Open/closed grain
The nature of the grain is designated by the abbreviation C or O.
- Ash, white, O
- Beech, German, C
- Beech, American, C
- Cherry, American, C
- Oak, red, northern USA, O
- Oak, white, American, O
- Walnut, American, O
- Maple, Sugar (Hard), O
Eveness of color
The higher the number, the more even is the color of the wood. The highest value is 10. |
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Surface preparation
The numbers indicate whether the wood is easy, moderately difficult or
difficult to seal. Woods with a value of 10 are easiest to seal and
therefore the most versatile. |
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Sanding/polishing
The number 10 is the highest valuation, a figure of 5 is acceptable. |
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Susceptibility to knocks
Based on yellow birch as the standard (100). All woods used for the
tests had a moisture content of 12 %. The values were determined by the
impact of a 50-pound hammer. |
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Contemporary aesthetics
A cross-section of the subjective opinions of designers and specialists
when a comparison with the most visually appealing wood is made – in
accordance with contemporary tastes. |
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Degree of hardness
Measured according to the Janka scale. Beech is harder than red oak, American cherry or birch. |
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