Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Certified Material
Hood Distribution supports responsible forest management and is FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) certified. Learn More.
Select any species to learn more.
Accoya
Aniegre
Apitong
Beech: European (Steamed)
Birch: Russian (Baltic)
Bubinga (African Rosewood)
Cedar, Spanish
Grandis, Red
Ipé
Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry
Mahogany, African
Mahogany, Genuine
Mahogany, Philippine
Mara Macho
Meranti, Red
Mukulungu, African Redwood
Padauk, Vermillion
Pine, Radiata
Purpleheart, Amaranth (Violet Wood)
Sapele
Sipo, Utile
Teak
Wenge
Zebrawood
Select any species to learn more.
Accoya
Aniegre
Apitong
Beech: European (Steamed)
Birch: Russian (Baltic)
Bubinga (African Rosewood)
Cedar, Spanish
Grandis, Red
Ipé
Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry
Mahogany, African
Mahogany, Genuine
Mahogany, Philippine
Mara Macho
Meranti, Red
Mukulungu, African Redwood
Padauk, Vermillion
Pine, Radiata
Purpleheart, Amaranth (Violet Wood)
Sapele
Sipo, Utile
Teak
Wenge
Zebrawood
Accoya
General Characteristics:
Accoya wood is made from radiata pine trees. These are sourced and taken to our production facilities in the Netherlands where they undergo a modification process, more specifically known as Acetylation. This process turns the radiata pine wood into the world’s most stable wood, Accoya.
Accoya is backed with an industry leading 50-year warranty above ground and a 25-year warranty in ground, ground contact, submerged in freshwater.
Availability:
Accoya is available in thicknesses of 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 10/4, 12/4, and 6” or 8” wide.
Visit: accoya.com
Aniegre
General Characteristics:
Aniegre is typically found in East Africa and is considered to closely resemble Birch. It is pale to reddish-brown in color with a nice even straight grain. Aniegre is very dense, therefore, carbide tooling is recommended when machining. It finishes very well and has excellent nail holding and gluing properties.
Typical Applications:
Aniegre is often utilized in the manufacture of decorative and architectural grade plywood. It is also a very popular choice among furniture makers for high-end custom pieces.
Availability:
Aniegre is typically available in various thicknesses in FAS1F grade.
Apitong
General Characteristics:
Apitong is a very dense and tough wood with a relatively coarse grain pattern. It is very harsh on ordinary steel tooling due to its extremely high mineral content. Apitong is highly durable and is chosen over other woods for applications where they may decay or there is exposure to abrasive wear. Apitong is similar to Lauan; however, it does not finish as well due to the coarseness of the grain structure. The heartwood is moderately dark brownish-red in color.
Typical Applications:
Apitong has been largely successful in the United States in truck bed and truck flooring applications. It is also widely used in the construction of skids, crates, pallets or any application requiring a durable wear-resistant material.
Availability:
Apitong is widely available in 8/4 random width and length truck bed stock.
Beech: European (Steamed)
General Characteristics:
The importing of European Steamed Beech has gained in popularity over the years due to its resemblance to Alder. It is blonde in color with some light red transitions. European Steamed Beech is marketed as a substitute for Alder and therefore is traded on the same grading rules as Alder.
Typical Applications:
Beech takes a stain very well and promotes resistance to wear. Due to these characteristics, it is widely utilized in the cabinet and furniture industries. Beech is also a nice choice in the manufacture of moulding due to its machining abilities.
Availability:
European Steamed Beech is available in various thicknesses in Superior, Superior One Face, and Cabinet grades.
Birch: Russian (Baltic)
General Characteristics:
Russian Birch (known as Baltic Birch as well) is a fine grain hardwood with white sapwood. Its even texture takes stains very well so finished products could range from natural to any color.
Typical Applications:
Russian Birch lumber is an excellent choice for furniture, finger jointed edge-glued panels, flooring, mouldings, and other specialty products.
Availability:
Russian Birch is typically available in various thicknesses in Select and #1 Common Grades.
Bubinga (African Rosewood)
General Characteristics:
Bubinga is a very hard and heavy wood that is often referred to as African Rosewood. It is primarily cut and exported from Africa’s Ivory Coast. It is very deep red in color with some sporadic darker color veining.
Typical Applications:
Bubinga is primarily used in the construction of fine cabinetry and furniture pieces. It is also widely used as a blank for woodturning. It is also a popular veneer choice for decorative plywood applications.
Availability:
Bubinga is available in various thicknesses in FAS1F grade.
Cedar: Spanish
General Characteristics:
Spanish Cedar is closely related to and resembles Mahogany; however, it is lighter in weight and the grain pattern is more coarse and softer in texture. It is a relatively stable wood that machines very well with standard woodworking tools. Spanish Cedar is resistant to decay and dry wood termites which makes it a popular choice for exterior applications. The more desirable grades are primarily all heartwood with a pale brown to light pink tint.
Typical Applications:
In the Gulf Coast states, Spanish cedar has become a popular choice among boatbuilders, especially relating to shrimp and ocean fishing boats. It has also become widely used in residential cabinet applications. Spanish Cedar has always been widely used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture, decking, paneling, and string instruments in the music industry.
Availability:
Spanish Cedar is typically available in various thicknesses in Premium Select in Select & Better grades.
Grandis: Red
General Characteristics:
Red Grandis offers uniform product quality due to the fact that it is a single species harvested from a single plantation grown in Uruguay under identical growing conditions. The species offers a straight grain and a consistent medium pink color as well as carrying natural durability to fungi. Red Grandis has excellent strength and stiffness while machining very well with good dimensional stability.
Typical Applications:
Red Grandis is ideal for cabinetry, millwork, flooring, and both commercial and residential furniture.
Availability:
Red Grandis is typically available in various thicknesses in FAS1F grade.
Ipé
General Characteristics:
Ipé is very dense and heavy and is reasonably difficult to machine. It is great for outdoor applications due to its resistance to decay and low maintenance characteristics. Ipé carries a Class A fire rating and is many times harder than treated pine. The heartwood is olive-brown and contrasts dramatically in color to the yellow-gray to gray-brown sapwood.
Typical Applications:
Ipé is primarily utilized in the construction of decks, docks, marinas, and boardwalks. Outdoor furniture and sound barriers are also common applications where Ipé is deemed beneficial.
Availability:
Ipé is available in various thicknesses and is commonly available in First European Quality (FEQ) and Common/Select grades.
Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)
General Characteristics:
Jatoba is a very hard and durable wood with excellent shock resistance. It is often referred to as Brazilian Cherry. Jatoba is reddish-brown in color with a faint golden glow.
Typical Applications:
Jatoba lumber is primarily used for flooring, furniture, and tool handles.
Availability:
Jatoba is typically available in various thicknesses in Select & Better grades.
Mahogany: African
General Characteristics:
African Mahogany closely resembles Genuine Mahogany in its color and workability. However, the African species does tend to have a prominence of ribbon-figure or “ribbon stripe”. African Mahogany is a medium reddish-brown color. It is much lighter in color than most expect it to be. However, it dramatically darkens with age.
Typical Applications:
Ribbon stripe African Mahogany is very attractive in its appearance and is a nice choice for cabinetry and fine furniture pieces. It is also a premier choice among boatbuilders, not for its beauty, but for the strength and stability it offers. African Mahogany is also used extensively in millwork applications such as entry units and window sashes.
Availability:
African Mahogany is available in various thicknesses in Select & Better grades.
Mahogany: Genuine
General Characteristics:
Genuine Mahogany is the premier choice among the woodworkers of the world. Issues related to availability are increasing due to the restrictions of many South American countries regarding the export of the species in random width and length rough lumber form. It is preferred to export the species in dimensional lumber form or as a finished product such as furniture. Genuine Mahogany is moderately dense. The strength factor of the species is very high in relation to its physical weight. Genuine Mahogany is a very stable and durable wood that machines and finishes exceptionally well. It is medium reddish-brown in color and dramatically darkens with age.
Typical Applications:
Genuine Mahogany is highly sought after for a number of diverse applications. It is extensively utilized in the furniture and cabinet industries. Boatbuilders utilize the species for structural as well as interior applications. Because the heartwood of Genuine Mahogany is so durable and suitable for exterior applications; it is an ideal choice for paneling, moulding, flooring, doors, and shutters.
Availability:
Genuine Mahogany is typically available in various thicknesses in FAS1F (mixed grain) and Pattern (straight grain) grades.
Mahogany: Philippine
General Characteristics:
Philippine Mahogany is available in the United States in the dark red and light red varieties. It is similar in appearance to—and machines like—Lauan. Philippine Mahogany is relatively dense with a very firm texture.
Typical Applications:
Philippine Mahogany is often used in the manufacture of fine furniture. It has also become a popular choice for residential exterior decking applications.
Availability:
Philippine Mahogany is typically available in various thicknesses in FAS1F grade.
Mara Macho
General Characteristics:
Imported from Peru and Brazil, Mara Macho is easily kiln dried but has a tendency to twist and bow. The grain has similar characteristics to Spanish Cedar, but the durability is rated low for exterior applications. Mara Macho contains medium brown heartwood and pinkish sapwood. Mara Macho machines easily and finishes smoothly.
Availability:
Mara Macho is typically available in various thicknesses in Select & Better grades.
Meranti: Red
General Characteristics:
Dark Red Meranti has a rich natural beauty and legendary hardness. It is aesthetically pleasing, durable, resists rot, is easy to work with, and paints and stains equally well.
Typical Applications:
Commonly used for millwork, window and door applications as well as decking and related products.
Availability:
We stock a wide variety of RedNelson EliteView details of Nelson Elite Decking’s Red Meranti products and accessories in our Decking and Flooring section, or go to nelsoninternational.com
Mukulungu (African Redwood)
General Characteristics:
African Redwood is very dense and heavy, similar to Ipé. It is an African species that is the closest in density and exterior properties to Ipe of any other species available. African Redwood is difficult to machine and heavy in weight.
Typical Applications:
Most often used in exterior applications such as decking due to its natural resistance to decay and low maintenance characteristics. The heartwood is a pinkish-red and sapwood that is just pink, with no dramatic variance in color from sapwood to the heartwood.
Availability:
Mukulungu is available in various thicknesses.
Padauk (Vermillion)
General Characteristics:
Padauk is very hard and coarse in texture with an interlocking grain pattern. It is also commonly known as Vermillion. The wood dust from this species can cause some minor respiratory issues if precaution is not taken during the cutting and sanding process. Padauk is light to dark red in color with contrasting streaks throughout.
Typical Applications:
Padauk is primarily used as an accent wood in upper-end cabinetry and furniture. It is also not uncommon to find smaller fine furniture pieces constructed entirely out of Padauk.
Availability:
Padauk is typically available in various thicknesses in FAS1F grade.
Pine: Radiata
General Characteristics:
Radiata Pine is a softwood tree, however, it is harder (denser) than several hardwood species. The tree is native to the United States. However, Radiata Pine is now more widely known to be an imported wood versus being sawn and distributed domestically. There are large plantations in New Zealand, Chile, Austria, and Spain. Radiata Pine is often sold blanked and finger jointed.
Typical Applications:
Radiata Pine is used extensively for mouldings, shelving, and interior trim boards. It paints very well.
Availability:
Radiata Pine is available as both solid and finger joint boards, as well as raw and primed configurations. Moulding blanks and select pattern stock is also available.
Purpleheart (Amaranth, Violet Wood)
General Characteristics:
Purpleheart is also known as and commonly called Amaranth or Violet Wood. It is very hard and can be difficult to work unless the proper tooling is utilized. Purpleheart has a relatively straight grain with a medium texture and a very deep, rich purple color. The color will turn dull brown over time if left raw or unsealed.
Typical Applications:
Purpleheart is primarily used for inlays and accents in cabinetry but is also utilized in the construction of pool cues.
Availability:
Padauk is typically available in various thicknesses in FAS1F grade.
Sapele
General Characteristics:
Sapele closely resembles African Mahogany in appearance, however, it is harder and heavier. The species has an interlocking grain that is often wavy in appearance. Sapele is a medium reddish-brown color with a medium texture. It carries the typical Mahogany look and color but does not have the same strength and stability as true Mahogany.
Typical Applications:
Sapele finishes well and machines relatively well. Due to this, it is a popular choice for furniture, cabinets, store fixtures, and boats. Sapele is often utilized as a substitute for the sometimes difficult-to-find and expensive Genuine Mahogany.
Availability:
Sapele is available Flat Sawn and Quarter Sawn in various thicknesses and grades.
Sipo (Utile)
General Characteristics:
Sipo is another African import species that is an excellent substitute for Genuine Mahogany. Compared to other substitutes, Sipo’s workability is closest to that of Genuine Mahogany. The heartwood is a uniform red, brown color with well-defined sapwood. Sipo is most often used in exterior applications due to its rot resistance characteristics.
Availability:
Sipo/Utile is available in various thicknesses in Select & Better grades.
Teak
General Characteristics:
Among industry professionals, Teak is one the most valuable and beautiful species in the world. It is very strong, hard, and durable. Teak naturally contains oil silicates that act as a preserver to the elements in saltwater environments. It is a very stable, straight-grained wood that machines reasonably well with the proper equipment. Teak varies in color from yellow to brown and darkens with exposure to the elements.
Typical Applications:
Because of its natural traits, Teak has a history of extensive use in the shipbuilding industry. It has also been utilized in the manufacture of outdoor furniture and highly custom wood flooring.
Availability:
Teak is typically available in various thicknesses in First European Quality (FEQ) grade.
Wenge
General Characteristics:
Wenge is a very hard, durable, and dimensionally stable wood. It machines and finishes very well. Wenge is dark chocolate to almost black in color.
Typical Applications:
Wenge has long been regarded as one of the premier choices for wood flooring. It is also utilized in the construction of fine furniture, paneling, and is very popular among woodturners.
Availability:
Wenge is available in various thicknesses in Select & Better grades.
Zebrawood
General Characteristics:
Zebrawood is very heavy and hard and uniquely striking in its appearance. It has a coarse texture and is light gold in color with streaks of dark brown to almost black running throughout.
Typical Applications:
Zebrawood is primarily used as an accent due to its unique appearance. However, it is sometimes utilized as wall paneling for accent walls and in the construction of fine furniture pieces.
Availability:
Zebrawood is available in various thicknesses in Select & Better grades.