All woodworkers need to know how wood behaves in order to be able to use it successfully. This is a practical and comprehensive guide to the properties and characteristics of wood, showing how to use wood to its best advantage, taking into account the various defects that can occur in the living tree and in processed timber. The book describes the sources of wood, panel products and veneers, and includes the most up-to-date information, as well as providing details of over 100 species of hard and soft wood timbers, with a colour section identifying some of the more common species. Practical advice is offered on seasoning and storage, glues, sanding, finishing and wood preservatives, and demonstrates the effects that can be achieved in furniture making.