The wood you choose affects more than the build. It affects your sale price, your build time, and how buyers respond.
Beginners often pick wood based on what is cheap or available. That is a reasonable start.
But if you plan to sell, it is worth knowing which species command higher prices — and why.
See what furniture makers are listing on the Asherfield marketplace →
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Why wood choice affects your sale price
Buyers recognize species names. “Solid white oak” or “black walnut” lands differently than “wood.”
Premium species justify premium prices. Buyers who know wood will pay for it.
The wrong species for the wrong project can look cheap — even if the craftsmanship is good.
Softwood has its place, especially for painted pieces or beginner builds. But it has limits in the resale market.
Being able to name your wood builds trust in every listing you write.
Top wood species for furniture makers
Here are the five species most furniture makers start with — and what each one is good for.
White oak
White oak is one of the most popular and marketable species right now.
It is hard, durable, and beautiful — buyers recognize it immediately.
Its open grain takes oil finishes especially well, and the results look stunning.
It works great for dining tables, coffee tables, bed frames, and shelving.
White oak is widely available in most regions and easier to source than walnut.
It sits in the mid-price range — better margin than pine, more accessible than walnut.
Tip: Quarter-sawn white oak has a distinctive ray-fleck pattern buyers love. Mention it in your listing if you have it.
Walnut
Walnut is the premium choice. Buyers pay a real premium for walnut pieces.
Its rich dark chocolate tones need minimal finish to look stunning.
It is softer than oak but still a hardwood — easier to work with than you might expect.
Walnut is great for high-ticket pieces: dining tables, desks, and bed frames.
Material cost is higher — factor that into your price from the very start.
Tip: Even small walnut details — legs or accents — on a mixed-wood piece can command a higher price.
Maple
Maple is hard, has a tight grain, and is very stable — great for pieces that need to hold up.
Its light color takes stain well or looks excellent left natural.
It is popular for workbench-style and Shaker-style furniture.
Maple is often less expensive than oak but still commands a solid price when sold well.
It is a great choice for kitchen pieces and kids’ furniture — durable and food-safe when finished properly.
Pine (budget-friendly)
Pine is the most accessible and affordable species for beginners.
It is soft, easy to work with, and available at any lumber yard or big box store.
Pine takes paint beautifully — ideal for farmhouse, cottage, or painted furniture styles.
It dents and scratches more easily than hardwood. Be honest about that in your listings.
Margin per piece is lower than hardwood, but build time is faster and material cost is low.
Tip: Pine pieces priced correctly and finished well absolutely sell. Just know your audience.
Cherry
Cherry is a beautiful, warm species that darkens and deepens with age and light exposure.
It is medium hardness — pleasant to work with at the bench.
Cherry is less common than oak or walnut, which gives your pieces a more distinctive look.
Buyers who know wood recognize cherry immediately and value it highly.
It is a great choice for heirloom-quality pieces where the long-term patina is part of the story.
Tip: Mention in your listing that cherry darkens over time. Buyers who love this are buyers who keep it forever.
How to balance cost vs. quality
You do not have to use the most expensive species to make a profitable piece.
The right species for the piece matters more than always reaching for premium wood.
A pine bench painted well and priced right will sell. A walnut dining table priced for walnut will sell.
Mixing species can work well — a pine top with walnut legs, for example.
Track your material cost per board foot so you always know your floor. Read more about how to price handmade furniture to build a pricing system that works.
What buyers notice about wood
Grain: Buyers notice it immediately. Show it clearly in your photos with good lighting.
Finish: Describe it specifically in your listing — oil, wax, lacquer, or left raw all tell a different story.
Species: Name it every time. “Solid white oak” is always better than “wood” in a listing.
Solid vs. veneer: Buyers notice whether the top is solid wood or veneer. Always be honest.
Flaws: Show any knots, checks, or sapwood in photos and describe them clearly. Honesty builds trust.
Where to find your wood
Local lumber yards often have better selection and lower prices than big box stores.
Hardwood dealers and specialty sawyers are worth finding if you build regularly — relationships matter here.
Online lumber suppliers can work, but inspect before you commit to large orders.
Local sawyers sometimes carry slabs and unusual species that make for truly unique pieces.
Tip: Buying green or air-dried lumber and milling it yourself can lower your material costs significantly.
Built it with the right wood. Now find it the right buyer.
List your piece free on Asherfield and reach local buyers who appreciate quality materials.
Try for free →People also ask
What is the best wood to use for homemade furniture?
White oak is one of the best all-around choices. It is hard, durable, widely available, and buyers recognize it. Walnut is excellent for premium pieces. Pine is great for beginners — affordable, easy to work, and it sells well when finished and priced correctly.
Is pine or oak better for furniture making?
It depends on the piece and who you are selling to. Oak is harder, more durable, and commands a higher price. Pine is softer and more affordable — great for painted pieces or beginner projects. Both sell well when the listing is clear about the species and the quality is honest.
What wood is easiest to work with for beginners?
Pine. It is soft, inexpensive, widely available, and forgiving with basic tools. Poplar is another good beginner option — slightly harder than pine and takes paint very well. Both are great for learning the craft before investing in premium hardwoods.
Does wood type affect resale value?
Yes, significantly. Walnut and white oak pieces consistently sell for more than pine or MDF. Buyers who know wood recognize species names and pay accordingly. Naming your species in your listing — and showing the grain in photos — directly impacts what buyers are willing to pay.
Where do furniture makers buy their wood?
Local hardwood dealers and lumber yards are the best starting point. They usually have better selection and lower prices than big box stores. Local sawyers are worth finding for slabs and unusual species. See The Wood Database for species info and Fine Woodworking for sourcing guidance.
Helpful resources
- The Wood Database — the most complete online resource for wood species data, workability, and pricing
- Fine Woodworking — expert guidance on species selection, finishing, and technique
- SCORE small business resources — free business guides for makers turning a craft into a side income
- Lugg — on-demand delivery help so buyers never have to say no to a heavy piece
Learn more about the best furniture to make and sell when you are ready to build your product line.
When you are ready to list, read our guide on how to sell wood furniture so your listings do the work for you.