Top 10 Most Underrated Woods for Woodturning
Every woodturner knows the usual favorites—maple, walnut, cherry—but there’s a whole world of underrated woods that offer incredible performance, unique figure, and great value. Many of these species don’t get the attention they deserve, yet they turn beautifully and often cost less than the “popular” options.
If you’re looking to try something different or get more value out of your blanks, here are 10 underrated woods every turner should consider.
1. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Lightweight, aromatic, and easy to turn, Sassafras is a pleasure on the lathe. It has a warm golden-brown color and an open grain similar to ash, giving finished pieces a rustic look.
Why it’s underrated:
- Easy to work
- Pleasant aroma while turning
- Good stability
Best for: Bowls, hollow forms, rustic pieces
2. Shedua (Guibourtia ehie)
Often overlooked next to more popular exotics, Shedua offers beautiful golden-brown tones with dark streaking and solid durability.
Why it’s underrated:
- Excellent strength-to-workability balance
- Natural contrast without staining
- Durable and stable
Best for: Bowls, boxes, segmented turning
3. Red Grandis (Eucalyptus grandis)
A sustainable alternative to mahogany, Red Grandis has a clean, consistent grain and turns easily.
Why it’s underrated:
- Affordable and eco-friendly
- Smooth, predictable turning
- Warm reddish tone
Best for: Bowls, practice blanks, utility items
4. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Especially when quarter sawn (lacewood), sycamore offers a unique flecked figure that stands out without being overwhelming.
Why it’s underrated:
- Unique lace figure
- Smooth turning characteristics
- Readily available
Best for: Decorative bowls, platters
5. Butternut (Juglans cinerea)
Often overshadowed by black walnut, Butternut offers a similar look in a lighter, easier-to-work form.
Why it’s underrated:
- Extremely easy to turn
- Great for carving + turning projects
- Warm, natural color
Best for: Carved bowls, decorative pieces
6. Etimoe (Copaifera salikounda)
With its ribbon stripe figure and warm tones, Etimoe delivers an exotic look without the difficulty of harder woods.
Why it’s underrated:
- Beautiful ribbon grain
- Moderate hardness (easier than many exotics)
- Great finishing results
Best for: Bowls, hollow forms, display pieces
7. American Elm or Red Elm (Ulmus americana)
Elm’s interlocked grain gives it strength and a unique flowing pattern when turned.
Why it’s underrated:
- Tough and durable
- Interesting grain movement
- Good for functional items
Best for: Bowls, tool handles, utility pieces
8. Cottonwood Burl (Populus spp.)
While burl lovers know it well, many turners overlook cottonwood burl because of its softness. With proper technique, it produces incredible results.
Why it’s underrated:
- Wild, eye-filled figure
- Easy shaping
- Unique one-of-a-kind patterns
Best for: Artistic bowls, natural-edge pieces
9. Yellowheart / Kirandy (Euxylophora paraensis)
Bright, natural yellow wood is rare—and Yellowheart delivers it without dyes.
Why it’s underrated:
- Vibrant natural color
- Strong and stable
- Great for contrast work
Best for: Segmented turning, accents, decorative pieces
10. Basswood (Tilia americana)
Often dismissed as “too soft,” Basswood is actually one of the best woods for beginners and detailed work.
Why it’s underrated:
- Extremely easy to turn
- Perfect for carving details
- Smooth, consistent grain
Best for: Practice pieces, carved turnings, painted projects
Why You Should Try Underrated Woods
Trying different species can improve both your skills and your results.
Benefits include:
- Better value for your money
- New visual styles and finishes
- Improved turning technique across different grain types
- Unique pieces that stand out from the crowd