Very Strong Woods

Wood comes in all shapes and sizes with individual characteristics particular to that species of tree or that particular piece of wood. Various authorities have standardized ways in which we can compare and contrast wood samples. Some of the comparisons involve how dense is the wood, how heavy, and its hardness. These comparisons involve a number of measurements. The test of a wood’s hardness is made using Janka hardness testing whereby the pounds of force needed to create an imprint of a steel ball in a section of wood is measured.

The density of wood is calculated by using the formula Density = Weight/Unit Volume. The density of wood is oftentimes compared with the density of water with water having a specific gravity of 1. If a piece of wood is less than 1 it should float in water, greater than 1 it will sink. Measuring the weight of wood involves getting a uniform 1 foot cube of wood, drying it to a standard moisture content, usually 12%, then weighing it.

Obtaining the green weight of wood is another measure. These measurements may not mean much unless you compare them to other species. Generally speaking, the heavier, dense, hard woods are among the strongest woods. With these measurements in mind a list of some of the strongest woods throughout the world compared to woods we have in Frederick County leads to interesting comparisons.