IndoorCampus Feature FNR Hardwood – Black Gum & Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica Summary Black gum, or Nyssa sylvatica Marsh., has been utilized for a number of practical uses in history such as concealed parts in furniture, veneer for containers, and more. The heartwood is somewhat greenish or brownish grey, while the sapwood is white to grayish white. Black gum is low in rating for steam bending and has zero resistance to decay. When studying the panels on the wall from left to right, Board 1…
IndoorCampus Feature FNR Hardwood – Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia Summary Black locust has a history of being used in fence posts and railroad ties before the advent of modern wood preservation. Black locust ranges from greenish-yellow to dark brown when first cut. This wood is very resistant to decay and does not have a rating for steam bending. Looking at the panels from left to right, Board 1 shows a characteristic flat sawn appearance of the wood. Board 2 and Board 3…
IndoorCampus Feature FNR Hardwood – Black Walnut Juglans nigra Summary Black Walnut, or Juglans nigra l, was once a very abundant species and was used for a variety of products, such as furniture, flooring, gun stocks, barnwood, and custom items. Black Walnut typically has a chocolate brown color for its heartwood, which is very sought after. This material is decay and insect resistant. Looking at the panels on the wall from left to right, board one is a top grade flat sawn…
IndoorCampus Feature FNR Hardwood – Black Willow Salix nigra Marsh Summary Black Willow, or Salix nigra Marsh., is a rapid growing tree that reaches maturity within 50 to 70 years. The sapwood is white and the heartwood is light brown to pale reddish, or grayish brown. Black willow often has dark streaks and tiny pin knots. Looking at the panels on the wall from left to right, board one is flat sawn and has sapwood and heartwood. Boards two, three, four, and…
IndoorCampus Feature FNR Hardwood – Butternut Juglans cinenea Summary Butternut, or Juglans cinenea , is a wood that is primarily used for carving, architectural veneer, and internal furniture components. Due to its limited uses, this tree isn’t as abundant as an oak or its sister species, Black Walnut. Butternut is also known as White Walnut on occasion. Butternut is usually a cinnamon brown color, sometimes variegated. It can be difficult to identify the difference between Butternut and Black Walnut at times.…
IndoorCampus Feature FNR Hardwood – Eastern Cottonwood Populus deltoides Summary Eastern Cottonwood or Populus deltoides, usually has a whitish sapwood with a grayish brown heartwood. This wood is one of the lightest hardwoods, and is strong in comparison to its density. However, this wood is usually not prized for its machining characteristics. Cottonwood is one of our softest and fast growing species. Most commercial grade lumber production is in the southern Mississippi Delta states, but it also commonly grows in lowland areas…
IndoorCampus Feature FNR Hardwood – Hackberry Celtis occidentalis, laevigata Summary Hackberry is composed of two species that cannot be separated once processed into final products: hackberry and sugarberry. This species is commonly used for furniture, upholstered frames, and millwork. Hackberry is a light yellowish green in healthy trees but can develop fungal and oxidation stains very quickly in warm weather. Hackberry has zero resistance to decay and is one of the best for steam bending. Viewing the panels from left to…
IndoorCampus Feature FNR Hardwood – Honey Locust Gleditsia triacantho Summary Beneath the thorns of wild honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) lies a beautiful coarse-grained, pink wood much like red oak. Since sawlog quality trees are not abundant, the species is not often traded in the wholesale market, but sooner or later, every hardwood sawmill will likely produce some honeylocust lumber. For the woodworker looking for something a little different and at a reasonable price, honeylocust could be the ticket. Board 1 shows the…
IndoorCampus Feature FNR Hardwood – Kentucky Coffeetree Gymnocladus dioicus Summary Kentucky coffeetree or Gymnocladus dioicus, has a very wild, coarse grain pattern. It is typically a reddish brown to reddish orange color. In many boards, the growth rings tend to undulate or weave. When used for wall paneling, this species produces the coarsest and wildest pattern of any of our hardwoods. Boards 1 and 2 are characteristic of the species. Board 1 has a very characteristic “V” shaped pattern, while Board 2…
IndoorCampus Feature FNR Hardwood – Ohio Buckeye Aesculus glabra Summary Ohio Buckeye or Aesculus glabra, is a light-weight but firm-textured wood that is very desirable for carving. The pores are the smallest of any of our hardwood lumber species. The tree typically has a wide white sapwood which stains easily and a brown heartwood. Board 1 is flat sawn and shows the very uniform grain characteristics of the species. A few small pin knots are also present. Board 2 is similar but…
