Apple (Pyrus malus)

Apple tree

Family: Rose (Ros­acae)

Common Names: Ap­ple­tree, Ap­ple­wood.

Probably the most familiar fruit tree in the Northern temperate zone, apple trees are ubiquitous in the United States. The tree is more noted for its fruit, for which it is widely cultivated, than its wood. The half-oval shape of the mature tree is immediately identifiable by every kid who ever had a hunger for a freshly picked apple.

The wood is typically used as firewood and in making charcoal. Rarely used as a cabinet wood. However the color and figure does result in striking cabinets if its wild grain can be stabilized to eliminate warping. Its normal use in furniture- or cabinetmaking is usually limited to small trim pieces in which warping is minimal.

Apple wood is white to brown, often with a slight green cast similar to poplar.

Heart­wood can vary from a light reddish or grayish brown to a deeper red/brown. Sap­wood is a pale cream color.

Grain is usually straight, ith a very fine, uniform texture, closely resembling Cherry. It is sometimes seen with streaks of darker and lighter bands of color, similar to Olive.

However, grain in some sections of the tree can be wild and swirly, which gives it an interesting appearance but leads to a lot of warp and difficulty when cutting or machining.