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Woodworking craftsmen the world over regard genuine mahogany as the finest of all furniture woods. It has the qualities to recommend it for pieces of lasting beauty–from incredible working characteristics to durability, stability, and a wonderful luster.

When a woodworker’s mind turns to maple, it revives images of golden autumn hues, sweet syrup, and honey-colored country furniture. And why not? Fall foliage of the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) draws millions of leaf “peepers” to New England and the Great Lakes’ states each year.

Want to be a better woodworker? Start with better wood. Simple but true. The fact is that wood moves. After a few weeks (sometimes days) even the best boards can go bad.

Most of the cedar you’ll encounter for woodworking hails from the Pacific Northwest. In the trade it’s called western red cedar (Thuja plicata). However, there are other cedars available, too, with a few variations between them, and, yet, they’re all in the same cypress family.

None of us would ever dream of sending our children out into the snow without a proper coat, boots, and mittens. Yet some people callously shove their woodworking creations out the door to face Arctic blasts, blistering heat, and torrential rain.

Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera, or tulip tree), the tallest hardwood tree in North America, also rates as the most valuable commercial species because its intolerance to shade stifles lower branches and produces a perfect, straight trunk with clear lumber even in small trees.

White oak produces fine lumber and exquisite veneer. Its cellular structure proves impermeable to liquids and is resistant to decay, making it suitable for outdoor projects—a rare feat for a North American hardwood.

Cherry (botanically called “black” cherry, Prunus serotina) has long been ranked second only to walnut by makers of finely crafted furniture. Once you’ve worked it, you’ll understand why: great color, fi ne grain, a wonderful luster, and it even smells good.

When it comes to outdoor projects, not all woods are created equal. Some resist decay and weathering better than others − and the right finish always helps.

A blight killed off most of these massive beauties decades ago. But woodworkers still enjoy working with salvaged chestnut, and there is hope on the horizon for the species’ recovery.