1. Select a Wood Species: Choose the first wood species you are interested in from the dropdown list.
2. Select a Comparison Species: Choose the second wood species you want to compare it against.
3. Analyze the Results: The table will populate with the key properties for both species. Use the glossary below to understand what each property means.
4. Make an Informed Decision: Use the comparison to decide which wood is better suited for your project's requirements.

• Janka Hardness (lbf): Measures the resistance of wood to denting and wear. It's the force required to embed a 0.444-inch steel ball to half its diameter into the wood. A higher number means the wood is harder and more durable.
• Density (lbs/ft³): The average weight of the wood per cubic foot at a standard 12% moisture content. Higher density generally correlates with higher strength.
• Stiffness (MOE, 1000 psi): The Modulus of Elasticity measures the wood's resistance to bending or deflection. A higher number means the wood is stiffer and will sag less under load.
• Bending Strength (MOR, psi): The Modulus of Rupture measures the maximum load-carrying capacity of a board in bending. It is a measure of the wood's ultimate breaking strength.

"Beginning woodworkers often choose wood based on looks alone. Experienced woodworkers choose wood based on how it will perform. Janka hardness is my go-to metric for anything that will see a lot of wear, like a tabletop, flooring, or a workbench. For shelves, stiffness (MOE) is the most important number to prevent sagging. Don't just build it to look good; build it to last." - Professional Woodworker & Teacher

Example 1: Choosing Wood for a Workbench Top
You are comparing Hard Maple and Walnut. The table shows Hard Maple has a Janka hardness of 1450 lbf, while Walnut is 1010 lbf. For a top that needs to resist dents and abuse, Hard Maple is the superior choice.

Example 2: Building Long Bookshelves
You are comparing Poplar and Southern Yellow Pine for 4-foot long bookshelves. The table shows Pine has a stiffness of 1770 (x1000 psi) while Poplar is only 1580. The Pine will be stiffer and less prone to sagging over the long span.

• Confusing Hardness with Strength: While often related, they aren't the same. Hickory is extremely hard and strong. Douglas Fir is not very hard (it dents easily) but is surprisingly stiff and strong for its weight, which is why it's used in construction.
• Ignoring Workability: Extremely hard and dense woods like Ipe can be very difficult to cut and machine, causing rapid tool wear. Sometimes a slightly softer wood is a better practical choice.
• Using Softwoods for High-Wear Surfaces: Using a soft wood like pine for a dining table or kitchen counter will result in a surface that dents and scratches very easily.

• Material Selection: Making an informed, data-driven choice when selecting lumber for a project.
• Furniture Design: Matching a wood's physical properties to the functional demands of the piece.
• Structural Applications: Choosing species with high stiffness and strength for load-bearing parts like beams or joists.
• Educational Tool: Learning and teaching the key differences between common wood species.