High elasticity and durability of hazelnut wood can help manufacturers to use it for a variety of woodworking projects.
From many years ago, it’s been highly prized in different parts of Europe for its unique characteristics
Traditionally, hazelnut wood can be used for producing woven baskets and walking sticks.
They are also suitable for fencing and wattle. Furthermore, it is possible to use it as a natural resource and a suitable substitute for common fuels.
Due to its popularity and importance, today, we want to talk about hazelnut tree and its characteristics.
If you are interested in knowing more about this beneficial and unique tree, we’ll give you a brief information.
To know more about its fruit or wood, let’s have a quick look at hazelnut tree and its yield:
Hazelnut tree characteristics
Hazelnut can grow to become a small tree or can be found in large shrubs. It is a versatile plant with vibrant colors.
So, as a gardener, you can expect hazel tree to bring a unique seasonal color to your garden.
Each year, the male part of hazelnut tree begins to appear in the second month of winter. They can produce pollen for honey bees.
It happens before the tree blooms and bring forth its leaves.
The fruits of this plant are known as edible nuts. People in many parts of globe have used them in their diet for centuries.
Why?
Because, it is packed with vitamins and many micronutrients. They are also full of omega 6 and 9 that are two important fatty acids.
read more: Furring Strips
Hazel, or Corylus avellana, is a type of shrub or small tree that belongs to the genus Corylus. While hazel is primarily known for its nuts (hazelnuts), the wood of the hazel tree can also be utilized in woodworking projects, although it is not as commonly used as some other hardwoods.
Why is hazelnut wood important?
Hazel tree can grow more than 4 meters. It can even reach a height of 8 meter. On the other hand, it can grow very wide. This is one of the most important characteristics of the plant.
As we mentioned above, many people use this nut in their diet to enjoy its valuable nutrition. But, the wood of hazelnut tree is another part of plant that is important for human.
Because, if you let the tree to grow wide, it can become a large shrub. In some growing conditions, this shrub will extend up to 8 meters wide.
This means that it can be a source of wood for harvesting.
In fact, hazel can be coppiced that means the wood of the tree and shrubs can be used for several applications in woodworking projects.
Note: As a gardener or a person who want to grow hazel, it is necessary to give enough space to the plant to grow.
How much hazelnut wood can we harvest from the tree?
One of the most important questions about hazel nut tree is about the amount of yield that can be harvested from the plant.
We cannot give an exact answer. Because, different growing conditions may give us different amount of hazel wood.
But, approximately, if you plant 150 plants in 10000 square meters, it is possible to harvest nearly 2 tons of hazel nut wood from all the trees.
It is important to note that harvesting woods from hazel tree can be done in specific cycles.
hazelnut wood uses
Hazelnut wood can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Furniture making: Hazelnut wood has a warm and rich color and can be used to make beautiful and durable furniture.
- Smoking and grilling: Hazelnut wood is a popular choice for smoking and grilling food. The wood imparts a sweet and nutty flavor to meats, poultry, and fish.
- Tool handles: Hazelnut wood is strong and durable, making it an ideal choice for tool handles such as hammers, axes, and shovels.
- Crafts: Hazelnut wood is a popular choice for crafting. It can be carved, turned, and used for various decorative objects like bowls, sculptures, and vases.
- Firewood: Hazelnut wood makes good firewood, burning hot and leaving behind minimal ash.
- Walking sticks and canes: Hazelnut wood is lightweight and strong, making it a good choice for making walking sticks and canes. It is also flexible, which can provide some shock absorption when used for walking.
Overall, hazelnut wood is versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes.
read more: Aspen Wood
Is it possible to harvest hazelnut woods regularly?
As hazel tree regenerate fast enough to become a wide and tall plant, it is possible to harvest its wood on a regular basis. The woods can be harvested in special seasons.
What are the characteristics of hazelnut wood?
Durability
We admire mahogany, oak, acacia, and other types of woods for their durability.
Hazelnut wood is also considered as one of durable woods that can last for 10 years in several applications like making baskets.
read more: Olive Wood
Elasticity
Elasticity of hazelnut wood in another reason for its use in making wooden products.
Why do we admire hazelnut plant?
It is not just the valuable fruits of this plant that we admire. We need to admire its wood as a valuable type of wood for several usages.
Can wood burners use hazelnut wood?
Yes. Hazel wood is a good choice for wood burners who are looking to use a natural and good fuel to make fire.
Hazelnut wood in myth
In the myths, warriors who weave hazel wood into head pieces can protect themselves against evils.
Back in the time, in the ancient Greek, this was a myth that many people believed in.
It is not just for Greeks to have myth about hazel nut, in Ireland, there was another folklore considering hazelnut as a symbol of wisdom.
Hazelnut wood for woodworking
Hazelnut wood is a hardwood that can be used for woodworking. It is often used in furniture making, cabinetry, and turning projects.
The wood is typically straight-grained and has a fine texture, making it easy to work with hand and power tools. It also has a high density, which gives it good durability and resistance to wear and tear.
However, hazelnut wood is not as widely available as other hardwoods, such as oak or maple, and can be more expensive. It is also not as strong as some other hardwoods, so it may not be suitable for projects that require a high level of structural integrity.
Overall, hazelnut wood can be a good choice for woodworking projects that require a hardwood with a fine texture and good durability, but its availability and cost may make it less practical for some projects.
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hazelnut wood furniture
Hazelnut wood can be a good choice for furniture making. Its fine texture and straight grain make it easy to work with, and it has a warm, natural appearance that can add character to any piece.
Hazelnut wood can be used to make a variety of furniture pieces, including tables, chairs, cabinets, and shelves. Its high density gives it good durability and resistance to wear and tear, making it a good choice for furniture that will be used frequently.
One thing to keep in mind when using hazelnut wood for furniture is that it is not as strong as some other hardwoods, so it may not be suitable for large, heavy pieces or pieces that will be subjected to a lot of stress.
Overall, hazelnut wood can be a good choice for furniture making, particularly for pieces that require a fine texture and warm appearance. As with any woodworking project, it’s important to choose the right wood for the job and to take into account the wood’s properties when designing and building the piece.
read more: Padauk Wood
What does hazel wood smell like?
Hazel wood does not have a distinct or strong smell. Unlike some other woods that have distinct aromatic or fragrant characteristics, hazel wood is generally considered to be odorless or very mildly scented. The natural scent of hazel wood is subtle and not particularly noticeable unless it has been freshly cut or worked with. Even then, any aroma is typically very faint and not easily identifiable.
It is worth noting that the smell of wood can vary slightly depending on factors such as the specific species, age of the wood, and environmental conditions.
hazelnut wood texture
Hazelnut wood has a fine texture that is often described as smooth and even. The wood is typically straight-grained, meaning that the wood fibers run parallel to each other, which can give the wood a uniform appearance.
The texture of hazelnut wood can vary somewhat depending on the specific tree it comes from and the way it is cut and finished. However, in general, hazelnut wood has a relatively uniform and consistent texture that is prized by woodworkers for its ease of use and aesthetic appeal.
The fine texture of hazelnut wood can make it a good choice for furniture making and other woodworking projects where a smooth, even appearance is desired. The wood can be sanded and finished to a high degree of smoothness, which can enhance its natural beauty and make it a pleasure to work with.
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hazel timber supplies
Hazel timber supplies may be available from specialty lumber suppliers, sawmills, or woodworkers who specialize in hazelnut wood. However, the availability of hazel timber can be limited in some regions, and it may not be as widely available as other hardwoods like oak or maple.
If you are looking for hazel timber supplies, it may be helpful to search online for suppliers in your area or to reach out to local woodworking associations or groups for recommendations. You could also consider contacting hazelnut farmers or nurseries in your area, as they may have access to hazel timber or be able to point you in the direction of a supplier.
When selecting hazel timber, it’s important to choose high-quality wood that is free from defects or damage. Look for straight-grained wood with a consistent texture and color, and avoid pieces that have knots, cracks, or other signs of damage.
Overall, hazel timber can be a beautiful and unique choice for woodworking projects, but its availability may be limited and it may be more expensive than other hardwoods. Be prepared to do some research and possibly pay a premium for this unique and desirable wood.
read more: What Is Wooden Joints? Its Types
The color of hazelnut wood
One of the main characteristics of this wood is its nutty brown color with a medium tone.
So, it pairs with finish that has deeper brown tones.
read more: What Wood Is Common In Germany
hazelnut wood vs walnut
Hazelnut wood and walnut wood are both popular choices for woodworking due to their unique characteristics and qualities. Here’s a comparison between hazelnut wood and walnut wood:
- Color and Appearance: Hazelnut wood tends to have a light to medium brown color with subtle variations. It can sometimes exhibit reddish or yellowish tones. Walnut wood, on the other hand, is known for its rich, dark brown color, often with darker streaks or swirls. It has a distinct and luxurious appearance.
- Grain Pattern: Hazelnut wood typically has a straight or slightly wavy grain pattern. It can have a fine to medium texture. Walnut wood is known for its pronounced and attractive grain pattern. It often features a straight grain, but it can also exhibit curly, burl, or figured patterns, adding depth and visual interest.
- Hardness and Durability: Both hazelnut wood and walnut wood are considered to be relatively hard and durable. However, walnut wood is generally denser and harder than hazelnut wood. It is known for its excellent dimensional stability and resistance to warping or shrinking. Walnut wood is also more resistant to decay and insect infestation.
- Workability: Hazelnut wood is relatively easy to work with hand or power tools. It has good workability, allowing for cutting, shaping, and carving. Walnut wood is also known for its excellent workability. It is easy to cut, shape, and sand, making it popular among woodworkers.
- Uses: Both hazelnut wood and walnut wood have various applications in woodworking:
- Hazelnut wood: Due to its lighter color and more subtle grain pattern, hazelnut wood is often used for smaller woodworking projects, such as turning, carving, and decorative crafts. It can also be used for veneers, inlays, or small furniture pieces.
- Walnut wood: Walnut wood is highly valued for its beauty and versatility. It is commonly used in high-end furniture making, cabinetry, flooring, paneling, and musical instruments. It is also sought after for decorative veneers and architectural millwork.
read more: Baubuche Timber
Disadvantages of hazelnuts wood
One of the most important disadvantages of hazelnut wood is that it has caused allergic reactions in some people. The wood of the hazelnut tree is not durable and is highly sensitive to decay and insect infestation. This feature makes it not suitable for applications that require long-term durability.
such as outdoor furniture or outdoor flooringIf the hazelnut wood is exposed to changes in humidity and temperature, it will crack and warp. Along with the disadvantages mentioned above, hazelwood can still be used in certain applications, especially in crafts, smaller woodworking projects, or as firewood.
- One of the most important disadvantages of hazelnut wood is that it has caused allergic reactions in some people.
- The wood of the hazelnut tree is not durable and is highly sensitive to decay and insect infestation. This feature makes it not suitable for applications that require long-term durability. , such as outdoor furniture or outdoor flooring
- If the hazelnut wood is exposed to changes in humidity and temperature, it will crack and warp.
- Along with the disadvantages mentioned above, hazelwood can still be used in certain applications, especially in crafts, smaller woodworking projects, or as firewood.
hazelnut wood for smoking
It may be interesting to know that hazelnut wood can be used to smoke food including meat, fish, and vegetables. Hazelnut wood has a relatively mild and delicate taste and is often used for smoking.
This type of wood burns relatively quickly compared to hardwoods. It creates a pleasant and nutty aroma when burned.
When you want to use hazelnut wood for smoking, check that the wood is suitable and free from any chemicals or pollution. It is recommended to use chips or pieces of hazelnut wood that are prepared in special packages for smoking.
hazelnut wood for smoking
It may be interesting to know that hazelnut wood can be used to smoke food including meat, fish, and vegetables. Hazelnut wood has a relatively mild and delicate taste and is often used for smoking.
This type of wood burns relatively quickly compared to hardwoods. It creates a pleasant and nutty aroma when burned.
When you want to use hazelnut wood for smoking, check that the wood is suitable and free from any chemicals or pollution. It is recommended to use chips or pieces of hazelnut wood that are prepared in special packages for smoking.
Is hazelnut wood more durable than willow?
Yes, willow may regrow fast after putting into the ground.
But, hazelnut wood will not regrow and may last up to 10 years (as a durable type of wood for wattle and ..).
What are the benefits of harvesting hazelnut wood?
As coppicing is the best way to control the size of hazel tree, harvesting the woods can help you to decrease the width or height of the tree.
This is the main benefit of wood harvesting for this tree.
But, as we mentioned, due to the use of hazelnut woods in different applications, they have other benefits as well.
Can we use hazelnut wood for making wattle?
Yes. This wood has been used traditionally to make wattle. It can last for more than 8 years. So, it seems that you have enough time to use your wattle in required place.
Why is hazelnut wood suitable for baskets?
As this wood is durable and by considering its elasticity, we can easily conclude that its usage for making wooden baskets is possible.
As many people have used it traditionally to make baskets and use it in their daily routine.
Can I weave basket by hazel wood?
To make wooden basket by hazelnut wood, you need experience. So, it is highly likely that making basket is not an easy job for you to do.
But, for sure, as a wood burner who wants to enjoy the warmth of this tree, you can use it to make fire.
Is hazel wood a hardwood?
Yes, hazel and several other species like maple and oak are among hardwoods. This means that they can be used for many woodworking projects.
Can we use hazelnut wood in the interior?
The versatility of hazel wood makes it a perfect choice for producing different wooden products for interior.
For example, furniture is an important element in the interior design and decoration.
Specially, if you are looking for darker interiors, hazelnut wood sits perfectly with blue and purple colors.
At the end, it is possible to have a quite different and even luxurious interior.
The volume of hazelnut wood
Each ton of dry hazelnut wood takes around 2 m3 of space. So, you can easily estimate the density of wood.
Can hazelnut tree reestablish itself?
Yes, fortunately, one of the main characteristics of hazelnut wood is that it can regrow fast and reestablish itself after harvesting its wood.
But, remember that the regrowth of tree is just faster after first coppice cycles. And, after around 15 years, the speed of regrowth decreases.
Finally, after 40 years, the tree may die.
Can we produce pliable wood with hazelnut tree?
Yes, after harvesting the woods, its crafting is easy. So, you can turn it into a variety of products like pliable woods.
Final thought
In this article, we had a look at the benefits and characteristics of hazel nut tree.
It is a multipurpose plant that is being grown for years for its nuts and woods.
So, by planting hazel nut, you can enjoy both its delicious nuts and valuable woods.
Fortunately, hazelnut can be easily grown. This means that as a gardener you can have one of the most beneficial trees in your garden.
read more: How To Become A Carpenter – What Is The Average Income Of A Carpenter?
If you have any experience with this type of wood, share it with us in the comment section below. We will answer your questions about wood species.
miashr
What are the characteristics of hazelnut wood that make it a building material used in the wood industry?
emily
Is hazelnut wood really suitable for use in buildings or furniture?