Types of Dense Wood

Climate

• There are two simple and general rules that can be applied to the size of trees and their density. Both relate to climate. The first is that the taller a tree grows, the denser its wood will be. The second is that taller trees grow predominantly in tropical regions where, consequently, most of the very dense trees will be found. Smaller, less dense trees grow in colder climates.

Trees With Light Density

• Cedar trees have a light density, so the wood is soft and has an open and straight grain, as does the yew tree. The lilac produces soft wood but it is irregularly grained and wood from holly trees has the same features. Basswood also produces wood of a lighter density, but with a closed grain structure.

Trees With Medium Density

• Wood from apple trees is a medium density hardwood with an open grain, whereas beech is lighter colored and also has an open grain. Birch trees are also light in color but have a closed grain composition. Chestnuts produce wood of a medium density with closed and straight grains as do maple and mahogany trees. Walnut wood has a similar density but with very distinctive grain lines.

Trees With High Density

• Wood from cherry trees is hard and straight grained, as is that from the Cape Blackwood, whose wood is even denser. The ebony tree is noted for the hardness and heaviness of its wood and, apart from its color, the pink ivory has wood with similar qualities. The purpleheart also has wood that is extremely dense but with a straight grain and a relatively coarse texture.