The most used woods in Europe: which species really dominate the market?
When thinking of wood in Europe, one often imagines oak or beech. However, in reality, the majority of wood used in construction and industry mainly comes from softwoods: spruce, pine, or fir.
Here is an overview of the most used species in Europe, where they come from, and why they still dominate the furniture and construction market today.
Softwoods overwhelmingly dominate the European market
According to Eurostat, about 69% of the wood harvested in Europe comes from conifers (softwoods).
This mainly includes:
- the spruce,
- the pine,
- the fir,
- and to a lesser extent larch.
Why?
Because they grow fast, straight, and are very suitable for industrial construction.
1. Spruce — the king of European construction
Main origin
- Scandinavia
- Germany
- Austria
- Central Europe
Usage
- frameworks,
- timber frame,
- panels,
- CLT,
- industrial construction.
Spruce is probably the most used wood in current European construction.
Germany, Sweden, and Finland are among the largest European producers of roundwood.
2. Pine — ubiquitous in furniture and structures
Main origin
- Scandinavia
- Poland
- Baltic states
Usage
- furniture,
- carpentry,
- cladding,
- structures,
- panels.
Pine is appreciated for:
- its rapid growth,
- its low cost,
- its ease of machining.
It is found extensively in mass-produced furniture.
3. Oak — the great European classic
Main origin
- France
- Germany
- Central Europe
Usage
- high-end furniture,
- parquet,
- stairs,
- beams,
- barrels.
Oak remains one of the most sought-after species for sustainable furniture and quality carpentry.
Even though it represents a smaller share of the volumes than softwoods, its economic value remains very high.
4. Beech — widely used in indoor furniture
Main origin
- France
- Germany
- Eastern Europe
Usage
- chairs,
- tables,
- plywood,
- indoor furniture.
Beech accounts for about 10% of French forests.
It is particularly appreciated for:
- its fine grain,
- its resistance,
- and its ease of work.
5. The fir — a discreet pillar of construction
Very similar to spruce in its uses, fir is massively used for:
- the structures,
- the frameworks,
- the panels,
- timber-framed houses.
Its appearance is often lighter and more uniform.
6. Birch — very present in Nordic design
Main origin
- Finland
- Sweden
- Baltic Russia
Usage
- plywood,
- Scandinavian furniture,
- technical panels.
Birch has become very popular with Nordic design and minimalist interiors.
7. Ash — valued for its strength
Usage
- tool handles,
- furniture,
- stairs,
- technical parts.
Ash combines flexibility and mechanical strength.
8. Larch — outdoor specialist
Main origin
- Alps
- mountain Europe
Usage
- cladding,
- terrace,
- cabin,
- outdoor construction.
Its natural resistance to moisture makes it very popular for outdoor projects.
9. Chestnut — long underestimated
Main origin
- France
- Italy
- southern Europe
Usage
- artisan furniture,
- cladding,
- fencing,
- exterior structures.
Chestnut is making a strong comeback in artisan workshops thanks to:
- its natural durability,
- its richness in tannins,
- and its very lively appearance.
10. Walnut — the premium wood
Walnut is used in smaller quantities but remains highly sought after for:
- cabinetmaking,
- high-end furniture,
- tabletops,
- offices.
Its dark hue gives it a very high-end image.
Where does the wood used in Europe come from?
Europe produces a huge amount of wood itself.
In 2022:
- the European Union produced about 510 million m³ of roundwood,
- and it has become a net exporter of wood.
The main producers are:
- Germany
- Sweden
- Finland
- France
- Poland
Why local woods are making a comeback today
In recent years, many artisans and individuals have been looking for:
- European species,
- shorter supply chains,
- and more natural materials.
Local wood often allows for:
- to reduce transportation,
- to better understand the origin of the material,
- and to find furniture with more character and less standardization.