which wood for window trim

[l-lopez]

I need to trim out an entire house with stained window trim. What kind of wood is best for this use.

Thanks Len

[Bill]

wood is best for this use.

Unless price and time are no object, you should probably consider what is locally available, and seasoned. Maybe buy a piece and stain it, and assess the results, before you trim-out the entire house. Maybe you can find "window trim" at your favorite big-box store? Do you already have a shaper?

[Swingman]

wood is best for this use.

You left out the most important element for getting a useful answer ... interior, or exterior?

Chances are you are speaking of interior window trim, and that would depend upon the decor and stain color you are contemplating.

Basically, and as an example only, if you are using a walnut colored stain, you may be better simply using walnut wood trim to start off with ... same goes for most "wood colored stains", use the actual wood, instead of a substitute, for the best results.

Many woods that are commonly used to trim interior windows are considered "paint grade" and do not stain well with most colors of stain (usually a darker, gel type stain, works best for these). An example of that would be poplar.

Red oak, commonly available, will take just about any kind of stain and would probably be your best bet in the US. White oak, in the off chance it is for exterior application, will also stain well.

Mahogany trim is also relatively common/available and takes most color of stains well.

Maple and alder, are prone to blotching, and generally do not stain well without some experience and experienced prep.

Cherry ... is against the law to stain.

[Mike]

Law would be the least of his worries... It would offend the woodworking gods and the cabal.

[Nova]

is best for this use.

The kind the wife likes best. ;-)