Hardwoods are the best for designs that are meant to last. Heirloom furniture is made from Oak, Cherry, Mahogany, Walnut. The same applies to anything I make.
Hardwoods have tighter pore structures, tighter grain, and the fibers are much stiffer than softwoods. Examples I use daily are Walnut, Maple, Rosewood, Mahogany, and Purpleheart.
You can cut, sand, polish a hardwood and use an oil finish that allows a wonderful feel to the touch.
All the dark wood in this photo is walnut, while the wheel is Birdseye maple. The grain is polished to what I believe is a beautiful finish. This polishing cannot be done to the same degree with softwoods like Pine or Fir. Those have their place, but not in my creative space.
