Commonly used timbers in boatbuilding

Oak

• Yellowish-brown, dense hardwood, inherently somewhat oily.
• Contact with ferrous materials causes stains and corrosion.
• Applications: Frames, hull, and interior.

Mahogany

• Reddish-brown hardwood with good workability and durability.
• Applications: Hull planking and interior.

Teak

• Dark brown, oily hardwood with excellent durability.
• Applications: Hull and deck planking, and interior.

Cedar

• Light reddish-brown medium-hard hardwood.
• Applications: Hull planking.

Larch

• Light reddish-brown softwood that is flexible and durable.
• Applications: Hull planking.

Plywood/Marine Plywood

• Thin sheets of wood glued together, forming a dimensionally stable and durable material.
• Applications: Hull planking in dinghies and small boats.

Spruce

• Light brown, poorly preserved softwood with low density.
• Applications: Hull planking.

Pine

• Light brown, moderately preserved softwood with average density.
• Applications: Hull planking