Sep 5, 2025
The Four Types of Wood and When to Use Them in Home Remodeling
It may not seem obvious, but when it comes to construction and building materials, choosing the right type of wood is make-or-break. Read on for an in-depth lesson on different types of wood and when to use them in your home projects. Trust us, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for Mother Nature.
Hardwood
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees, which consist of Maple, Oak, Walnut, and Cherry trees, to name a few. Hardwood is commonly used in flooring, cabinetry, furniture, railings, and other decorative features. It is typically the pricier option, as its slow-growing properties allow it to be very dense and durable. However, it is not structural, which means hardwood cannot be used in the framework of a house or building.
Softwood
Softwood derives from coniferous trees, such as Pine, Spruce, fir, Cedar, and evergreen. These trees have needle-like leaves and are green all year round. Contrary to its name, softwood is very strong, yet it is easy to cut and work with, making it a common DIY project wood. Softwood is used in plywood, OSB, and other structural projects. Unlike hardwood, the framework of a home should be built using softwood.
Wolmanized Wood
But the options don’t end there. Pressure-treated wood, also known as Wolmanized wood, is strictly used for exterior projects, such as decks and outdoor structures. Because they are injected with chemicals to prevent issues such as termite damage and rotting, they are never used for interior applications. Wolmanized wood can be pressure-washed and treated with stain and sealant, but may still wear over time due to exposure to the elements.
Composite Wood
Another option is synthetic, or composite wood. This ‘wood’ is actually a form of vinyl, made from sawmill waste mixed with plastic fibers. This wood is used in both interior and exterior applications. Composite wood is most commonly used for outdoor decks. A popular interior use of composite wood includes flooring, better known as vinyl wood flooring. Incredibly easy to clean (just soapy water) and great at withstanding the elements and foot traffic, composite wood is popular for a reason.
For exterior remodeling needs, see how POWER can help.
