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EUROPEAN VENEERS

ALDER

Trade Names:	Alder.
Similar Woods:	American Red Alder, Hard Maple.
Origin:	Europe, Asia.
Range:	Europe, Siberia, North Africa, Prefers loose, deep and moist clay soils, rich in nutrients. Frequently to be found along water courses and in river plains.
Uses:	For veneer, lumber, musical instruments, fruit crates, at present used as solid wood for furniture. Was considered to be an inferior wood not accepted by the furniture industry until the mid-nineties when it became fashionable.
Properties:	After felling the colour is first orange-red and subsequently darkens to a reddish –white or brownish-red. Alder is less decorative and often has defects. Perfect logs are seldom to be found. The species is relatively unsuitable for sliced veneer. Fine streaks are found spread over the entire surface in almost all cases.
Machining:	Working Alder by hand and tools presents no difficulties. It can be easily planed, moulded and turned. Very smooth surfaces are produced.
Seasoning:	Alder can be dried well and quickly without any great tendency to check and warp.
Finishing:	Mat finishes are generally applied as well as wax and preservatives containing oil. Their application presents no difficulties.
Jointing:	Glue joints hold very well. Screws and nails provide tight joints.

ALDER

BEECH

Trade Names:	Beech.
Similar Woods:	Wild Service Tree, Steamed Hard Maple, Norway Maple.
Origin:	Europe
Range:	Distributed all over Europe. One of the most frequent and important European species.
Uses:	For veneer. Compared with other European species Beech is large in dimension (often 60 cm and more diameter). It is also used for furniture, parquet flooring and chipboard and is excellently suited for bending (seating furniture). Beech also is well-suited for work benches as well as being good construction lumber. One of the most used woods in Europe. In the veneer form it is produced as steamed, slightly steamed or white Beech. In the middle of the nineties Beech became a remarkably fashionable wood in the veneer and solid wood sectors.
Properties:	Reddish-white to reddish-brown, often with a brown heartwood when older. In some regions the Beech tends to have great tension (X,Y,T-tension) and buckles as a result of irregular annual ring formation (so-called hard years). Dark stains and mineral streaks occur frequently and reduce the value of the wood.
Machining:	Working of Beech presents no difficulties either by machine or hand. It can be easily planed, turned and moulded.
Seasoning:	The strong tendency to check and warp can only be counter-acted by slow and careful drying. Steamed wood dries slightly faster.
Finishing:	Any type of surface finish can be applied to Beech. It takes stains and lacquers very well.
Jointing:	Beech takes glue very well and provides durable joints. Screw and nail joints are strong but pre-drilling is recommended.

BEECH

BIRCH

Trade Names:	Birch
Similar Woods:	Hard Maple, Yellow Birch (betula lutea)
Origin:	Europe and Asia up to about latitude 65° north.
Range:	Important stands for the veneer industry in Finland and to some extent in Sweden. There are large occurrences in Russia. Only pure stands occur in these countries whereas in Central European forests Birch trees are found standing scattered or in groups.
Uses:	Greater significance as peeled Birch for furniture and panel industries (popular wood for bedrooms in the fifties). Also used fore table and chair production. Very popular in Germany for burning in open fire places. In larger dimensions ( seldom) also produced as sliced Birch. Most sliced Birch is “ Yellow Birch “ from the USA.
Properties:	The colour is yellowish white but the logs often have brown hearts when mature. Birch wood has a low resistance to weather and is very susceptible to fungi and insect attack. Really clean logs, free of defects, are seldom found. Figured wood is frequent, much in demand sold as Ice Birch.
Machining:	Birch machines easily and well with all tools. Planed surfaces are very smooth.
Seasoning:	Birch must be dried very carefully and slowly because of its tendency to check and warp.
Finishing:	Because of its texture Birch is very suitable for staining and applying glossy finishes. All usual surface finishes present no difficulty in application.
Jointing:	Birch takes well to glue and the joints hold well. Screw and nail joints should be pre-drilled.

BIRCH

BLACK EUROPEAN WALNUT

Trade Names:	French Walnut, European Walnut, Italian Walnut.
Similar Woods:	Butternut, American Walnut, Boire
Origin:	Europe, Asia.
Range:	Central, Western and Southern Europe, cultivated in Asia Minor, North Africa, North India and China. Most appreciated within Europe is the French Walnut and the Italian Walnut. Due to the severe periods of frost in France in the last ten years a great many of the existing trees were damaged and thus are not longer suitable for the veneer industry. As a result , veneer production has fallen off greatly and good logs can only be obtained in isolated cases. Turkish, Spanish and Caucasian Walnut is available , but no so much in demand because of their highly conspicuous and distinct texture.
Uses:	Sliced veneer and lumber used in high quality architectural woodwork. Only of significance for mass-produced furniture in Southern Europe.
Properties:	The colour is light to dark brown of mouse grey, often with dark growth lines. Certain periods of furniture are firmly associated with the use of this wood (for example , Queen Anne furniture in Great Britain ). The trunks are generally dug out with the roots which are used to produce the choice head veneer.
Machining:	Walnut can be worked with all tools without difficulty. Planed surfaces are very smooth.
Seasoning:	As a rule Walnut can be dried without problems provided that the drying is not hurried.
Finishing:	The decorative pattern is highlighted by silky lustre varnish. This wood is also extremely suitable for polishing.
Jointing:	Glue joints have high tensile strength. Screw joints hold firmly but should be pre-drilled.

BLACK EUROPEAN
WALNUT

CEMBRA PINE

Trade Names:	Cembra Pine, Swiss Pine.
Similar Woods:	Knotty Spruce.
Origin:	Europe.
Range:	Central Europe, especially in the Alps, Southern France, Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria, at altitudes up to about 6,000 feet and in the Carpathean mountains at altitudes up to apx. 8,000 feet. Also in Northern Russia and Siberia.
Uses:	Extremely versatile, for all interior and exterior purposes, for country–style furniture, high quality architectural purposes and exclusive hand worked cabinet making.
Properties:	The wood is light reddish when freshly cut, but quickly changes under the influence of light and air to the colour of common pine. Characteristic are the numerous solid tight knots which do not check when cut. This makes this wood especially suitable for decorative architectural purposes.
Machining:	The very numerous solid tight knots can be easily and cleanly machined. Planed surfaces are smooth and this wood can be turned and carved with no difficulty.
Seasoning:	Drying is very quick without risk of warping or checking. The wood should be dried soon after cutting to prevent blue stain.
Finishing:	Despite high resin content, lacquers and stains take well. In many cases waxed surfaces are given preference since waxing highlights the character of the wood best.
Jointing:	Joints well with glue. Screw and nail joints hold firmly.

CEMBRA PINE

CHESTNUT

Trade Names:	Chestnut, Sweet Chestnut
Similar Woods:	White Oak
Origin:	Europe, Asia.
Range:	Western and Southern Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa. The growing region of this tree, which loves warmth, is about the same as the wine growing area. The Horse Chestnut is another botanical species which only plays a subordinate role in the wood industry.
Uses:	Face veneer, furniture, panelling, stairs, parquet, special wood for shipbuilding and pilings, lumber.
Properties:	The heartwood is yellow to dark brown in colour and is resistant to fungi but not insects. The wood is not resistant to the weather but very durable when placed under water. Due to its slightly murky colouring it is of no great significance in the veneer trade in Europe. Frequently used in Southern Europe (Italy, Spain) for mass-produced furniture.
Machining:	The machining of dry wood presents no special problem. It can be easily planed, profiled and turned.
Seasoning:	Kiln drying should be carried our slowly and carefully. There is a tendency to check and warp when dried with circulating air. Satisfactory drying is only achieved with the greatest of care.
Finishing:	Chestnut is easy to stain and can be treated without any difficulty with all kinds of surface finishes.
Jointing:	Chestnut can be glued without difficulty. Screw and nail joints hold firmly. Discoloration can occur when coming into contact whit metal due to its high content.

CHESTNUT

EUROPEAN CHERRY

Trade Names:	Cherry Tree, European Cherry.
Similar Woods:	Black Cherry, Dutch Elm.
Origin:	Europe and Lower Asia.
Range:	The Cherry used and sought for the wood working industry is not cultivated in the garden but is the wild growing tree occurring in forest stands. It grows generally alone in mixed stands. Since its cultivation was neglected by the German forestry industry during many decades of monoculture in occurs in Germany considerably less than in France.
Uses:	Excellent and very exclusive veneer wood for the furniture industry and interior fixtures. Popular parquetry wood also held in high esteem in the piano industry.
Properties:	Warm, reddish, orange colour and unlike the American Cherry the veneer becomes more and more attractive and warmer in time. Often with slight green streaks. One of the most beautiful known furniture wood species.
Machining:	Cherry can be worked very well and is easily planed, molded and turned, achieving very smooth surfaces.
Seasoning:	Cherry can be easily dried, but drying should not be too fast to avoid losses through warping. Heavily twisted logs should be dried separately.
Finishing:	Because of its texture and pores Cherry is excellently suited for polishing. The surface should be given a slight gloss at least.
Jointing:	Glue joints hold well. Screw joints should be pre-drilled to avoid splitting.

EUROPEAN CHERRY

EUROPEAN LACEWOOD

Trade Names:	Lacewood , Quartered Plane, European Lacewood.
Similar Woods:	Silky Oak.
Origin:	Europe.
Range:	All over Europe with exception for Northern and Northeaster Europe. Grows almost nowhere but alongside roads and in gardens and parks. No forestry cultivation. Lacewood trees often have large diameters.
Uses:	Veneer for production of furniture and architectural purposes. The typical “snakeskin“ marking is brought about by slicing true quarters, where rays are cut at an angle of 180° to produce decorative ellipse-shaped figuring.
Properties:	The heartwood is reddish-grey to brown in colour and changes to a wine-red when steamed. The longer it is steamed, the darker the colour. Colour variations within a log are common and often not to be avoided.
Machining:	Lacewood can be machined well and easily with all tools. Planed surfaces have a beautiful lustre.
Seasoning:	Lacewood dries extremely quickly without any great risk of checking but there is a tendency to warp. However, drying too quickly can lead to honeycombing.
Finishing:	Lacewood can be surface-treated easily and well with no difficulty. Polished surfaces give the best effect due to the texture.
Jointing:	Glue, screw and nail joints are easy to produce and are durable.

EUROPEAN LACEWOOD

EUROPEAN OAK

Trade Names:	European Oak.
Similar Woods:	Chestnut, American White Oak.
Origin:	Europe.
Range:	One of the most frequent species of tree in European forests, occurs mostly as pedunculate of sessile oak. The most well-known locations for high quality veneer oak are the Spessart and Palatinate in Germany and Troncais in France. Oak does not exist in Central and North Scandinavia. Very good girths (diameters from 0.80 m and more) often occur.
Uses:	Sliced veneer for faces, wood for interior fixtures as veneer and as sawn wood for furniture, panelling, parquet and stairs, constructions lumber, fibre and chipboard.
Properties:	The heartwood is light brown to yellow brown and darkens later. Narrow-ringed, i.e. close-grown, very light-coloured wood is given preference for veneer. Winter felling and intensive log protection are necessary. For a long time it was the most important veneer wood in Germany and even today veneer production is unthinkable without it. Blue stain occurs in wet wood upon contact with metal.
Machining:	Despite is hardness Oak can be well machined with all tools. Planed surfaces are very smooth. Good results can be achieved when moulding and turning.
Seasoning:	Drying Oak is an extremely slow process. There is a strong tendency for Oak towards surface checking and inner case-hardening. Satisfactory drying can only be ensured by taking the greatest of care.
Finishing:	Oak takes all surface finishes well and treatment presents no problems.
Jointing:	Glue joints are strong and durable. Screw and nail joints hold firmly but discoloration in the wood can be caused through the effects of moisture.

EUROPEAN OAK

EUROPEAN SYCAMORE

Trade Names:	Sycamore, European Sycamore.
Similar Woods:	White Beech, Hard Maple.
Origin:	Central Europe, Atlantic coast to the Ukraine.
Range:	Frequently found in Central Europe. Most interesting growing area for the veneer industry is Western Europe. The special “figured” Sycamore is to be found in Great Britain to the great-east extent. Black pin knots occur frequently; These are so hard they can damage the knife causing scratches. This is why such pin knots are drilled out during veneer production.
Uses:	High quality veneer for architectural and furniture purposes. Generally used for all wood products where particular importance is attached to the white colour. Very popular for solid tables in pubs, also for sports equipment and tool handles.
Properties:	The wood is almost white. The veneer must be dried soon after slicing otherwise it will turn yellow infer the influence of light and air. Heart discoloration is possible but since the logs normally have large diameters this in not such a problem. Worse is the tendency of the annual rings to develop green stripe in certain growing areas.
Machining:	The wood can be machined well and easily machined with all tools although higher power is required due to its hardness. Planed surfaces are very smooth.
Seasoning:	Extra care must be taken during drying since the wood tends to check and warp very easily. Colour changes can occur if dried improperly.
Finishing:	Sycamore is excellently suited for polishing and staining. Varnishes resistant to UV rays are recommended to prevent premature yellowing.
Jointing:	Joints are easily produced with glue, screws, and nails and are very durable. Pre-drilling is recommended when using screws.

EUROPEAN SYCAMORE

FIGURED SYCAMORE

Trade Names:	Figured Sycamore
Similar Woods:	Figured Aniegrè
Origin:	Europe.
Range:	Sycamore is to be found all over Europe but very seldom as Figured Sycamore which occurs most frequently in England. The wood fibres are wavy which gives this species of wood its typical pattern.
Uses:	Logs free of defects are used for the production of exclusive veneers. Figured Sycamore veneers are mostly produced for the American and Asian markets as neither the European furniture trade nor the end users of that region accept the figured effect at the moment. Short lengths are sold as so-called “Fiddleback wood“ to musical instruments makers (for string instruments).
Properties:	This almost white wood yellows under the influence of light and air if the veneers are not dried quickly enough. Heart discoloration is possible but since the logs normally have large diameters this is not such a problem. Worse is the tendency of annual rings to develop green stripe in certain growing areas.
Machining:	Machining is difficult , mainly because of the figure. A slower rate of feed and sharp tools are indispensable to prevent the surface grain from getting torn. It is very difficult to produce profiles in particular. Surface burns can occur if the feed speed is too slow. /td>
Seasoning:	The wood has a great tendency to check and warp. Colour changes can occur if dried improperly.
Finishing:	Figured Sycamore is excellently suited for polishing and staining. Varnishes resistant to UV rays are recommended to prevent premature yellowing.
Jointing:	Joints are easily produced with glue, screws, and nails and are very durable. Pre-drilling is recommended when using screws.

FIGURED SYCAMORE

LARCH

OLIVE ASH

Trade Names:	Olive Ash.
Similar Woods:	Olive.
Origin:	Europe.
Range:	Area of distribution (see: European Ash). As far as Olive Ash is concerned this is not a botanical species in its own right. The name refers only to the colouring of the wood. If the tree develops a heart, it is not shaped the normal way but shows as dark brown stripes alternating with the yellowish-white stripes of the other zones. This makes the wood decorative in character, particularly when the stripes are very regular.
Uses:	Decorative veneer for interiors.
Properties:	Extremely decorative as a result of the change between dark and white annual ring zones. Not to be mistaken for the Olive Ash having no white annual ring zones.
Machining:	Ash can be easily well worked with all tools. Coarse grown logs tend to split down on planed edges. Surfaces turn out very smooth.
Seasoning:	Drying should be carried out at moderate temperatures and not too quickly. There is only a slight tendency to warp. Surface checking is a very seldom occurrence.
Finishing:	Ash is suitable for all kinds of surface finishes, above all for coloured stains which cause no problems in their use.
Jointing:	Glue is well taken by Ash and provides very durable joints. Pre-drilled screw joints hold well.

OLIVE ASH

PINE

Trade Names:	Pine, Common Pine
Similar Woods:	All Pine species.
Origin:	Central, Northern and Eastern Europe.
Range:	Pine is the most common species of tree in the world. Its subspecies are found from the Arctic Circle to the mountain regions in the tropics. Most used species for the production of veneer in Central Europe are the Common Pine (pinus sylvestris) and in the Southern Europe the Maritime Pine ( pinus pinaster ). Known as veneer wood in the USA are primarily the Carolina Pine (either pinus echinata or pinus taeda) or the Oregon Pine (trade name for Douglas Fir, although not actually a Pine species).
Uses:	Sliced and peeled veneer. It is also used for doors, parquet, panelling and lining. Popular as solid wood for country-style furniture and rooms as well as for Scandinavian-style furniture.
Properties:	The heartwood is reddish-yellow to brownish-red and darkens in time. Typical for the wood are irregular annual rings and pressure wood.
Machining:	Working Pine by hand or machine presents no problem. It is easy and clean to work with all tools and its surface is unusually smooth for a soft wood.
Seasoning:	Dries rapidly without any problems. There is only a slight tendency toward checking and warping. Pine sapwood is very susceptible to blue stain and sufficient air circulation must always be ensured .
Finishing:	Due to the resin content surface treatment is slightly limited. To be recommended are open pore varnishes or washing out the resin with wood soap.
Jointing:	Pine is well suited for any type of joint, with adequate tightening strength.

PINE

SPRUCE

Trade Names:	Spruce.
Similar Woods:	Fir.
Origin:	Central Europe.
Range:	Widespread over Central, Northern and Northeaster Europe above latitude 69°, north of the Pyrenees to Russia and Scandinavia.
Uses:	Without a doubt Spruce is one of the most exploited woods and is used for all interior and exterior purposes. Used as engineering, construction and mining wood and in joineries, as well as for overhead line masts and in the production of plywood. Spruce is mainly used in the furniture and door sectors of the veneer industry (country-style furniture of rustic design).Pitch pockets and heart streaks are a problem when slicing.
Properties:	It is hard to differentiate between the sapwood and the heartwood. There is no heart colouring. The wood is of a light yellowish-brown colour and often almost white without particular markings. Annual rings, however, are very distinct due to the difference between the light early and dark late wood. Spruce is very susceptible to insect attack. The wood is soft and very light-weight.
Machining:	Working by hand or machine presents no problem. To get planed surfaces very smooth they must be sanded.
Seasoning:	Spruce can be dried easily and quickly without any checking or warping. However, the latter can occur if the wood is stored too long.
Finishing:	Surface treatment gives good results with all usual finishes but the resin should be removed first in order not to endanger the acceptance of the surface finish.
Jointing:	Glue, screw and nail joints can easily be made and hold well.

SPRUCE

SWISS PEAR

Trade Names:	Swiss Pear, Common Pear, Wild Service Tree, Sorb Tree
Similar Woods:	Steamed Hard Maple
Origin:	Europe.
Range:	Swiss Pear is a trade name for the Wild Service Tree, Sorb and Common Pear species which cannot be differentiated as wood. The Wild Service Tree is the most frequently used type of wood, Sorb and Pear being less common. The majority of the wood worked today comes from France but it also occurs in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Due to strong demand early in the nineties in relation to the low occurrence of this species, the prices for logs have exploded so that Pear belongs to the most expensive species in the world.
Uses:	Over the last five years Pear has become one of the most demanded veneer species in Europe. Used for bedroom furniture, living-room furniture , paneling and office furniture. Also used for highest quality interior fixtures for banks , insurances and other representative buildings.
Properties:	Very elegant wood. Unsteamed the wood is white. The warm reddish tone is only achieved by steaming. Many trunks develop brown heart and as a result fail to qualify for exclusive veneer. The development of fine hairs as just as frequent as the figuring which gives the veneer life but unfortunately these still are not sufficiently accepted.
Machining:	Pear is easy to machine with all tools.
Seasoning:	Drying is a very slow process and should be carried out with great care.
Finishing:	Pear takes any kind of surface finish well. Due to its plain texture it should be given a glossy or even polished finish.
Jointing:	Gluing pear presents no difficulties. Screws and nails hold firmly but should be pre-drilled.

SWISS PEAR

WHITE ASH

Trade Names:	European Ash, White Ash.
Similar Woods:	Sen, Japanese Ash, Sassafras.
Origin:	Europe.
Range:	Throughout Europe and parts of Southwest Asia at altitudes up to approx. 1300 m above sea level. The best growing areas for the veneer industry are found especially in France and to some extent in Germany. Much sought after are logs without or with a small brown heart because only the “natural” white ash or lightly stained colours are considered to be high quality furniture wood. Brown heart veneers are stained dark and are used as interior veneers.
Uses:	Good veneer wood for furniture and interior decorating. Logs having an olive-colored heart (“Olive Ash”) as well as Ash burls are in specially high demand as Olive Ash. Also used as wood for sports equipment (parallel bars, etc. due to its high bending strength), gun stocks, tool handles and grips.
Properties:	It is hard to differentiate between sapwood and heartwood. In aging, however, there is pronounced darkening of the heart-wood with varying diameters down the lengths of the logs. Dark patches can occur as well as frequent figuring.
Machining:	Ash can be easily machined with all tools. The planed edges of fast grown coarse wood tend to break away. The surfaces are very smooth
Seasoning:	The wood is to be dried at a moderate temperature and not too quickly. There is only a slight tendency to warp. Surface checking is extremely rare.
Finishing:	Ash is suitable for all types of surface finishes and colored stains are used in particular.
Jointing:	Glue is readily accepted by Ash and provides very durable joints. Pre-drilled screw joints hold well.

WHITE ASH

WHITE EUROPEAN WALNUT

Trade Names:	French Walnut, European Walnut, Italian Walnut.
Similar Woods:	Butternut, American Walnut, Boire.
Origin:	Europe, Asia.
Range:	Central, Western and Southern Europe, cultivated in Asia Minor, North Africa, North India and China. Most appreciated within Europe is the French Walnut and the Italian Walnut. Due to the severe periods of frost in France in the last ten years a great many of the existing trees were damaged and thus are not longer suitable for the veneer industry. As a result, veneer production has fallen off greatly and good logs can only be obtained in isolated cases. Turkish, Spanish and Caucasian Walnut is available , but no so much in demand because of their highly conspicuous and distinct texture.
Uses:	Sliced veneer and lumber used in high quality architectural woodwork. Only of significance for mass-produced furniture in Southern Europe.
Properties:	The colour is light to dark brown of mouse grey, often with dark growth lines. Certain periods of furniture are firmly associated with the use of this wood (for example, Queen Anne furniture in Great Britain). The trunks are generally dug out with the roots which are used to produce the choice head veneer.
Machining:	Walnut can be worked with all tools without difficulty. Planed surfaces are very smooth.
Seasoning:	As a rule Walnut can be dried without problems provided that the drying is not hurried.
Finishing:	The decorative pattern is highlighted by silky lustre varnish. This wood is also extremely suitable for polishing.
Jointing:	Glue joints have high tensile strength. Screw joints hold firmly but should be pre-drilled.

WHITE EUROPEAN
WALNUT

white spruce

Trade Names:	Spruce.
Similar Woods:	Fir.
Origin:	Central Europe.
Range:	Widespread over Central, Northern and Northeaster Europe above latitude 69°, north of the Pyrenees to Russia and Scandinavia.
Uses:	Without a doubt Spruce is one of the most exploited woods and is used for all interior and exterior purposes. Used as engineering, construction and mining wood and in joineries, as well as for overhead line masts and in the production of plywood. Spruce is mainly used in the furniture and door sectors of the veneer industry (country-style furniture of rustic design).Pitch pockets and heart streaks are a problem when slicing.
Properties:	It is hard to differentiate between the sapwood and the heartwood. There is no heart colouring. The wood is of a light yellowish-brown colour and often almost white without particular markings. Annual rings, however, are very distinct due to the difference between the light early and dark late wood. Spruce is very susceptible to insect attack. The wood is soft and very light-weight.
Machining:	Working by hand or machine presents no problem. To get planed surfaces very smooth they must be sanded.
Seasoning:	Spruce can be dried easily and quickly without any checking or warping. However, the latter can occur if the wood is stored too long.
Finishing:	Surface treatment gives good results with all usual finishes but the resin should be removed first in order not to endanger the acceptance of the surface finish.
Jointing:	Glue, screw and nail joints can easily be made and hold well.

white spruce

YEW TREE

Trade Names:	Yew tree, Yew.
Similar Woods:	-----
Origin:	Europe.
Range:	Throughout Europe up to latitude 60° north. Especially in England it has been cultivated for centuries because of its significance fro making bow staves and as a protective tree for small game. This is why there are still large stands in England today and the reason for the country being the main supplier of yew logs. Because of its small dimensions and being very susceptible to defects such as knots, inner checking and calcareous deposits, wood suitable for slicing is very rare and correspondingly expensive. In Germany Yew is protected by preservation rights. Largest known occurrence is in the municipal forest of Bansa Bystrizia (CSFR) with apx. 300,000 trees. All components of the tree are poisonous except for its red fruit cups. The bark of the taxus brevifolia ( USA) is said to heal cancer.
Uses:	A very good and expensive veneer wood. Decorative and exclusive furniture often in the English style. Seldom possible to find clean, large surface veneer and thus often used as inlays to upgrade the value of furniture. Ideal wood also for high quality turneries and wood carvings.
Properties:	Sapwood and heartwood are clearly defined. The heartwood is brownish, red-brown to orange–brown. Required in the veneer is so-called pepper. These are tiny dots in the veneer arranged in a pattern, ideally in clusters. The annual rings are very narrow and occur as broad and deep, dark annual zones.
Machining:	Yew can be easily and well machined with all tools. Planed surfaces are very smooth.
Seasoning:	Due to its low shrinkage, Yew can be dried relatively free of tension.
Finishing:	Surface treatment take well.
Jointing:	Screw and nail joints hold well. Glue is only accepted to a certain degree on account of oily substances contained in the wood.

YEW TREE