Since it was first issued in 1935 the Wood Handbook, developed by scientists at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin has served as the preeminent source of information on wood and wood products. This 1999 edition of the Wood Handbook reflects a complete revision of the last edition published in 1987, and presents many new chapters on new products and processes. Subjects covered in this 428-page handbook include 1) basic wood and wood product characteristics and properties, 2) various wood manufacturing processes, 3) processes to enhance the performance of wood products, 4) structural design information, and 5) specifications and rules for the proper use of wood products. The Wood Handbook contains nearly 200 figures and over 100 tables.

Forest Products Laboratory