Wood University

This is the educational section of our website. I will be adding to this as time goes on. Here is where you will be able to find information about the different wood species we stock including anecdotal info, sample photos, international, federal, and/or state legislation that might affect the wood industry and/or the wood consumer, tips about wood storage, drying and seasoning, our wood of the month column, wood identification, and any other information and tips we feel might help you with your woodworking.

African Blackwood
Also called Mpingo or Grenadillo, and often erroneously called African Ebony, this generally small and stunted-growth tree is found in many parts of Africa south of the Sahara. African Blackwood is prized for its density and fine grain as well as its melodious tone, making it a natural for turning and musical
African Ebony
Ebony has been a much sought after article of commerce for hundreds of years. The ancient Phoenicians, Greeks, and Babylonians prized Ebony for use in furniture. It was also precious to the Egyptians and articles made from it have been found in old tombs. There are hundreds of species but
Briar Burl
The journey from Briar burl to Briar pipe is a long and arduous one but it results in a strikingly beautiful and dense pipe wood. This Wood University article will explore Briar burl’s origin, growing conditions, treatment, and the common types of Briar blanks.
Bubinga
Bubinga wood has a commanding presence, be it in its weighty boardroom tables or in its delicately figured turning squares. This beautiful reddish-brown wood is quite versatile – it is used for high-class furniture and cabinetry, one-piece dining table and conference tables, interior and architectural
Camphor Burl
Even if you've never worked a piece of Camphor in your life, chances are good you have Camphor in your house right now. The Camphor tree's veins pump with Camphor oil, a pharmaceutical oil with a number of uses, and the active ingredient in Vicks VapoRub. In addition to supplying Camphor oil
Chacte-kok
This is a tree common to the southern Yucutan Peninsula in Mexico. It is a small to medium sized tree growing up to 50 feet tall. When the tree is first cut the wood is a yellowish brown but left sitting it soon develops a deep blood red color. It is a shame that the color of the heartwood
CITES Protected Hardwoods
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) is an international treaty that protects endangered plants and animals. Since its adoption in 1975, over 35,000 species of plants and animals have been added to the CITES list into varying degrees of protection. Hardwoods are added to the CITES list when they are in danger of extinction or
Thuya Burl
Used since the days of Solomon and David when it was called thyine wood, Thuya is one of the few woods mentioned in the Bible, referenced by John in the Book of Revelation. Popular during King David’s reign, it became a favorite among the cultural aristocracy. The Greeks named it Thuya, meaning
Top Ten Tools For The Woodworker
We compiled a list of our favorite basic woodworking tools and provided some links to find them... 'tis the season for woodworking!