Most of what we build is solid hardwood, and the three species we use most for restaurants, offices and homes are white oak, walnut and cherry. Each one looks, wears and ages differently. Here is how we think about choosing between them.
White oak
White oak is our most-used species, and for good reason.
- Hard and durable: white oak rates about 1,360 on the Janka hardness scale, harder than walnut or cherry, so it stands up to tabletops, bar fronts and benches.
- Moisture resistant: its pores are largely closed by natural growths called tyloses, which is why it has long been used for barrels. That makes it a strong choice around bars and coffee stations.
- Stable and versatile: quartersawn white oak moves less with humidity and shows a distinctive ray fleck. It takes natural oil finishes, stains and fumed or ebonized finishes well. Its tannins react with iron-based ebonizing solutions to turn it deep black.
White oak is the backbone of projects like Slow and Low, Okesutora and Little While.
Walnut
- Rich color: walnut's chocolate-brown heartwood gives a room warmth and weight without stain.
- Moderately hard: about 1,010 on the Janka scale. It is softer than oak, so it suits pieces that see less abuse, like reception desks, wall panels and executive furniture.
- Ages lighter: walnut tends to lighten and warm over time with sun exposure.
The front desk we built for The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento is solid walnut, paired with leather, glass and solid brass.
Cherry
- Fine, even grain: cherry machines and finishes beautifully, with a smooth, refined look.
- Darkens with light: cherry starts pale pinkish-tan and deepens to a warm reddish-brown as it is exposed to light. The change is fastest in the first months.
- Softer: about 950 on the Janka scale. It is best for casework, shelving and wall systems rather than high-wear tops.
The shelving walls and window seats we built for 1X Technologies in San Carlos are cherry.
Quick comparison
- Best for heavy commercial wear: white oak
- Best for a dark, rich look without stain: walnut
- Best for refined casework that ages warmer: cherry
- Best for wet areas like bars and coffee stations: white oak
Finish matters as much as species
In commercial spaces the finish does most of the protecting. We choose finishes based on how a piece will be used and cleaned, from penetrating hardwax oils for tactile surfaces to more durable film finishes for bar tops and tables.
Not sure which wood fits your project?
Tell us about the space and how it will be used, and we will recommend a species and finish. See our commercial millwork, restaurant furniture and residential millwork pages, or start a project.
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