A true classic with renowned patina and incredible warmth. Cherry is uniform in color, and relative availability lets us select for fine and swirling grain pattern. The hue deepens significantly over time - well aged cherry goes with anything. Janka 950.

The darkest hardwood native to North America, Walnut is rich and deep. The wood is generally uniform in color with pale sapwood, a natural luster and both straight and curvaceous grain patterns. Harder than Cherry, the color brightens with exposure to light and air. Janka 1010.

With gray, black and even green tones in a sea of blond, Ambrosia Maple is a captivating combination of pattern and color - the result of early decomposition by the Ambrosia beetle. Kiln-drying stops the process in its tracks and produces very hard lumber with fascinating character. Ideal in minimalist styles. Janka 750-900.

Prized for its strength, White Oak is the historic choice for long-lasting furniture. Neutral color and pronounced grain are ideal for modern spaces and high traffic areas. Pairs beautifully with white and Walnut. Janka 1350.

The hardest species in North America (Hickory is a premier choice for flooring and cabinetry) with two tones of high contrast grain. It's got character without looking "woodsy", and behaves perfectly as a work surface and in kid-friendly spaces. A great choice for minimalist designs with a focus on the material. Janka 1880.

Found primarily in northern California, the Claro Walnut is a more colorful cousin to Black Walnut. It's very stable, and brings swirling espresso and coffee tones to the conversation. It's most popular in wide slab and burl form and can be expensive. Janka 1130.

Beloved for its similarity to antique Walnut, the English Elm is highly susceptible to Dutch elm disease. The beautiful wood inside is salvageable if milled and dried in a timely fashion, and lives on in natural slab form for dining and coffee tables. Janka 810.

Like other ulmus species, American Elm is often taken by Dutch elm disease. It grows quickly, however, and was first planted on the urban Front Range long ago. Its heartwood is light grayish brown with a reddish tinge and the sapwood can be well-defined. Janka 830.

Siberian Elm is hardy and resistant to Dutch elm disease, but less commonly available in large slab form. The wood can be grayish brown, with zigzag band patterns called ulmiform in its high-contrast grain. Janka 880.

Native to the Northwest, the leaves of Big Leaf Maple can be the size of a dinner plate. It can come with very intense grain pattern and iridescent color, and we usually use it in burl form. The wild figure and curly grain are perfect for centerpieces and showstopping LiveEdge projects. Janka 850+.