If you have ever had to wrestle with the decision of which wood species to choose for your project, you are not by yourself. Whether you’re building furniture, weighing sustainability options, or beginning a building project, determining the best kind of wood can be overwhelming. The good news? The Wood Database Filter Tool is a powerful, free, and publicly accessible resource that simplifies this decision-making process.
In this guide, we will show you how to make good use of the filter tool, from simple filters to advanced mechanical properties, with case studies and insight from wood experts along the way. By the end of this guide, you will not only understand how the database functions, but you will also have a greater appreciation of wood as a material!
What Is the Wood Database?
The Wood Database was created and is maintained by Eric Meier, which is a well-regarded online source that documents hundreds of wood species globally. It covers both qualitative (appearance, odor, rot resistance) and quantitative (Janka hardness, modulus of elasticity) information.
The filter tool, in particular, allows users to search and compare woods based on over 20 characteristics, which assists with major queries such as:
- Which domestic hardwood is most resistant to decay?
- What softwoods are best for outdoor use?
- Are there sustainable alternatives to endangered tropical species?
The database has been cited by professional woodworkers, architects, conservationists, and educators worldwide.
Getting Started with the Filter Tool
You can access the tool directly at: wood-database.com/wood-filter. No login or subscription is required.
Upon landing on the page, you’ll see two main filtering sections:
1. Basic Filters
These allow for broad categorical searches:
- Genus: Filter by scientific groupings (e.g., Acer for maples, Acacia for tropical hardwoods)
- Wood Type: Choose between hardwood, softwood, or monocot
- Location: Filter by geographic origin (North America, Asia, Africa, etc.)
- Color/Appearance: Select options like white, black, green/olive, burl, etc.
- Decay Resistance: Durable, moderately durable, or non-durable
- CITES/IUCN Status: For checking conservation status
- Obscure Species: Option to exclude lesser-known woods
Example: A North American woodworker planning an outdoor bench can filter by:
- Wood Type: Hardwood
- Location: North America
- Decay Resistance: Durable
This immediately narrows down the list to regionally available, long-lasting species like Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia).
2. Strength/Numerical Filters
Once you’ve applied the basic filters, use these quantitative metrics to fine-tune your search:
- Tree Height / Trunk Diameter
- Average Dried Weight
- Janka Hardness (crucial for flooring or wear resistance)
- Modulus of Rupture / Elasticity
- Crushing Strength
- Volumetric Shrinkage / T/R Ratio
These values are particularly useful for engineers, architects, or anyone assessing mechanical performance.
Example: Need a tough but lightweight wood for tool handles? Try:
- Janka: 1000-2000 lbf
- Avg. Dried Weight: Under 35 lbs/ft³
This may lead you to species like Hickory or Ash, known for high shock resistance and moderate weight.
Understanding the Search Results
Each wood species listed includes a link to a detailed profile page. Here’s what you can expect:
Key Technical Data:
- Scientific and Common Names
- Distribution and Tree Size
- Specific Gravity (Basic and at 12% moisture)
- Janka Hardness
- Elastic/Crushing Strength
Workability and Appearance:
- Color and Grain/Texture
- Odor (e.g., aromatic cedar)
- Workability (planing, sanding, gluing, etc.)
- Rot Resistance
- Allergies/Toxicity (useful for health-conscious projects)
Economic and Environmental Data:
- Pricing/Availability
- Sustainability Notes
- Common Uses
- CITES/IUCN Compliance
All entries are illustrated with high-quality wood sample photos, including endgrain and facegrain images.
Best Practices for Using the Tool
Use Multiple Filters Iteratively
Start broad, then narrow down. Begin with region and wood type, then add resistance, color, or numerical properties.
Compare Multiple Species Side-by-Side
Open several species in new tabs to compare shrinkage rates, workability, or pricing. This is especially helpful in material substitution.
Cross-Reference Sustainability Status
Always check CITES and IUCN filters if you’re sourcing tropical or exotic wood. This ensures your project aligns with environmental ethics and regulations.
Bookmark Key Profiles
Use your browser bookmarks to save wood profiles you may want to revisit.
Real-World Use Cases
Case 1: Sustainable Flooring in Oregon
A homeowner wants a local, sustainable hardwood for flooring. Using the tool, they filter for:
- Location: North America
- Wood Type: Hardwood
- Janka: 1300+ lbf
- Decay Resistance: Durable
This reveals Oregon White Oak and Black Walnut as two viable options—both available domestically with strong environmental ratings.
Case 2: Furniture Design for Coastal Humidity
A furniture designer working in the Gulf Coast needs a wood that won’t warp with humidity. Using T/R ratio filters, they find species with low tangential/radial shrinkage ratios, such as Teak or Iroko.
Why This Tool Matters
The Wood Database Filter Tool is more than a search engine—it’s a decision-support system for professionals and enthusiasts alike. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, performance, and traceability, tools like this empower better material choices backed by data.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overlook “workability” notes—a technically strong wood might still be a pain to machine
- Use Janka and Modulus values together for best insights
- Consider color and grain if aesthetics matter
- Watch for updates: the database is regularly expanded and revised
- If you’re looking for a specific species and already know its trade name, you can browse by common name to locate it faster—ideal for quickly accessing familiar woods like Maple, Mahogany, or Walnut.
- For a deeper understanding of wood anatomy and how to distinguish similar-looking species, the Wood Identification Guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step methodology trusted by professionals.
For those exploring other powerful public databases, the Trains Portal Guide offers a practical look at how to filter and access U.S. railroad data effectively.
Sources and References
- Wood Database Filter Tool: https://www.wood-database.com/wood-filter/
- CITES Appendices: https://cites.org/eng/app/index.php
- IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/
