7 popular types of wood and the trees they come from
In a world filled with concrete and metal, wood still stands out. It's not just about tradition or looks– wood is strong, versatile, and brings natural warmth to our spaces. From furniture and flooring to instruments and incense, it's a part of daily life, often without us realising.
Behind every wooden item is a tree shaped by its climate and region. Some woods are valued for strength, others for their texture or scent. We often hear names like teak or mahogany, but don't always know what makes them unique.
Here's a look at seven popular types of wood and the trees they come from, to better understand what goes into the products we use every day.
Mahogany
Mahogany comes from trees in the Swietenia family, native to tropical regions of the Americas and West Africa.
Known for its deep, warm tone, mahogany is widely used in fine furniture, cabinetry, and heritage restorations. Its natural resistance to moisture and decay has also made it a trusted material for musical instruments and boat interiors.
Cedar
Cedarwood comes from various tree species, including Cedrus and Thuja, found across the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, and North America. It's known for being lightweight, easy to work with, and naturally resistant to insects and decay.
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Its scent also makes it useful for storage chests, wardrobes, and lining panels in closets, especially in humid climates.
Ebony
Ebony comes from Diospyros trees found in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Central Africa. It's known for its deep black colour and high density, which gives it a smooth, heavy finish. Because of these qualities, ebony is often used in musical instruments, fine carvings, and luxury décor. But its slow growth and rarity have raised conservation concerns in some areas.
Cherry Wood
Cherry wood comes from Prunus trees, mostly found in North America and Europe. It's a medium hardwood that starts out light but slowly turns a warm, reddish-brown as it ages. Thanks to its smooth texture and soft grain, it's a favourite for shelves, wall panels, and custom furniture. It also takes polish well, which adds to its appeal in home interiors.
Agarwood
Agarwood isn't an ordinary type of wood– it's valued for its rich, natural scent.
It comes from Aquilaria trees found in Northeast India and Southeast Asia. Interestingly, it only forms when the tree is infected by a specific mould, which turns the heartwood dark and resin-filled. Agarwood is widely used in perfumes, incense, and traditional rituals, and holds cultural and commercial importance in regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia.
Teak
Teak comes from Tectona grandis, a tree native to India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
With high oil content and natural resistance to water, pests, and weathering, teak is one of the most reliable choices for outdoor furniture, decks, and boats. Because of its longevity and minimal maintenance needs, it continues to be in high demand both in India and globally.
Bubinga
Bubinga is a strong, eye-catching wood that comes from Guibourtia trees found in West Africa, especially in places like Cameroon and Gabon. It's known for its bold grain and rich colour, which can range from reddish to purplish. Because of its look and strength, bubinga is often used in high-end furniture, veneers, and musical instruments.
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