Hardwood Types Explained
Choosing the right hardwood is a key part of customizing your Lofty standing desk. Each wood type has its own character, from the soft, adaptable look of Brown Maple to the bold grain of Oak and the rugged strength of Hickory. This guide is here to help you compare options quickly and clearly. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern look or a rustic feel with real wood durability, these charts will help you feel confident in your choice.
Lofty’s Hardwood Reference Chart: Feel, Weight and Grain Personality
This table gives a side-by-side comparison of each wood’s physical traits, like surface durability (scuff resistance), average weight, and grain texture. It’s a great starting point if you’re trying to balance aesthetics with everyday performance.
Lofty’s Hardwood Hardness Scale: Softest to Hardest
This table gives a side-by-side comparison of each wood’s physical traits, like surface durability (scuff resistance), average weight, and grain texture. It’s a great starting point if you’re trying to balance aesthetics with everyday performance.
Wood Type Descriptions
Brown Maple
Warm. Adaptable. Smooth-grained.
Brown Maple is derived from soft maple trees and is known for its even, closed grain. With subtle, uniform color tones ranging from beige to tan, it’s perfect for darker stains or painted finishes. It creates a quiet, clean workspace with visual calmness.
Janka Hardness: ~999 lbf
Oak
Bold. Traditional. Full of texture.
Oak is a classic hardwood with high durability and a distinct open grain. Its warm, structured appearance makes it a go-to for rustic, farmhouse, and traditional workspaces. Depending on the subspecies, it can vary from pale brown to reddish hues.
Janka Hardness: ~1280 lbf
Minimalist. Bright. Resilient
Maple is tight-grained and light in color, offering a crisp, clean look that fits modern and Scandinavian-inspired spaces. Its density and resistance to dents make it excellent for high-performance desk setups.
Janka Hardness: ~1450 lbf
Cherry
Elegant. Inviting. Deepens over time.
Cherry’s straight grain and warm tones give it a soft, refined appearance that ages beautifully. Over time, its color deepens to rich auburn tones. Cherry is a great fit for creative, polished, or heirloom-inspired office spaces.
Janka Hardness: ~950 lbf
Rustic. Dramatic. Ultra-durable.
Hickory is the hardest domestic wood we offer, with high visual contrast and bold grain patterns. Its rugged two-tone look makes it a standout for customers wanting a raw, earthy feel with unmatched strength and character.
Janka Hardness: ~1820 lbf
Every Lofty desk is made to order and crafted with care, from the wood grain you choose to the smooth, silent movement of your height-adjustable base. We hope this helped you compare materials and understand which hardwood best suits your work style, space, and personal preferences.
If you have any questions, our team of hardwood experts is here to help. Reach out anytime, we’re happy to guide you toward the right choice.