The hardwood consumption for graded lumber has declined in recent years, from about 60% market share 10 years ago, to around 40% today, according to the Hardwood Market Report. Used in furniture, cabinetry, components, millwork, flooring and more, graded lumber’s share of the pie has been taken up by industrial products, which include pallets, railroad ties, etc. Exports are also consuming this valuable resource: the U.S. exported a record $9.7 billion of forest products in FY 2014, according to USDA FAS information.

Most Read Species on WoodworkingNetwork.com

1. Red Grandis
2. Karelian Birch
3. Chestnut
4. Ziricote
5. Mappa Burl
6. Maple (Hard & Soft)
7. Cherry
8. Cocobolo
9. Walnut
10. Vavona Burl

Top 10 Preferred Species for Components

1. Red Oak
2. Maple (Hard & Soft)
3. Cherry
4. Poplar
5. Birch
6. Beech
7. Ash
8. Walnut
9. Alder
10. Aspen

*MDF was also named. Source WCMA.com

Maple

Top 10 Species for Residential Furniture

1. Walnut
2. Cherry
3. Red Oak
4. Maple (Hard & Soft)
5. Mahogany
6. Birch
7. Pine
8. Alder/Poplar
9. White Oak
10. Elm
*Rubberwood also placed high for dining room and bedrooms. Source: AppalachianWood.org

Top 10 Flooring Species

1. Red Oak
3. White Oak
3. Maple
4. Other Domestics
5. Other Imported
6. Brazilian Cherry
7. Birch
8. Bamboo
9. Ash
10.American Cherry
Source: NWFA, Hardwood Floors magazine