Real American Hardwood®

Hardwood species vary, but wood is approximately 50% carbon. Hardwood fiber comprises three main components: lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose. Lignin acts like cement, adding hardness and resistance to decay; hemicellulose is a flexible glue; and cellulose provides strength and rigidity like a framework.

The average lifespan of a hardwood tree is between 60 and 120 years. Factors such as species and location influence this time frame. As trees mature, they produce less sap, which is their primary defense mechanism, making them more prone to insect infestations.

Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees, primarily deciduous, with broad leaves that fall every autumn; oak is an example. Softwoods come from gymnosperm trees, like conifers, which have needles that stay evergreen year-round; pine is an example. Because hardwood trees grow slower than softwood trees, their timber is usually denser and stronger. Hardwoods are typically used for flooring, millwork, cabinets, and furniture, while softwoods are generally used for structural applications such as framing.

Yes, hardwood species have structural values and can be used in both appearance and structural applications. The Standard Grading Rules for several species are listed in the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association book. Some species not listed may require engineering approval as their values are not included in the National Design Standards under the American Lumber Standard Committee.

The National Hardwood Lumber Association works with WoodWorks engineers to provide technical assistance on hardwood mass timber and HCLT structures. You can reach out to either organization to get started or ask questions.

Thermal modification involves heating (or “cooking”) the hardwood using steam to a very high temperature, transforming it on a molecular level into a highly durable outdoor material. This process turns the hardwood into a beautiful chocolate brown color, making it suitable for outdoor use, such as hardwood cladding.

Yes, hardwood is a natural and renewable resource. It is sustainably sourced in North America and, after its service life, can be reused, recycled into bioproducts, or combusted for bioenergy. The environmental footprint of hardwoods is significantly less than that of alternatives.

American hardwood forests are sustainably harvested, and we have more hardwood forests today than 100 years ago. Different American hardwood species offer excellent mechanical properties and superior appearance at an affordable price. In contrast, many tropical forests are threatened by illegal harvesting and deforestation, leading to higher prices and environmental concerns for tropical hardwoods.

Deforestation occurs when a forest is cut down and replaced with another land use such as agriculture, mining, or urban development. Harvesting trees and replanting or allowing natural regrowth is not considered deforestation.

Forest degradation happens when a natural forest is replaced with a plantation forest, where trees are planted in rows and cultivated solely for commercial use. This practice reduces biodiversity, disrupts habitats, and depletes soil nutrients, leading to a less resilient and sustainable environment.

Yes, hardwood species are often pressure-treated for uses such as railway ties and matting. Hardwood lumber is also available, often by custom order. Preserved hardwood or fire-retardant-treated hardwood is not commonly available, but no production restrictions exist.

There are many different hardwood species. The NHLA Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules Book references 60 different hardwood species. Many species also have sub-species within their genome. Approximately 32 other species are commercially viable, and most distributors stock 14 or more different hardwood species.

Most hardwood logging in North America is done using “shelterwood logging,” a management technique designed to create even-aged forests. This involves a series of partial cuts, allowing new seedlings to grow from the seeds of older trees, maintaining forest diversity and structural variety.