Common Hardwood Trees in the United States

08/16/2024 |

Hardwood trees play a significant role in the American landscape, forestry, environment, and the economy. These trees are used as materials for a wide variety of products, from the furniture we put into our homes and buildings to the floors we walk on. They also help minimize America’s carbon footprint when they are used to make hardwood products.

Hundreds of hardwood trees grow in different regions in the United States, each with unique characteristics and uses. Some of North America’s most common hardwood tree species are oaks, maple, hickory, birch, beech, ash, poplar, and cherry.

 

 

What Types of Trees are Hardwood Trees?

Most hardwood trees are deciduous and shed their leaves annually. Hardwoods have broad leaves from coniferous trees%20with%20true%20cones) with needles and cones. These trees grow slowly and have tighter grain and higher density, making them ideal for applications requiring strength and durability.

 

Characteristics of Hardwood Trees

 

1. Density and Hardness:

  • Density: Hardwoods are heavy and strong because their fibers are closely packed.
  • Hardness: Hardwood trees are measured by the Janka Hardness Test, which tests their durability and strength.

 

2. Grain Patterns:

  • Hardwood trees have distinct grain patterns that range from straight to wavy. This variety contributes to the aesthetic appeal of hardwood products in furniture, flooring, and decor.

 

3. Durability and Strength:

  • The high density and hardness of hardwood trees are a testament to their long-lasting performance, making them suitable for high-use products.

 

The Five Most Common Hardwood Trees in the US

North America’s forests grow hundreds of varieties of hardwood in various temperate climates, including the top five most common species: oak, ash, cherry, maple, and poplar.

 

 

1. Oak (Red and White Oak)

Red oak and white oak hardwood trees are the most common hardwood trees in the US. Red oak trees grow fast and have bigger pores, giving the hardwood an open grain and a red tone. White oak trees grow slower and have a finer grain, giving a smoother finish and texture. These trees live a long time, sometimes up to hundreds of years.

Uses: Oak wood is known for its versatility and is used as a top material to make:

  • Furniture: The strength and beauty of red or white oak make it a popular choice for durable and long-lasting furniture.
  • Flooring: Oak’s hardness and resistance to wear and tear make it ideal for high-traffic areas.
  • Cabinetry: The distinctive grain characteristics and durability make it a top material for cabinets and kitchens.
  • Barrels: Oak is also used in wine and whiskey barrels and can add flavor and texture.

 

 

Special Characteristics:

  • Red Oak: Our Red Oak at Gutchess Lumber comes from preferred areas of prime timberland within about a 100-mile radius (62 km) of our manufacturing facilities in New York and Pennsylvania. Red Oak is strong, durable, easy to work with, and consistent in color and texture.
  • White Oak: Gutchess Lumber White Oak has a light brown heartwood and slightly paler sapwood. It is strong, tough, dense, tight-grained, durable, and beautiful. Our White Oak hardwood is harvested from prime timberland in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Kiln-dried White Oak is rated as one of the best hardwoods for machining and steam bending.

 

 

2. Ash

White Ash grows to 80 feet with a crown that spreads over 50 feet wide. Its lumber turns well and retains such strength that it has been the hardwood choice for many high-end, long-lasting products.

Uses:

  • Furniture: Ash is used to make furniture, tool handles, guitar bodies, and lobster traps.
  • Flooring: Ash’s wear-and-tear resilience, bright white sapwood, light tan heartwood, and uniform appearance make it a popular choice for flooring in households and buildings.
  • Cabinetry: Ash is used for high-quality cabinetry.
  • Sports Equipment: It has been the hardwood of choice for making equipment like baseball bats and longbows.

 

 

Special Characteristics:

  • Smooth Grain: White Ash hardwood features a smooth, consistent grain that takes stain and finishes well.
  • Light Color: The wood is typically light in color, ranging from pale yellow to light brown, which makes it versatile to fit different interior designs.

 

 

3. Cherry

Black Cherry can grow between 25 feet and 110 feet in height, but the more common height range is between 50 feet and 60 feet. Black Cherry hardwood is malleable, and the wide distribution of the seeds of its fruit by birds makes it abundant in North America.

Uses: Black Cherry wood is used and known for its elegance and versatility in high-quality applications like:

  • Furniture: Its rich color and smooth grain make it a great choice for crafting high-end furniture.
  • Cabinetry: Black cherry hardwood’s durability and aesthetic are popular for custom cabinetry.

 

 

Special Characteristics:

Black Cherry wood features a fine, straight grain with small to medium pores arranged randomly. Its wood growth rings are distinct, and the wood ranges in color from light pink-brown to medium reddish-brown.

 

 

4. Maple (Soft and Hard Maple)

Hard and Soft Maple hardwood trees are known for their broad leaves and vibrant fall colors. Soft Maple grows between 30 feet to 100 feet in height in its native area of the Eastern United States and Canada. Hard Maple hardwood species grow from 50 to 80 feet and are abundant throughout the Northeastern United States and Northeastern Canada.

Uses:

  • Soft Maple: Used for less formal furniture, cabinetry, and millwork due to its workability and lower cost.
  • Hard Maple: Used for high-end furniture, flooring, and musical instruments because of its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It is also used for gym and basketball courts, bowling alleys, bowling pins, rolling pins, and other turnings, skateboard decks, baseball bats, billiard cues, cutting blocks, and a variety of musical instruments.

 

 

Special Characteristics:

  • Soft Maple: Soft Maple has a similar appearance to Hard Maple. Its close-grained sapwood is creamy white, and its heartwood is reddish-brown. The grain of soft Maple Hardwood is often dotted with flecks. Figured grain is less common but highly prized for certain product applications. Gutchess’ Soft Maple lumber is 100% soft-leaf maple.
  • Hard Maple: Hard Maple wood features a fine, even-textured grain that can be straight or wavy. Its color ranges from white to cream to reddish or golden-hued.

 

5. Poplar

Poplar lumber grows between 130 feet and 160 feet tall and has a trunk diameter of 6 feet to 8 feet. It is very low-density and softer, with a Janka Hardness rating of 540 lbf.

 

Uses:

  • Furniture: Poplar wood is used to make inexpensive furniture and cabinetry.
  • Plywood: Its lightweight and workability make it a common choice for plywood.
  • Millwork: Poplar is used for moldings, trims, and other decorative millwork because of its smooth surface.

 

 

Special Characteristics:

Poplar is a light, soft hardwood with a white or light green sapwood cast. Its wood color features a light cream-to-yellow-brown heartwood and pale yellow-to-white sapwood, along with a straight, uniform grain. It is generally free of dark mineral streaks found in southern species.

 

Gutchess Lumber Poplar lumber is harvested from prime timberland in the northern Appalachian region of Pennsylvania. Poplar hardwood machines easily and takes paints and stains well.

 

At Gutchess Lumber, we recognize the five most common hardwood trees in the United States: oak, ash, cherry, maple, and poplar. Whether you’re building furniture, flooring, decor, or any hardwood product, these hardwoods offer the strength, durability, and beauty you need to create long-lasting, timeless products.

 

We offer 11 species of northern hardwoods, where each hardwood species is native to the northeast United States. We oversee tens of thousands of acres of prime timberland and seven facilities across New York and Pennsylvania to produce Gutchess Lumber. Our products come from the best hardwood forests and timberlands in the northeast, several of which we have owned and managed for generations.

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Hardwood in Sports

07/26/2024 |

Hardwood plays a bigger role in sports than one would think. It is a versatile material commonly used for sporting equipment and playing surfaces because it’s strong, durable, easy to repair, and can last a long time. Let’s explore which sports use hardwood in their daily practices for playing or training.

 

What’s the Best Wood for Sports Equipment?

Maple and Ash hardwood are top choices of natural materials for making many types of sporting equipment. These hardwoods are flexible, durable, and have been used to make sports equipment for hundreds of years. Maple has a dense grain structure, providing strength and durability. Ash is lighter, flexible hardwood that balances strength and ease of use.

 

What Sports Use Wooden Equipment?

Many sports, such as baseball, cricket, hockey, table tennis, golf, field hockey, bowling, billiards, and lacrosse, use wooden equipment in their training and daily practices.

 

On Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run, he broke an MLB record. One of the most exciting aspects of this feat was the bat he swung. Learn about the hardwoods to make a bat that set several MLB records: https://www.gutchess.com/a-history-of-the-hardwood-bat…/

 

Is Real Wood still Used in Sporting Equipment Today?

Wood has traditionally been used to make sports equipment and playing surfaces. While some sports have altered their equipment to synthetic materials, wood remains well-established or even the material of choice in many others. In the 2024 Summer Olympics, wooden equipment can still be seen in daily sports practices and training like rowing, canoe slalom, canoe sprint, hockey, handball, archery, sailing, and table tennis. These sports still rely on the unique properties of wood to enhance performance and maintain traditional aesthetics.

 

What Wood is Used for Athletic Flooring?

Maple is almost always used in gyms and sports floors, like basketball courts. According to the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA), maple is so popular in the sports flooring industry that MFMA defines the standards for sports floor installation and maintenance. Maple has a Janka hardness rating of around 1450, and it is highly shock-resistant, attractive, and available.

 

 

What Sports are Played on Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood has been the traditional flooring material for basketball, volleyball, indoor field hockey, gymnastics, squash and futsal. The smooth surface of hardwood floors ensures consistent ball bounce and player movement, important for competitive games.

 

The Accor Arena will host the basketball, artistic gymnastics and trampoline events during the Olympics and the wheelchair basketball during the Paralympics during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

 

 

Key Performance Features of Hardwood Sports Floors

Hardwood sports floors absorb shock and provide durability and traction. These features reduce the risk of injury for athletes and improve their performance by providing a stable, durable surface. The natural beauty of hardwood also adds to the aesthetic appeal of sports facilities and arenas, making it a popular choice for professional and recreational athletic spaces.

 

Where does the Wood Come from that is used in Sports?

The hardwood used for sports equipment and flooring comes from hardwood forests, like the forests we responsibly manage at Gutchess Lumber. Our commitment to supplying premium hardwood means that athletes can rely on our materials in their equipment and arenas to enhance and support their performance, training, and careers.

 

As the 2024 Summer Olympics kick off, look out for hardwood products in equipment and sport flooring during each event. You will be surprised by how much hardwood you will find. Gutchess Lumber supports the sports industry by providing premium hardwood for equipment and flooring.

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The Value of Hardwood: Why It’s Worth Every Dollar

06/11/2024 |

In a world where aesthetics are the most important element of a space, people often find themselves drawn to hardwood products despite their price tags.

The process of manufacturing hardwood is labor-intensive, especially if it is done the right way.

Let’s dive into hardwood products and why they are worth every dollar.

 

Factors that Affect the Price of Hardwood

Hardwood products are more expensive than alternatives for several reasons.

 

Wood Species

Hardwood species have different characteristics, availability, demand, and quality. For example, if a hardwood species is seen in a celebrity house and is aesthetically pleasing, it can cause a cultural trend, which impacts demand, availability, and price.

 

Grade and Quality

All industries have regulations and standards that are in place to set the bar for specifications and procedures for materials, products, methods, and services that we rely on every day, which are consistent and reliable. The National Hardwood Lumber Association created hardwood regulations to ensure hardwood lumber is uniform during production.

Each board of hardwood manufactured at Gutchess Lumber is inspected a minimum of four times by trained graders following NHLA grading guidelines, ensuring that we are producing the highest-quality hardwood possible.


Market Demand and Supply

Fluctuations in hardwood demand can influence prices. Shortages or surpluses of hardwood species can also affect market prices and availability. When the need for wood materials and products exceeds the supply, the cost will rise. A delicate balance between supply and demand directly influences hardwood prices.

Demand is heavily influenced by construction activity.

Transportation and Import Costs

Transporting hardwoods to other markets involves various expenses, such as shipping, handling, and import duties. Some hardwood species are only found in specific regions around the world, which will also increase the price of the final product.

Gutchess Lumber has exported its real American hardwood products worldwide for 100 years, and we know every aspect of shipping.

Labor Costs

Skilled laborers are required to manage forests, harvest timber, transport logs, and manufacture, dry, and ship hardwood products. Hardwood is a natural material, so it is more difficult to process. The labor and skills needed to process hardwood and the need for heavy machinery contribute to its high costs.

At Gutchess, our products come from well-managed forests and timberlands in the northeast, several of which we have owned and managed ourselves for generations. We employ a team of over 40 foresters who have a combined experience of 250 years. Costs come with experience, and the team needed to ensure our hardwood is responsible and sustainable. A cost we believe is one hundred percent worth it. We hope you do, too.

Our process starts with the boards being sawn in our modern band mills, dried in our state-of-the-art kilns, and inspected by highly skilled and well-trained lumber inspectors at least four times, green and dry, to ensure accurate grade and tally, consistent quality, and maximum yield. This process requires skilled workers with extensive knowledge of hardwood and sawmills.

 

Seasonality and Weather Conditions

Weather and environmental conditions can impact tree growth and harvesting, which directly influences the availability and price of hardwood. Unpredictable natural events, such as wildfires, droughts, and pest infestations, can damage forests and result in a scarce supply that increases prices.

FUN FACT: The emerald ash borer (EAB) is slowly causing the Ash hardwood species to die out. This invasive beetle has killed nearly 100% of ash trees infested with EAB. Specialists predict that the EAB will cause the Ash hardwood species to become extinct. The Ash species is commonly used for baseball bats, flooring, furniture, lumber, and pallet manufacture.

A region’s climate directly relates to the health and productivity of its hardwood production. Regions with stable conditions and temperatures, a healthy amount of precipitation, and lots of sunlight are more suitable for tree growth, which is why the Northeastern region of the United States is the ideal region for souring hardwood that goes into making products. When predictable climates occur, the manufacturing process of hardwood can become more efficient.

Since 1904, Gutchess Lumber Co., Inc. has produced the finest quality northern hardwood lumber through our vertically integrated manufacturing facilities across New York and Pennsylvania. Each of our hardwood species is native to the northeast United States. This means we can control the process from harvest to order fulfillment while keeping our operations sustainable by only harvesting within 150 miles of each of our 7 locations.

 

The Most Common Hardwood

The most common hardwood varies by region, but globally Oak is most common hardwood. The American Hardwood Information Center found that 52% of American Hardwoods are oak, growing mostly in New England to Mississippi. American hardwoods typically grow in the Eastern part of the country due to soil types and nutrients, moisture, earth, and sunlight. American hardwood forests are responsible for providing hardwood for products like cabinets, flooring, millwork, and furniture. Red and White Oak are commonly used for these products and are the most abundant in the United States.

At Gutchess Lumber, we specialize in sourcing Northern Red Oak from forests within a 100-mile radius of our New York and Pennsylvania manufacturing facilities. Unlike southern Red Oak, which commonly has discoloration and other issues, our true Northern Red Oak offers a consistent color profile and grain that rivals White Oak.

 

How to Find Your Perfect Hardwood

Using hardwood offers beauty, durability, and value.


Research: Research different types of hardwoods and their characteristics. Understand the pros and cons of each type, what they are used for typically, and their sustainability and durability.

Visit Suppliers: Visit local sawmills, woodworking stores, or specialty suppliers to see and feel the hardwood in person. Each hardwood species has its own unique feel and look, so you will get a sense of its appearance and quality.

Consult Experts: Talk to woodworkers, carpenters, architects, or hardwood sales representatives in your area who can offer advice based on their experience and knowledge. They will also know what wood is most affordable in your region and which will work best for the product you want to create or buy.

Testing the Product: If it is available, try to purchase a small sample of the hardwood you are looking at and test for workability, finishing, and appearance for your specific needs.

Evaluate Options: Compare the hardwoods based on your research and tests, budget, and consider all the factors like durability, aesthetics, and sustainability before creating your product.

The type of hardwood will depend on what product you are creating. William Walker, a woodworker, made recommendations on what woods are best based on products and projects.

 

The Value of Hardwood and Why it’s Worth It

Hardwood is a valuable material that is durable, timeless, adaptable, and sustainable, making it a top choice for products and projects of all kinds. It continues to prove to be a great investment based on its lifespan, maintenance over time, and the ability to refinish and repair it. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes, bringing any project or product to life. If you choose hardwood, you invest in a material that offers value and sustainability, making it worth the cost.

For high-quality hardwood, Gutchess is committed to providing the best of the best hardwood species. Use our interactive map to locate your region’s dedicated sales representative today.

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What You Need to Buy Truckloads and Containers of Hardwood

11/07/2023 |

If you’re manufacturing hardwood products like cabinets, flooring, stair parts, or a distributor of fine hardwood lumber, you probably know the value of a reliable supplier for high-quality hardwood.

Gutchess Lumber, a leading name in manufacturing responsible hardwood products, is here to meet your demands. We understand your need for reliable, high-quality hardwood and are here to make it happen.

So, what goes into partnering with Gutchess Lumber for your hardwood needs? Here’s a comprehensive guide.

1. Consistent Quality Hardwood Products

At Gutchess Lumber, we specialize in providing consistent quality Appalachian hardwood products to businesses that demand ongoing excellence. Our business caters to manufacturers of hardwood products such as cabinets, flooring, furniture, stair parts, moulding, millwork, etc., and distributors of hardwood lumber.

We can ship truckloads and containers of consistent quality hardwood domestically and worldwide. If you manufacture or distribute hardwood lumber, look no further than Gutchess Lumber.

2. On-time Delivery

Gutchess Lumber is committed to supplying hardwood year-round and on time, regardless of market conditions. We understand there is no room for delay when you say you need hardwood by a specific date. When we say you’ll get your hardwood delivered on a particular date, we mean it.

3. Strong Credit Standing

A good credit standing is vital for any business transaction. We work best with partners who value this as much as we do and maintain a good credit score to create a reliable, mutually beneficial, and secure business relationship.

4. Species Requirements

When it comes to hardwood, choosing a suitable species is critical. Gutchess Lumber allows you to choose from various Appalachian hardwood species. You’ve come to the right place if you’re in the market for any of the following hardwoods. Our production line includes:

White Ash

Basswood

Yellow Birch

Black Cherry

Hard Maple

Hickory

Poplar

Red Maple

Red Oak

Walnut

White Oak

Each of these hardwoods has unique qualities. When you’re looking to buy any of the species that Gutchess offers in truckload or container quantities, you can be confident that you’re getting real American hardwood.

5. Flexibility in Specifications

Regarding hardwood, you must find lumber that best suits your specific requirements. If you’re looking to buy truckloads or containers of rough-cut lumber or S2S material, then Gutchess Lumbers is the perfect destination for you. You can find the specifications of each species on our website and our hardwood lumber stock list, which is updated consistently.

6. Exclusive Focus on Business Partners

Gutchess Lumbers places value in building long-lasting, enduring and exclusive relationships with our customers. We are happy to go the extra mile to ensure commitment in our relationship with our customers. To honor this commitment, Gutchess Lumber does not pursue or solicit business from our distributors’ customers. Our customers are collaborators in a shared journey towards excellence in hardwood products.

To reinforce this commitment, we have a strict policy: you must not be a customer of a current customer. We respect our established partnerships and believe in working with them for mutual growth.

7. Shared Value of the Environment and Sustainability

You’re in the right place if you’re passionate about responsible forestry practices in hardwood production. At Gutchess Lumber, we understand the importance of responsible practices in hardwood harvesting and production. If you share our passion and value for responsibly sourced hardwood, you should buy truckloads and containers of hardwood from us.

Partnering with customers who share a similar vision ensures that we collectively continue to take steps towards a greener, more sustainable future.

8. Promoting the Benefits of Hardwood

At Gutchess Lumber, we are deeply committed to providing high-quality hardwood and spreading awareness about its exceptional benefits. From its durability and timeless appeal to its positive environmental impact, hardwood is an exceptional choice for aesthetics and sustainability. At Gutchess Lumber, we encourage you to choose us only if you are equally passionate about promoting the advantages of hardwoods to consumers around the world.

 

The Gutchess Lumber Advantage

1. Transparent Payment Terms

Gutchess Lumber believes in ensuring clarity and flexibility when it comes to payment. Our standard payment terms for domestic transactions are 1% 10 days/Net 30.

On the export front, we extend three standard payment methods: CAD (Cash Against Documents), Wire Transfer, and the 2WT option. The latter offers a 2% discount if payment is wired within ten days of receiving the invoice. This not only streamlines the transaction process but also provides a cost-saving incentive. We accept ACH and wire payments, facilitating smooth and secure transactions.

Additionally, there is no restriction based on the number of years your business has been in operation. New businesses, get in touch. We’ve been around for 120 years and counting and would be happy to share some of the knowledge we’ve collected over the years.

2. Flexible Shipping Options

At Gutchess Lumber, we understand that shipping preferences can vary. We offer two primary shipping terms to accommodate your needs and ensure a hassle-free buying experience.

FOB Mill: Under this arrangement, you can organize the freight, whether a truckload or a container. This gives you control over the logistics of the shipment.

Delivered: With this option, we take charge of the freight arrangements, ensuring a hassle-free delivery process. Whether it’s a truckload or container, we handle the logistics so you can focus on your core operations.

We will help you find lumber that fits your specific requirements so you can buy truckloads and containers of hardwood from Gutchess Lumber. Click here to find your region’s dedicated sales representative and get in touch. We can’t wait for you to get your first delivery of Gutchess Lumber hardwood products.

What are you waiting for? With flexible export options and the best quality lumber, order your truckload of lumber from Gutchess Lumber today!

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