Pine, American ash, American oak, and rimu are all types of wood commonly used in furniture making and construction, each with its own unique characteristics:
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Pine: Pine is a softwood that is widely available and relatively inexpensive. It is light in color, usually ranging from creamy white to light yellow, and it has a straight grain. Pine is known for its affordability, ease of staining or painting, and suitability for various woodworking projects. However, it is relatively soft compared to hardwoods, making it prone to dents and scratches.
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American Ash: American ash is a hardwood known for its strength and durability. It has a light to medium brown color with prominent grain patterns. Ash is valued for its resilience, making it suitable for furniture, flooring, and sports equipment. It's relatively easy to work with and takes stains and finishes well.
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American Oak: American oak is another hardwood known for its strength and durability. White oak is a golden brown colour and is prized for its distinctive grain patterns and excellent workability. It's commonly used in furniture making, flooring, cabinetry, and even in barrels for aging wine and whiskey. Oak is relatively resistant to rot and decay, making it suitable for outdoor use as well.
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Rimu: Rimu is a native New Zealand timber that is now considered a premium wood due to its limited availability. It has a rich reddish-brown color with distinctive grain patterns. Rimu is valued for its beauty and workability, making it popular for furniture making, cabinetry, and decorative applications. However, due to over-harvesting in the past, rimu is now protected, and its use is restricted in New Zealand, leading to its scarcity and higher cost.
In summary, each type of wood has its own unique characteristics and applications. Pine is affordable and easy to work with but less durable, while ash, oak, and rimu are hardwoods known for their strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal, with rimu being more rare and costly due to its limited availability.