The grain tends to be straight and consistent, making it popular for sleek, quiet designs where you don't want a bold wood grain to take over the show. Hard maple has a 1,450 Janka rating, and is ...

In our larger tested review of the best wooden cutting boards, The Boardsmith Maple End-Grain Cutting Board earned the distinction of best upgrade pick. Here's why it’s worth the investment.

As you're searching for the best wood option for your cabinets, you shouldn't overlook oak. "Oak is an old-timer — long-lasting, affordable, and full of character because it has a very strong grain.

Maple is often a light wood, sometimes almost white, he said, which many people don’t like. But he was willing to see how the grain turned out. His chain saw struck up another chorus.