Boxwood

Box has been widely used as a landscape tree as far back as Biblical times because it is ideal for the art of topiary. Despite its small stature, box produces extremely dense wood that is so heavy it hardly floats. Its average weight is 57 pounds per cubic foot, but the wood can vary from 52 to 71 pounds per cubic foot.

Box or boxwood as it is also known, is a favorite with woodcarvers because it takes fine detail. In medieval days, box was used to make intricate formers. The formers were then used to beat out the delicate artwork in gold and silver.

In 15th century Europe, boxwood was widely used for engraving and printing. It was also believed to be the best wood for making molds since it could be intricately carved and would retain the details of the design.

Another"classic" use for boxwood is the carpenter's rule or the boxwood rule. It is still used for measuring instruments, rulers and engraving. It is still the preferred substance for dressing lead -- that is, beating it into awkward shapes that are used in roof work and details. It remains a popular choice for wood sculptures and carvings, inlay wood and banding. Boxwood is also used in reproduction furnishings and to repair antiques.

Box is a light-colored wood ranging from a pale orange to yellow. It is sometimes straight grained but more often it has an irregular grain. Experts recommend soaking box billets in a solution of table salt or urea prior to drying. End coatings should be applied to prevent splitting. For best results in drying, billets should be cut into half-rounds and covered.

Boxwood is a very heavy, dense wood. Steam bending properties rated good. High stiffness, good crushing strength. Good resistance to shock loads. Seasoning can be difficult -- wood dries very slowly and with surface checking. Severe end splitting can be a problem when dried in the round. Experts recommend end coatings. Often cut in billet form. Cutting resistance high. Wood can be hard to work and gives moderate blunting effect on cutting surfaces. Pre-boring recommended for nailing. Wood stains, glues and finishes well.