It is one of the least dense of all the timber species. Its applications are not structural, though the properties of the timber make it a very appropriate material for use in craft and modelling scenarios. It’s also very easy to shape and carve, due to its relative softness. 

As follows are two lists of softwoods and hardwoods respectively, displaying a good selection of timbers that a carpenter/joiner is likely to encounter, with their properties and common applications listed. Most of the information here has been collected from the TRADA (timber research and development agency) website. This timber list is not exhaustive but is simply a good starter guide for understanding timber species and their characteristics. It’s also important to note that more or less every construction component could be made of any timber species in a bespoke setting, depending on adequate time, engineering, and cost. 

Softwoods

As previously stated, softwoods/conifers are generally softer than most hardwoods. Softwoods generally have needles and cones in place of leaves and seeds respectively, the way that hardwoods often do. Softwoods grow very fast in comparison to hardwoods, and their saplings are easily planted in rows, provided the climate and soil conditions are suitable. This makes softwoods an excellent, sustainable material, capable of being farmed, often in a process akin to crop rotation. Softwood timber is measured in metres, due to the trees' straight and tall growth. 

Douglas fir (North America) (Pseudotsuga Menziesii)

The Douglas fir, also known in the US as Douglas Spruce or Oregon Pine, is an evergreen tree that is part of the Pine family. Despite its names, it's not a true Fir, Spruce, or Pine. Regardless, it is still a fantastic tree with favourable properties that lend themselves to construction applications. These trees can grow up to 100m in height and 5 metres in diameter in favourable conditions, though timber from farmed land is often much smaller. Although this species of timber is native to North America, it has been widely planted in the UK and other European countries and grows well in these conditions.

Douglas Fir is strong and more resistant to compressive forces than Scots Pine or Spruce, though it is denser. Its grain is very straight and is on the harder end of the softwood spectrum. 

Structural timber in the UK can sometimes be milled from Douglas Fir, depending on supply. It is a good choice for use in structural beams as well as engineered timber products such as timber trusses and Glulam beams. It is also a very suitable material for use in general workshop construction as well as cabinetry, due to its straight grain and ease of workability.  

Scots Pine (European Redwood) (Pinus Sylvestris)

Scots Pine is another common softwood that is used in UK construction, often being imported from colder Scandinavian climates. Scots Pine can be grown domestically in the UK, but it doesn’t not grow as fast or as tall as imported timber, with the latter reaching height and diameters of 35m and 1m respectively, on average. The colour of the timber is a yellow to reddish brown and has a pleasant resinous smell.

It shares similar structural properties with that of spruce, though is more often used in internal, non-structural applications, mostly due to supply and demand. Internal timber such as untreated CLS as well as mouldings can often be made from Scots Pine. 

Scots pine is also used for applications in general workshop joinery and mouldings, due to its smooth workability and straight grain. 

Siberian Larch (Europe) (Larix Sibirica)

There are many species of Larch that are native to Europe, but the most used in construction is Siberian Larch. This timber is widely exported from colder climates such as Siberia and Scandinavia. The climate conditions in the UK are not favourable for the domestic growth of most Larch species. The timber that is produced from this tree is a reddish-brown colour, and weathers into a silvery colour.  

Larch trees have been known to grow up to around 50 metres tall with a trunk diameter of around 1 metre. This timber is quite dense and resinous in comparison to other softwoods but has similar resistant properties to Cedar. Larch is water and rot/pest resistant due to its natural oils, and so it is a very suitable material for use in exterior applications. These applications include cladding, decking, and fencing. This timber is also used in the manufacture of flooring and interior joinery. 

Spruce (European Whitewood) (Picea Abies)

Spruce is a coniferous tree that grows to an average height of around 30-40m tall, though they can grow up to 60m tall given the correct growing conditions. The average diameter of the trunk is around 1m. These measurements are a lot smaller in Spruce trees that are grown in the UK, as this tree favours much colder conditions than the UK climate. This tree in its early stages is traditionally used as Christmas trees. It is a fast-growing tree, with growth of up to a metre per year in its early life. This makes it incredibly sustainable for the timber production industry, as the regrowth time is very short in comparison to other timbers. 

Structurally, the strength and properties are similar to most pines. This timber is very easy to work with in terms of cutting and pairing, takes nails and screws well, and receives glue well. It is one of the most widely distributed timbers for use in modern construction, especially in the UK. The colour is a pale creamy white/yellow.  

This timber is milled into structural carcassing timber as well as finished timber, being the main material that standard UK construction timber is made of. This timber is also desirable for its use in manufactured timber products, such as Glulam and other engineered beams. 

Western Red Cedar (North America) (Thuja Plicata)

Western Red Cedar is a softwood with excellent water and rot resistant properties. As such, it is a good choice of material for exterior applications. This species is native to North America, though the temperate UK climate lends itself to the growth of this species. Western Red Cedar trees are capable of growing up to 75 metres in height, with some trees having a recorded diameter of a staggering 7 metres. 

Western Red Cedar possesses very straight grain within its structure and presents in a reddish-brown colour. Aged cedar that has been bleached by the elements becomes an aesthetic silver/grey colour.  

The natural oils within Cedar wood protect it from rot and fungal attacks, as well as resistance to insects and pests. Therefore, it doesn’t necessarily need to be treated for use in exterior applications, though applying a finish can prolong its life. This species of timber is very suitable for use in exterior applications, such as cladding or decking.

Hardwoods

Hardwood trees, also known as deciduous trees, are often harder than softwoods. They do not often tend to grow as tall as most softwoods, and their main trunk is typically not that straight. Hardwoods generally grow much slower than softwoods, and their saplings are quite reluctant to purposeful planting, meaning that effective, sustainable farming is difficult with most species. Due to the irregular growth and varying densities of hardwoods, they are typically ordered and sold in cubic metres. The use of hardwood in modern construction is ordinarily limited to interior joinery as well as standout pieces. For example, the most common components that would be made of hardwood in a modern house would be the doors, staircase, and kitchen components. It goes without saying that hardwood is a popular choice for fine furniture.  

Standout pieces are components within a house that are all made of the same/a similar colour of timber. These are often used sparingly to create an aesthetic standout appearance. For example, within a house, a staircase, window boards, kitchen worktop, and doors all made of the same hardwood can really make the house “pop”. Overuse of this material, for example by choosing the same material for the windows and flooring as well as these other components, can often become overwhelming. A delicate balance should be struck for maximum effect. 

European Ash (Europe) (Fraxinus Excelsior)

The European ash is a medium to large sized tree that is common in Europe and the British Isles. Other species of Ash grow commonly in North America. The European Ash grows to an average height of around 18m, with a trunk diameter of approximately 2m in thickness. The wood that can be harvested from this tree is strong and durable, with relatively straight grain. Its colour is a pale cream/yellow and can be sanded and finished to a high quality. If left undisturbed, these trees can grow to an age of around 250 years old.  

Common applications for Ash wood include tool handles, sports equipment such as bats and cues, as well as construction components such as flooring or cabinets. Ash works well as a standout timber, with it being a very aesthetic choice for window boards and staircases. Ash timber is not very resistant to rot or moisture, and as such is not suitable for exterior applications unless treatment procedures are undertaken. 

Ash wood is easily worked with sharp hand and power tools and doesn't often tear out. In combination with its fantastic ability to be finished well, it is a good choice of timber for use in workshop applications.  

European Beech (Europe) (Fagus Sylvatica)

European Beech trees are tall trees, growing to a height of anywhere between 25-50 metres, with an average trunk diameter of 1.5 metres. Beech trees ordinarily live between 150 and 200 years old, with some reaching as old as 300 years old. Beech trees in forests that are cultivated for their timber are often harvested when they reach a minimum age of 80 years of age, though they reach maturity at around 30 years of growth. Beech trees grow Beech nuts, an edible forageable. The wood is a light brown colour, and the grain is quite straight.

Common applications of Beech wood include interior joinery components, furniture making, as well as flooring. Due to the wood's natural hardness, it is also the traditional choice of wood for the creation of timber mallets. Engineered timber products such as plywood and steam bent laminations are occasionally made of Beech. Beech must be treated before use in exterior applications. 

Silver Birch (Europe/Asia) (Betula pendula)

Silver birch is a medium sized tree native to Europe and possesses a unique colour and texture of bark. The tree will typically grow to around 25 metres in height, though the trunk is often substantially smaller than most other hardwoods, only reaching around half a metre thick in the most extreme scenarios. The grain is straight for the most part, though can wander in some cases. The colour of the wood is a light brown colour.  

Birch wood is often used in the construction of plywood, as well as in joinery applications, tool and utensil making, and flooring. As with many of the other hardwoods, Silver Birch can be used in external applications, provided that the timber is treated before installation. External applications of this timber include decking, cladding, and fencing, though these are not that common in comparison to other materials. 

Black Cherry (North America) (Prunus Serotina)

Black Cherry is a beautiful wood that is harvested from the American Black Cherry tree. This tree grows to an average height of between 18-24 metres in height, with an average trunk diameter of half a metre to a metre. The wood is very strong, with straight, tight grain running throughout. The wood is a deep brown colour and finishes to a fine lustre. The Black Cherry tree grows fruits that are similar to common cherries such as those that grow on the Sweet Cherry tree, though the Black Cherries are not as frequently used in modern times.  

Black Cherry wood works very well with sharp hand and power tools, making it a suitable material for use in workshop constructions. Its aesthetic appearance lends itself to use in joinery and cabinetry. Other common applications include the construction of instruments, tobacco pipes, and fine furniture. Black Cherry does not possess good natural external resistance, though treatment can prolong its outdoor life. This is not common though. 

Ebony (Asia) (Diospyros Ebenum)

Ebony trees are an endangered species, being classed at an extreme risk of extinction. The tree itself is not often that large, reaching only around 20 metres in height, with a trunk diameter of around 1 metre thick. The tree is green all year round, meaning it does not lose its leaves at any point, mostly because of the warm climate in which it grows. The tree grows very slowly, taking around 100 years to reach full size. The wood is a truly beautiful deep brown/black colour and can be sanded/planed to a shiny surface, even before finishing. The wood is extremely hard and dense, and as such is difficult to work with, being prone to tear out and chipping. Because of its beautiful appearance, the wood is highly sought after. Over farming in combination with unsustainable growth practices has rendered this species endangered. As such, this tree is protected, and only certified imports are allowed into most countries, in an attempt to discourage illegal harvesting. 

The most common applications for Ebony are as musical instruments like guitar fretboards and piano keys, as well as inlays for finer pieces of joinery. Ebony is very rarely used in construction, with the most common appearance within buildings being that of antique furniture. 

English Elm (Europe) (Ulmus Procera)

The English Elm tree is a large tree that regularly grows to height of 40 metres and more, with an average trunk diameter of at least 2 metres in thickness. The wood has a combination of straight and irregular grain, though is not particularly dense or durable in comparison to other hardwoods. The wood is a pale brown colour, and can be finished well, though it is a difficult material to work with due to its irregular grain.  

English Elm is not commonly used in construction, both in modern times and in the past. This is due to its poor stability, with the timber being very susceptible to swelling, shrinkage, and cracking. This makes it an unfavourable material for use in joinery and cabinetry, though some examples do exist.  

Hickory/Pecan (North America) (Carya Illinoensis)

American Hickory is a tree that grows in North America and is also known as Pecan in the southern US. The tree produces edible seeds that are commonly known as Pecan nuts in our modern society. The trees often grow up to 40 metres in height with a trunk diameter of around 2 metres in thickness. The wood itself is reddish-brown in colour, and the grain is typically straight though can often be irregular in places. The timber is very durable, stable, and dense, making it a suitable wood for many applications. 

Common applications of Hickory include the production of instruments, tool handles, furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. Exterior use includes cladding and decking, though again must be treated before installation, and subsequently maintained after installation.  

Iroko (África/Asia) (Milicia excelsa)

Iroko is a hardwood tree that has a wide distribution across Africa, most notably in its natural tropical environment. The trees are very large, reaching heights of around 50 metres, with trunk diameters that often exceed 3 metres in older trees. The timber is very dense and durable, with a golden-brown appearance. Due to its aesthetic appearance and subsequent over-farming, this tree is on many international preservation watchlists, though it is not quite at the point of extinction.  

Iroko wood is very stable, and as such is a popular timber used for construction and furniture making domestically. When exported, the timber is typically used for furniture making and cabinetry, as well as other interior applications. The timber is durable and weather resistant, making it a good choice for exterior applications, though is not often used in these scenarios, with more sustainable materials being favourable.  

Mahogany (South America) (Swietenia Macrophylla)

Mahogany is a large tree that grows natively in South America, favouring more tropical climates for its growing conditions. The trees are very tall, growing up to around 50 metres in height, and around 2 metres in thickness at the trunk. The wood is a beautiful reddish-brown colour and is renowned for taking an aesthetic finish. The wood is durable and generally has a straight grain, presenting beautiful patterns on its surface. It can be worked well with sharp tools, though tends to dull edges quickly due to its relative hardness. Due to its large desirability, it is widely over-farmed, and as such is also on many watchlists for preservation. Over harvesting of this specific tree has led to the wide scale destruction of the Amazon Rainforest.  

Common applications of Mahogany include fine furniture making, decorative veneers and panelling, as well as many bespoke interior pieces. Due to its natural rot and pest resistance, it was traditionally favoured in ship/boat, and decking applications. The use of this timber is often criticised in modern times due to the poor harvesting practices.  

Hard Maple (North America) (Acer Saccharum)

Hard Maple, also known as Sugar Maple, is a medium sized tree that is most notably associated with the production of maple syrup. These trees can grow to heights of up to 45 metres, though they are often around half of that size. Their trunks are typically around 1 metre in thickness. The grain of the wood is fine and straight, with a pale brown colour. The wood can take a fine finish and has a natural smooth lustre. Different species of Maple can be found throughout the world. 

Common applications of this timber include the production of instruments, sport equipment, as well as in traditional recurve bows. The wood is hard and as such can be difficult to work with. The wood is commonly used in fine furniture making and cabinetry, as well as applications in flooring and veneer making. The wood is not particularly durable for exterior applications.  

English Oak (European) (Quercus Robur)

English Oak is a tall tree that often grows to heights of up to 40 metres tall, with wide trunk diameters of around 2 metres. The canopy of these trees is often very wide, and the trees produce acorns. The wood is very durable with many desirable qualities for use in construction. As such, the use of this timber stretches far back into history. Traditional post and beam construction, as well as shipbuilding relied heavily on the use of Oak. 

The wood is a brown colour and possesses very aesthetic medullary rays within its grain. These flecks within the timber make a finished surface almost shimmer. The timber dries very slowly, and is prone to splitting, with a combination of straight and irregular grain. This timber, as well as other species of Oak are widely used for many applications. 

Common modern applications of this timber include post and beam construction, flooring, furniture making, cabinetry, as well as cladding and decking. Weathered Oak takes on a beautiful silvery colour, and as such is a very desirable material in higher end applications. Silvered oak is often replicated in manufactured materials, such as composite flooring. 

Sapele (Africa) (Entandrophragma Cylindricum)

Sapele is a tree that grows in the tropical rainforests of West Africa. These trees grow to be quite tall, around 45 metres on average, with an average trunk diameter of around 1 to 1.5 metres in thickness. The timber is a dark brown-reddish colour, similar in appearance to Mahogany, though not as deep in colour. The wood is harder and denser than the African or American species of Mahogany and is most comparable in its properties to those of English Oak.

Sapele wood was widely used in the UK during the 1900’s as a cheaper alternative to the more expensive Mahogany. This timber can still often be found in components such as doors and staircases that were made around the 1960’s onwards. The interior look of darker woods has fallen out of fashion in modern times and is less common. Sapele is still often used in the construction of fine furniture and cabinetry, as a substitute for the less ethically sourced Mahogany. The resistant properties of Sapele make it a suitable material for exterior applications. 

Black Walnut (North America) (Juglans Nigra)

Black Walnut is a tall tree that grows natively in North America, preferring colder climates for its growth. The tree can grow to around 30 metres in height with an average trunk diameter of around 1.5 metres thick. As the name suggests, the tree grows the edible seed known as the walnut. The wood is another highly sought after material, renowned for its deep dark brown colour when finished. Some trees can produce an almost purple colour timber. The wood can be finished to a brilliant lustre. 

Black Walnut is used in many modern applications, such as furniture making, cabinetry, veneer making, flooring, as well as many other internal bespoke pieces. The wood is hard and dense but works well with sharp hand and power tools. In more traditional applications, gun stocks as well as musical instruments were often made from Walnut, again due to its durability and aesthetic appearance. Walnut can be used in external applications, though it must be treated as is the case with most other hardwoods.