WHAT IS HEARTWOOD
A term commonly used to describe the wood in the middle of a tree is heartwood. Generally, heartwood and sapwood can be used to represent a tree’s current wood. Essentially, the heartwood is the deadened center of a tree resulting from a chemical reaction that strengthens its middle as it grows in diameter. To create heartwood today, we would modify the properties of the wood at the centre of the tree so that it is more resistant to decay.
Heartwood is used in some projects because it is extremely dense and strong. It is still necessary to dry the sapwood after it has been removed from the boards. Heartwood contains less moisture than other types of wood, so it is less likely to warp. It is, however, more expensive than other types of wood. Its unique color characteristics make it even more desirable. The color quality of heartwood will also differ from that of sapwood because heartwood is chemically different.
Uses of Heartwood
The heartwood of a tree is its dead part. Heartwood is denser than sapwood and strengthens the whole tree.
Furniture, floors, roofing, and many other wooden applications are made from heartwood. You just saw a lot of furniture made of heartwood. Woodworking commonly uses heartwood for its strength, durability, and visual appeal.
WHAT IS SAPWOOD
A sapwood branch or limb is the outermost layer that’s still alive. Sapwood is lighter in color and extremely moist.
Water and sap flow through sapwood. Initially, all wood is sapwood. In old trees, the innermost layers of sapwood intercommunicate with the heartwood, which is no longer alive and does not transport nutrients. Sapwood’s color usually differs from that of the heartwood around it. The steady flow of water and sap makes it extremely moist. Sapwood’s high moisture content makes it unsuitable for several woodworking projects. The presence of moisture in sapwood makes the wood shrink as it dries and makes it more prone to decay and fungus. However, sapwood is suitable for projects that are small or that are to be coated thoroughly with polyurethane or paint.
Uses of Sapwood
Heartwood is stronger, richer, and more beautiful than sapwood. As a result, woodworkers don’t prefer to use sapwood for furniture. Sapwood is used or combined with heartwood as a small component of furniture. This is the easiest wood for beginners to practice carving and cutting or for wood projects that require two-tone patterns.
Sapwood is typically used much less in woodworking than heartwood. Insects and fungi have a greater chance of infesting sapwood because the wood is susceptible. Redwood and cedar are decay-resistant materials that are occasionally attacked by insects and fungi. That’s why some people remove the sapwood from the lumber. Even so, it doesn’t mean it’s an ineffective piece of wood.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEARTWOOD & SAPWOOD
Heartwood
Sapwood
The heartwood is found in the center of an old stem.
Sapwood occurs in an old system’s peripheral (outer) portions.
It has comparatively older cells.
It is composed of younger cells.
Sometimes referred to as duraman.
Also known as alburnum.
Colors can range from pale to deep brown.
There is no particular color of sapwood.
The secondary xylem contains a dead and non-functional part.
Secondary xylem is both living and functional.
A tyloses plug forms in the lumen of vessels & tracheas.
Tracheids and vessels are not plugged. Tyloses do not form.
Resins and tannins are among the many elastic compounds stored in cells.
Ergastic substances are not stored in the cells.
Heartwood is heavier than other wood species.
A sapwood log is light.
You can make furniture from heartwood.
Sapwood is not suitable for making furniture.
It is a hardwood.
Softwoods like sapwood are not suitable for making furniture.
The wood acts as an insulator.
Sapwood is an honest conductor.
It is resistant to insects and fungi.
Wood can be attacked by insects & fungi.
Wood made of heartwood can last for a long time.
Sapwood isn’t very durable.
