Hardwood is an inexpensive material that suits older houses where wood is the dominant building material. It can be easily painted and treated, but may require regular maintenance to avoid deterioration.
Fir is a great material choice because it provides a strong resistance against wind, storms and earthquakes and is relatively slow to decay. Its appearance is also desirable as the tight knots give it a beauty that other wood often lacks.
Cedar is a lightweight wood that is easy to work with and shrinks very little in adverse weather, preventing warping and twisting. It is also an excellent choice for colder areas as it is a great insulator that will keep the interior of your house warm.
Pine is an ideal wood for that classic wooden finish. It is also a light-colored wood, so requires little painting to achieve desired results.
Engineered wood is a new innovation that is less susceptible to warping, and reduces the expansion and contraction that wood usually experiences in wet weather. It is constructed by staking layers of wooden veneer on top of one another, which is then fortified with additional banding. This extra manufacturing process adds to the price of engineered wood.