Wood Species by Region: A Guide to Timber From the Americas, Africa, and Southeast Asia
Wood Species by Region: A Guide to Timber From the Americas, Africa, and Southeast Asia
Provenance shapes wood. Climate, soil, and growth rate produce distinct densities, colors, and working properties. This guide maps commercial timber by region — linking geography to the species architects and woodworkers specify most often. Browse the full Library for Janka data and texture references.
North America
United States & Canada supply the temperate hardwood standard: Black Walnut, Black Cherry, Red and White Oak, Hard Maple, Ash, and Hickory. White Oak's tyloses make it the choice for boats and barrels; Black Walnut remains the domestic luxury default. Softwoods: Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Sitka Spruce. Region: North America.
Central America
Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras yield tropical hardwoods: Ziricote, Honduran Rosewood (Dalbergia stevensonii), Spanish Cedar, and Mexican Padauk. Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) — Big Leaf Mahogany — was historically dominant; CITES now restricts international trade. Region: Central America.
South America
Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana produce the densest and most restricted timbers: Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra — CITES Appendix I), Brazilian Walnut (Ipe), Brazilian Cherry (Jatobá), Padauk, and Lignum Vitae. Ipe is the decking spec for boardwalks and exterior; Brazilian Rosewood is effectively banned. Read about CITES restrictions. Region: South America.
Africa
West Africa: Wenge, African Padauk, Gaboon Ebony, Sapele, Bubinga. East Africa: African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon — clarinet wood), Plantation Teak. Many African species are CITES Appendix II. Region: Africa.
Southeast Asia
Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines: Teak (Tectona grandis), East Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), Burmese Padauk, Macassar Ebony. Teak remains the marine and outdoor standard; plantation sources from India and Indonesia are preferred for sustainability. Region: Asia.
Oceania
Australia, New Zealand: Lacewood (Australian Silky Oak), Australian Blackwood, Koa (Hawaii). Lacewood's ray fleck rivals oak when quartersawn. Region: Oceania.
Specification by Provenance
When specifying, region informs availability, sustainability, and cost. North American species offer short supply chains and FSC options. Tropical species require CITES awareness and chain-of-custody documentation.