Home › Crafts & Hobbies › Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology

Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology

by R. Bruce Hoadley

Wood science for practical workshop decisions

Sales Milestone
Regular price $37.30 USD
Regular price $62.17 USD Sale price $37.30 USD
Save 40%

Hardcover New

Delivery to your door
In stock·Dispatches in 1–2 business days
Standard shipping* from $4.35
Standard shipping transit* 5–8 business days after dispatch

Faster options are available.

Rates and delivery estimates depend on your destination and item quantity. Estimates are informational only; the final shipping method and rate are selected at checkout.

Secure checkout
American Express Apple Pay DiscoverGoogle Pay Mastercard PayPalVisa
30-day eligible returns Returns & refunds policy

AlbakiReads Editorial

Wood science for practical workshop decisions

R. Bruce Hoadley connects the properties of wood with the choices made throughout a woodworking project. The book covers how wood grows and changes, and relates that material knowledge to selecting and storing lumber, seasoning, machining, joining, bending, and finishing. Its scope runs from raw material to completed work, with attention also given in this revised edition to composite materials, adhesives, and finishes. More than 300 photographs and illustrations support the technical subject matter. The emphasis is on understanding wood as a material and applying that understanding across common workshop processes, making this a reference organized around both the science and its practical use.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Woodworkers seeking a reference on wood properties and behavior
  • Makers wanting guidance on material selection, storage, and preparation
  • Craftspeople interested in the science behind woodworking processes

Themes

Wood properties and behaviorMaterial selection and preparationWoodworking processesComposites, adhesives, and finishes

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Widely regarded as the must-have cornerstone of any serious woodworker's library, this definitive reference is essential for any DIYer or maker who wants their projects to last a lifetime.

This essential reference for the woodworker seeking quality and cost savings, this book offers an in-depth look at the nature and properties of wood, making it the indispensable resource for mastering the material at the heart of your craft.

Written by scientist and craftsman R. Bruce Hoadley, Understanding Wood allows you to master the science and maximize your results.

By knowing how wood grows, moves, shrinks, and swells, you can:

  • Eliminate Waste: Prevent warping, joint failure, and cracking that ruin lumber and cost you money.
  • Source Smarter: Gain the knowledge and confidence to select and store raw materials, ensuring you get the best value for your dollar.
  • Build Permanently: Apply scientific principles to master cutting, seasoning, machining, joining, bending, and finishing wood, creating durable pieces of heirloom quality.

This updated edition builds on timeless knowledge while incorporating new developments in composite materials, adhesives, and finishes. Featuring over 300 detailed photographs and illustrations, Understanding Wood gives you the knowledge and confidence to truly master your material--from the raw tree to the final finish.

Widely regarded as a must-have for any woodworking enthusiast, it offers an in-depth look at the nature and properties of wood, making it an indispensable resource for craftsmen of all skill levels.

Whether you're a seasoned craftsman or just starting out, Understanding Wood will give you the knowledge and confidence to master the material at the heart of your craft.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive Guide: Learn everything about wood technology, from the raw materials to understanding the unique properties of different woods.
  • Updated Content: New information on modern materials and techniques, including composites, adhesives, and finishes, to help you stay current in your craft.
  • Visual Learning: Over 300 detailed photographs and illustrations bring critical woodworking concepts to life.
  • Scientist & Craftsman's Insight: Written by an expert with a true love for woodworking, offering both technical expertise and practical advice.
  • Timeless Knowledge: With over 130,000 copies sold, this book continues to be the cornerstone of any serious woodworker's library.
Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.