Best Wood Species for California

What wood do you choose? Any wood you want! Our finishing method layers premium oil finish with an innovative water-based top coat. The oil conditions the wood, while the top coat provides superior weathering protection. This means that all our wood species can stand up to the elements.

California has many climates, from the cool rainforests of Humboldt County to the hot, dry Mojave desert. So while you can choose any species that speaks to you, here are our recommendations. These woods have great dimensional stability and versatility.

Accoya

This treated hardwood is a sustainable, ultra-durable choice
Accoya is treated through acetylation, which transforms the cellular structure of the wood. This is the hardest-wearing, strongest option for exterior applications.
Blond in color and a perfect choice for paint or stain

This treated hardwood is a sustainable, ultra-durable choice
Accoya is treated through acetylation, which transforms the cellular structure of the wood. This is the hardest-wearing, strongest option for exterior applications.
Blond in color and a perfect choice for paint or stain

Sapele Mahogany

This FSC-Certified auburn wood features shimmering streaks running through interlocked grain
Native to tropical West Africa and is a more sustainable alternative to genuine mahogany
Adds a luxury finish to any space
We advise a clear finish to enhance this wood's softly shimmering "ribbons" and deep color

This FSC-Certified auburn wood features shimmering streaks running through interlocked grain
Native to tropical West Africa and is a more sustainable alternative to genuine mahogany
Adds a luxury finish to any space
We advise a clear finish to enhance this wood's softly shimmering "ribbons" and deep color

Sapele Mahogany Wood Sample with Clear Finish

Tight Know Cedar Wood Sample with Clear Finish

Western Red Cedar

A beautiful rustic choice with exceptional weathering characteristics
Naturally resistant to insect attack
Mixed-grain appearance with colors ranging from dark brown to red to cream

A beautiful rustic choice with exceptional weathering characteristics
Naturally resistant to insect attack
Mixed-grain appearance with colors ranging from dark brown to red to cream

Plain Sawn White Oak

Plain Sawn White Oak is known for its versatility and attractive grain pattern. It's a timeless choice that fits well with many styles, offering a classic look with excellent durability.

Shows a varied grain pattern that includes both straight and wavy lines
Offers a warm, inviting appearance
Perfect for traditional and contemporary designs

Plain Sawn White Oak is known for its versatility and attractive grain pattern. It's a timeless choice that fits well with many styles, offering a classic look with excellent durability.

Shows a varied grain pattern that includes both straight and wavy lines
Offers a warm, inviting appearance
Perfect for traditional and contemporary designs

Plain Sawn White Oak Wood Sample with clear finish

Quarter Sawn White Oak

Quarter Sawn White Oak is highly prized for its superior dimensional stability and distinctive grain pattern. It's an ideal choice for areas with fluctuating climates, providing strength and aesthetic appeal.

Exhibits a unique "ray flake" grain pattern
More resistant to moisture and temperature changes
Ideal for Craftsman and Mission style spaces

Quarter Sawn White Oak is highly prized for its superior dimensional stability and distinctive grain pattern. It's an ideal choice for areas with fluctuating climates, providing strength and aesthetic appeal.

Exhibits a unique "ray flake" grain pattern
More resistant to moisture and temperature changes
Ideal for Craftsman and Mission style spaces

Knotty White Oak

Knotty White Oak brings a rustic charm with its visible knots and character marks. It's a great choice for those looking to add a bit of countryside warmth to their homes.

Features prominent knots and natural imperfections
Adds rustic charm and character
Perfect for farmhouse and rustic designs

Knotty White Oak brings a rustic charm with its visible knots and character marks. It's a great choice for those looking to add a bit of countryside warmth to their homes.