Identify woods with confidence using a clear, practical guide — this handbook explains how wood differs in structure and physical properties, helping foresters, wood-users, and students distinguish and classify American woods.
This edition presents Part I with accessible explanations of wood anatomy, density, moisture behavior, shrinkage, warping, and other key physical traits. Part II provides a practical key to the economic woods of the United States, designed for quick identification and classroom study, supported by illustrations and tables.
What you’ll experience
- Clear overviews of wood structure, from rays and vessels to growth rings and parenchyma
- Practical guidance on preparing and examining samples, including cross sections and mounting tips
- Hands-on comparisons of color, texture, odor, density, and shrinkage trends
- A ready-to-use classification key for identifying common U.S. woods, with helpful notes on variability
Ideal for readers of forestry, timber inspection, and wood technology who want a solid reference to recognize and compare woods.