Is cottonwood bark technically wood?

[K Karver]

This house is done in a piece of cottonwood bark that is very dense. The tight grain made the wood very heavy. (That last sentence brings a thought to mind - is the bark of the tree technically wood Question) The tight grain also gives a great look to the piece when sprayed with Deft. No stains or other paints used.

John K Karver
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[brian-bailey]

Is bark technically wood? Technically, No.

Below is a link that explains the difference between bark and wood.

http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fp...tr113/ch02.pdf

[Dagwood]

well my first thought was yes, untill i went to the link above.
bark is still a great medium to carve in, and im impressed to see the many things created in it. great question great carving

[K Karver]

Good source, Brian. Thanks.

John K Karver

Originally Posted by brian bailey

Is bark technically wood? Technically, No.

Below is a link that explains the difference between bark and wood.

http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fp...tr113/ch02.pdf

[brian-bailey]

You're welcome, John. I hope the link answered your question.

I see that the link doesn't tell the title of the book. In case anyone is wondering, it's Chapter 2 of the "Wood Handbook".

It is one of my go to sources whenever I need to know something about wood.

Here is a link to the whole book.

Forest Products Laboratory -- Forest Service -- USDA


Your wonderful bark carvings have inspired me to try carving some bark too.

In the past, I've only considered bark as a hinderance to sawing logs up into lumber with my sawmill.

[K Karver]

Thanks for the added info on the book. I did look for a title.

Glad the carvings could cause you to take a second look at bark. What is the size of a cottonwood in W. NY? I am held captive to Eastern Cottonwood - -3 inches thick because it is the wood of IL. I do have a few pieces of MN bark that are 6-8 inches thick. It would be nice to get more. I have always promised myself a trip into MN to find my own. When I do I am going to get enough for a life time. (That is, for however long the Lord keeps me here and lets me whittle and fiddle.)

John K Karver

[brian-bailey]

I haven't seen any Cottonwood bark much over 2" thick in my area.

I have some growing on my property, I think I'll go knock a piece off and give it a try.

We definitely don't have anything like Vic Hood carved in his book.