Apple

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Pommier (French), Apfel (German). The Wood Of Crab Apple (Various Malus Spp.) Is Very Similiard

Durability Notes:
Apple wood is non durable. It is perishable and should only be considered for internal use.

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Apple is dependant on a number of factors; the speed in which it is processed after felling and logging, the method of drying and the specific kilns or location (if air dried). Generally the care taken by those processing the wood will have an impact on its drying and seasoning. As an overview; Apple - can be challenging to season. Apple dries slowly and may distort during air-drying. Apple can be kiln-dried successfully with little impact on the grade and quality of the wood. Movement in service is small. Please note that all wood is liable to move when in service plus there can be dimensional change. The extent of this will depend on; the stability of the species itself, the conditions it is exposed to, the coating, decoration and protection. You will find more information about the suitability of this wood, for any proposed application, by using our interactive system and the filters shown.

Properties:
Apple does not bend well due to its brittleness. Apple is of tolerable strength, dense and heavy and has a tolerable blunting effect. Straightforward to work with both hand and machine tools, it saws well and can be brought to a very good finish.

Typical Uses:
Furniture, Flooring, Cabinets, Musical instruments, Carvings, Interior trim, Turnery, Joinery.

Moisture Content:
Guide - 10-18% for KD (+/- 2%)

Commonly asked questions about Apple Wood

Is Apple a hardwood or a softwood? Apple is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Apple hardwood or softwood? - Apple is a hardwood.

Most groups/families of species share the same characteristics but this normally relates to their life as plants. Individual species do not always share the same characteristics as their relatives, in terms of the wood. Many factors influence how we use the wood and what we use it for, including where it grows, how it is forested, how it seasons/dries, etc. The answers to the following common questions, therefore relate to this particular species/wood and not the Apple family as a whole. Even more specific – our answers relate to the wood (as we know it) in its form as a useable resource.

What colour is Apple? Apple can be described as brown, light brown

Is Apple good for outdoor use? or is Apple good for exterior use? Apple is most suited for internal/interior use. Apple should not be used as an exterior/external timber (without treatment).

Whether the wood is naturally durable or not we would still recommend that it is decorated and/or coated with a suitable product to provide protection and/or maintain its appearance. This even applies when using the wood internally as, even subtle, changes in temperature or humidity will affect the wood. This will depend on the application/purpose of the wood and the user’s desired appearance. We also recommend that a recoating, care and maintenance programme is adhered to, for the life of an exterior wood. Wood cannot rot if it is kept dry – coatings and decoration can provide this protection. All of that said there are many durable timbers that are often left to weather naturally and will last for many years untreated/coated – movement and visual changes will occur but this is sometimes the desired effect. All wood is hygroscopic (it 'wants' to be in tune with its environment) it will therefore take on water from moisture in the air (or when directly exposed to or submerged in water) and ‘release it’ when dry or exposed to heat. This, inevitably, results in movement and dimensional change. For more about moisture in wood please click here - Moisture in wood