WOOD! Identifying and Using Hundreds of Woods Worldwide - Practical

In this review of WOOD! Identifying and Using Hundreds of Woods Worldwide, the bottom line is simple: this book is for woodworkers, makers, and hobbyists who need a practical, well-illustrated reference that bridges craft knowledge and scientific detail. Eric Meier has produced a single-volume guide that prioritizes readability and useful identification data over dense academic jargon, making it the most valuable field and bench companion for anyone who wants clear guidance on distinguishing species and understanding basic strength and appearance.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage: Over 350 woods are covered, giving readers an exceptionally broad reference for common and obscure species.
• Full-page profiles: More than 100 full-page profiles provide detailed photography and readable notes for easy side-by-side comparison.
• Concise half-page entries: 100+ half-page profiles allow quick lookup of less-common woods without overwhelming the reader.
• Identification guides: Practical guidance for distinguishing lookalike woods helps users avoid costly mistakes when buying or salvaging lumber.
• Balanced approach: Written from a craftspersons perspective while bringing in scientific data where it matters, making technical information accessible and usable.

Who It's For

Woodworkers, luthiers, furniture makers, and wood educators will find this book especially useful as a workshop reference and teaching aid, because it pairs strong photography with clear identification notes and practical strength-related comments. The readable layout and selection of common and unusual species make it a good fit for people who value both visual confirmation and usable facts.

Those seeking deep academic wood anatomy, exhaustive microscopic detail, or highly technical laboratory data should look elsewhere; this volume favors practical identification and applied knowledge over microscope-heavy, purely scientific texts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extensive species coverage provides a single go-to resource for many woods hobbyists encounter.
• Strong photography and layout make visual identification straightforward for non-experts.
• Readable writing style brings scientific information into practical reach for craftspersons.

Cons

• Not a substitute for specialized scientific texts if the reader needs microscopic or highly technical data.

Specifications

Our Verdict

WOOD! is a well-balanced, practical reference that serves woodworkers and makers who want authoritative identification and good photography without being buried in academic detail. Its broad species coverage and approachable presentation make it strong value for anyone building a workshop library or needing a reliable field guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many woods are covered?
The book covers over 350 woods with more than 200 detailed profiles divided between full- and half-page entries.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, the readable writing and strong photos make it accessible to beginners while still useful to experienced woodworkers.

Does it include microscopic anatomy?
It includes usable scientific data but is not a microscope-focused academic text; it emphasizes practical identification.