Which Woods Handle Wet Weather Better?

It’s no surprise that wood’s number one enemy is moisture. Just ask anyone who’s ever tried to start a campfire after a rainstorm or who’s tried building something with a warped piece of lumber! But did you know that different types of wood handle moisture better than others? Continue reading to learn which woods handle moisture the best, and which you need to avoid the next time you’re buying firewood in Utah:

• Mahogany: Durable and fine-grained, mahogany stands up to water really well. It resists shrinking, swelling and warping, which makes it an excellent option to build boats. As if it couldn’t get any better, mahogany is also a beautiful natural reddish-brown color that looks good in any home.
• Oak: Boat frames are also sometimes made out of oak, so you know that’s a good sign for moisture resistance! Oak is a flexible and durable wood that’s also used for furniture and flooring. You can rest easy knowing that your oak wood won’t start to warp at the first sign of moisture.
• Walnut: When it comes to building furniture or cabinetry, walnut is a carpenter’s best friend. It’s a strong wood that’s also easy to work with. Though you wouldn’t want to leave your untreated walnut furniture out in the rain, walnut holds up very well to moisture.
• Maple: It’s tough to beat the look of maple hardwood flooring, but if you’re going that route for your floors, be sure that they’re treated. Maple wood will experience shrinkage in humid conditions or if it’s constantly exposed to water or liquids (like from spills).
• Cherry: Woodworkers love cherry for its rich red color. They also love it because it resists warping and shrinking, even in the most humid environments. Cherry’s a great option to consider if you’re crafting cabinets or furniture.
• Teak: Teak’s ability to stand up to moisture and resist warping, cracking, decay and rot make it a great option for shipbuilding, doors, flooring and even decks. Definitely consider using teak if whatever you’re creating will be exposed to the elements 24/7.
• Cedar: Fence posts, dock planks and decks are often made out of cedar. It’s a soft wood that’s easy to work with and also naturally repels bugs, which is why it’s so popular for outdoor projects. Though it resists decay, mold and rot, cedar tends to experience moderate shrinkage and expansion.
• Pine: Pinewood isn’t just used by Boy Scouts in their derby races. In fact, it’s a contractor’s go-to choice when it comes to construction projects! It resists shrinkage, swelling and warping, and it’s super easy to work with.
• Spruce: Strong yet soft, spruce is often used in millwork. It finishes well, which means it’ll look great in your home, and it’s also very resistant to decay. However, spruce tends to experience moderate shrinkage when exposed to moisture.

Whether you need firewood in Utah or high-quality lumber for your next project, be sure to check out our selection at Huberwoods! Our friendly staff members will help you find the perfect wood to meet your needs.

Categorised in: Firewood

This post was written by Writer