Forest Products Laboratory

Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material Forest Products Laboratory

Forests, distinct from all their other services and benefits, supply a basic raw material - wood - which from the earliest times has furnished mankind with necessities of existence and with comforts and conveniences beyond number.

One major use has always been in structures, particularly in housing. But despite wood's long service in structures, it has not always been used efficiently. In these days when the Nation is trying to utilize its resources more fully, better and more efficient use of the timber crop is vital.

As an aid to more efficient use of wood as a material of construction, this handbook was prepared by the Forest Products Laboratory. It was the first institution in the world to conduct general research on wood and its utilization. The vast accumulation of information that has resulted from its engineering and allied investigations of wood and wood products over seven decades - along with knowledge of everyday construction practices and problems - is the chief basis for this handbook.

Individual chapters describe not only the wood itself, but wood-based products, and the principles of how wood is dried, fastened, finished, and preserved from degradation in today's world. Each chapter is climaxed with a bibliography of allied information. A glossary of terms is presented at the end of this handbook.