by Professor Gene Wengert
Q.
I have some cottonwood which supposedly came from Arkansas. I would like to build some bookcases out of it. Is this practical? How stable is it and how does it take stain?
A.
If the cottonwood is dried correctly (6 to 8% MC) it is a good material to use for lightweight book shelves and cases. However, for a heavy load, the shelves will sag quite a bit. It glues very well, but you might have to use more nails/screws or larger nails/screws to get the required holding power. The wood takes stain fairly well, with a little blotchiness at times. It can be stained to look very close to cherry or walnut--only an expert will know... Avoid the stained or brown colored wood. Overall, cottonwood is underrated; it is a very good wood.
Professor Gene Wengert is Extension Specialist in Wood Processing at the Department of Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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