Wood Reference is a reference site about wood, furniture materials, joinery, and cabinet construction. Our goal is simple: explain the terms that furniture buyers, DIY beginners, and new woodworkers meet every day, without the jargon.
What we cover
The site explains common wood-based materials such as MDF, plywood, particle board, OSB, veneer, and laminate; common woodworking joints such as dovetails and mortise and tenon; and the construction terms used in furniture and cabinetry. We also publish direct comparisons between the materials and joints that people confuse most often.
Who this is for
The content is written for ordinary furniture buyers, DIY beginners, woodworking beginners, and anyone comparing furniture materials. You do not need a workshop background to follow the explanations.
How information is researched
We prioritize forest-products research institutions, wood product associations, manufacturer technical datasheets, cabinet and furniture industry sources, universities, and recognized woodworking education sources. General web content is used as a secondary source, not as the basis for core technical claims.
Why grade and specification matter
A board is not a single, universal product. Moisture-resistant MDF differs from standard MDF, and a birch plywood differs from a poplar plywood. Throughout the site we state when a property depends on species, grade, thickness, adhesive, construction, finishing, or the manufacturer’s specification, rather than presenting one material as always better.
How AI may assist
AI tools may assist with research organization, drafting, and language editing. Final content is reviewed within the project before publication. We do not publish fabricated tests, invented ratings, or first-hand testing claims.
Corrections
If you find an error, please report it through the contact page. Corrections are reviewed and applied with a page update date.