Understanding Wood

By R. Bruce Hoadly,

Book cover of Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology

Book description

Understanding Wood is the definitive reference on wood technology, and is a keystone of every woodworker's library. The first edition (1980) sold over 128,000 copies: this new edition updates the classic text with new information on new materials: composite board, adhesives and finishes which have been developed since the original…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Understanding Wood as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a foundational text on wood as a material for building furniture, written by someone who knows the material thoroughly as both a wood scientist and as a woodworker. The combined insights give you the information you need to work with wood effectively. It reads well if you feel like plowing through it, but you can also use it as a resource for answering specific questions about wood and its behavior.

From Jeff's list on improving your woodworking.

Want books like Understanding Wood?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 33 books like Understanding Wood.

Browse books like Understanding Wood

Book cover of The Anarchist's Tool Chest
Book cover of The Why & How of Woodworking: A Simple Approach to Making Meaningful Work
Book cover of The Impractical Cabinetmaker: Krenov on Composing, Making, and Detailing

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,531

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in wood, woodworking, and trees?

Wood 10 books
Woodworking 27 books
Trees 53 books