🌳 Top Woods for Furniture in Northern Florida
1. Live Oak
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Type: Hardwood
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Use: Indoor
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Details: Extremely dense and strong. Great for rustic or traditional furniture pieces like tables and bed frames. Not ideal for outdoor use due to difficulty in drying and potential for warping.
2. Southern Yellow Pine
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Type: Softwood
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Use: Indoor or Outdoor (with treatment)
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Details: Abundant and affordable. Strong for its weight. Great for farmhouse-style furniture. Needs pressure treatment or sealing for outdoor use.
3. Cypress
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Type: Softwood
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Use: Outdoor
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Details: Naturally resistant to rot and insects. Excellent for outdoor furniture, porch swings, garden benches, and siding. Has a beautiful grain and ages well.
4. Red Cedar (Eastern Red Cedar)
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Type: Softwood
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Use: Outdoor
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Details: Aromatic, bug-repellent, and rot-resistant. Great for outdoor furniture, chests, and decorative pieces. Light and easy to work with.
5. Black Cherry (Florida Cherry or Wild Black Cherry)
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Type: Hardwood
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Use: Indoor
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Details: Rich reddish tones that darken with age. Excellent for fine furniture, cabinetry, and heirloom pieces. Smooth finish and a favorite among woodworkers.
6. Sweetgum
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Type: Hardwood
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Use: Indoor
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Details: Often underappreciated but beautiful when finished. Has unique grain patterns and works well for tabletops and accent pieces.
7. Magnolia
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Type: Hardwood
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Use: Indoor
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Details: Creamy white wood with a fine, uniform texture. Good for turning and carving. Can be used for decorative indoor furniture and trim work.
8. Water Oak
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Type: Hardwood
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Use: Indoor
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Details: Common in the Southeast. Strong and attractive when finished, though not as durable as live oak. Good for utility and decorative furniture.