Understanding wood starts
with understanding the tree.
The colour of a tree, the direction of its grain, its texture and the geography in which it grows influence not only its appearance, but also how it is worked and how it ages over time. The Tree Guide brings together the natural character, origin, texture and common uses of different species.
Every species carries traces of where it grew.
Origin, colour, grain and texture help you understand timber. This guide contains 120 tree and timber trade names. Some entries are different trade names for the same species, as indicated on the cards. Select a card to explore its natural character, botanical identity and common uses.
Variations in colour, grain and tone are part of natural timber. Appearance and material behaviour may vary with growing conditions, cut and moisture content.
A tree cannot be understood by colour alone.
Grain direction, pore and texture structure, density, natural oils, moisture movement and the patina developed over time all contribute to the character of timber. Even two pieces from the same species can show different tone and grain.