Question about my wood

[89th]

We are installing a mudroom bench, and selecting a type of wood for it, I was thinking walnut, maple, or oak. I have a recent option of using African mahogany. WWGD? @George-K or others?

[George K]

Gonna be indoors, I assume?

If so, doesn't matter. Just go by what you like.

But...

Walnut and mahogany are "dressier" types of wood, whereas oak will have a more rustic look, perhaps appropriate for the location.

I assume this will be a veneered bench, and not solid wood throughout. If that's the case, consider a harder wood. If I recall mahogany tends to be a bit softer than any of the others.

[LuFins Dad]

Are you staining the bench? I hate the normal oak stains. I just don’t like them. Walnut is always a safe choice.

[Mik]

Your house has a fair amount of wood trim in it. I would go with the same wood and stain.

[89th]

The bench will be a 2” slab of hardwood with perhaps veneered wood (?) for the quasi-aesthetic supports. Yes it’ll be indoors, and will be stained to somewhat match the existing trim. Here’s my bad photoshop idea:

[Mik]

I would bet your trim is poplar. You should use the same for the bench since it will be so close.

[George K]

@Mik said in Question about my wood:

I would bet your trim is poplar. You should use the same for the bench since it will be so close.

Yep. At first I thought pine, but there's not enough grain. Poplar is a, dare I say, popular wood for trim in houses, and it's frequently painted.

Left unstained, poplar ages to a light-colored finish, a bit yellow-ish. Should be easy to find a stain to match your trim.

Poplar is not particularly hard, so it might not hold up too well. Birch or maple are harder, and have a similar grain to poplar, and are frequently stained.

[89th]

Thanks guys!