The Difference Between Old Growth Wood and New Growth Wood

The article highlights the significant contrast between old growth wood and new growth wood, likening it to the difference between granite and paper. Old growth wood, obtained from trees that grew slowly over a long period, typically 100 years or more, possesses superior stability, durability, and longevity compared to new growth wood.

• Old growth wood has tight growth rings, around 20-25 per inch, contributing to its stability.
• It contains a higher proportion of heartwood, the most durable part of the tree, while new growth wood primarily consists of sapwood, which is prone to rotting.
• New growth wood, often sourced from plantations, exhibits warping and twisting within just 20 years due to its rapid growth and inferior quality.

The Value of Old Growth Wood in Windows and Construction

The article emphasizes the value of old growth wood, particularly in the context of historic window restoration. Many historic windows made from old growth wood have remained functional for over 100 years, outlasting most brand-new windows made from new growth wood.

• Old growth wood windows are structurally superior and can be effectively restored, lasting another 100 years with proper care.
• New growth wood windows often require finger-jointing techniques to compensate for defects like warping, twisting, and knots.
• Old growth timber is generally free of knots, while plantation-grown new growth wood is riddled with them, affecting its quality and durability.

The History of Wood Harvesting and Virgin Forests

The article traces the history of wood harvesting in the United States, from the virgin forests of the eastern states to the westward expansion, spanning the era of 1870s to 1940s. This period saw the extensive harvesting of old growth, or "virgin," wood from these untouched forests.

• Wood harvesting began in New York, then moved to Pennsylvania, Ohio, the Great Lakes region, and eventually the West.
• Virgin wood, or first-cut wood, refers to the wood harvested from these pristine forests for the first time.
• The slow growth of trees in these virgin forests allowed for the production of high-quality old growth wood with superior characteristics.

The Rapid Growth of Plantation Woods

In contrast to the slow-growing old growth trees, the article discusses the rise of plantation-grown woods, such as Radiata Pine in countries like New Zealand and Chile. These trees are grown rapidly for quick production, resulting in distinct characteristics:

• Plantation-grown trees produce very little heartwood, the most durable part of the tree.
• They have fewer growth rings per inch, indicating rapid growth and reduced stability.
• The wood from these trees is often used in new millwork, doors, windows, moldings, and framing lumber.

The Consequences of Using New Growth Wood

The article outlines the consequences of relying on new growth wood in construction and woodworking:

• The widespread use of finger-jointed wood techniques emerged in the 1970s to compensate for the poor quality, warping, twisting, and knots present in new growth wood.
• Finger-jointing involves cutting out defects in wood boards and rejoining the pieces with finger joints.
• This technique is necessary due to the inferior quality of new growth wood compared to old growth lumber.

The Importance of Preserving Old Growth Wood Windows

The article emphasizes the importance of preserving and restoring old growth wood windows instead of replacing them. The reasons for this include:

• Old growth wood windows are structurally superior and can last another 100 years with proper care and restoration.
• Replacing old growth wood windows with new windows made from new growth wood compromises the durability and longevity of the windows.
• The article concludes with the statement, "It's true, 'they don't make 'em like they used to,'" highlighting the superiority of old growth wood over modern alternatives.