Wood Species

are loosely used to describe similar properties of

wood. Grain is often used in reference to annual

growth rings, as in “fine” or “coarse” grain; it also is

used to indicate the direction of fibers, as in straight,

spiral and curly grain. The direction of the grain, as

well as the amount of figuring in the wood, can affect

the way it is sanded and sawed.

Grain also is described as being either “open” or

“closed,” referring to the relative size of the pores, which

affects the way a wood accepts stain and finishes.