Boxwood: characteristics and uses

Buxo is a quality wood known mainly for its qualities for the manufacture of all types of utensils. Its scientific name is «buxus sempervirens«.

Its density and texture allow to obtain resistant articles, ideal for its use in kitchens, even without treatment. Many chefs praise the virtues of boxwood utensils.

It is a small and very branched tree that rarely reaches 12 meters, we can almost speak of a shrub. It is native to Europe, although it is also found in North Africa. In addition to wood, boxwood is used in a planter for ornamental purposes.

Boxwood characteristics

Color: Yellowish cream, which darkens slightly after exposure to the sun. Heartwood is not easily distinguished from sapwood.

Fiber: Straight or slightly irregular.

Grain: Good.

Density: It has an approximate density of 975 kg / m³ at 12% humidity.

Toughness: A toughness on the 2,840 lb “scale Janka”_F (12,610 N), similar to that of American white oak. Very hard wood.

Durability: Is durable wood in relation to humidity. However, it can be susceptible to attack by insects and some fungi.

Dimensional stability:

Volumetric contraction coefficient: –

Mechanical properties:

Compressive strength: 700 kg / cm^two
Static flexural strength: 1,475 kg / cm^two
Modulus of elasticity: 175,000 kg / cm^two

Workability: Although it is ideal for turning and carving, it is not so ideal for larger jobs due to its hardness, among other things.

Sawn. No other problems besides those derived from its hardness.
Drying. Slow, with risk of warping.
Brushed. Problems derived from its hardness and also in parts with irregular fiber.
Glued. No problems.
Nailed and screwed. Requires knockouts.
Finish. No problems.

Price: The price of boxwood is usually high. It is because the tree, because it is small and so branched, does not produce large boards. It is usually found in small pieces. This also limits their uses.