This handbook investigates the fundamental physical and mechanical properties of wood to establish its viability as a primary structural engineering material. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides this technical compilation to bridge the gap between forestry science and practical application in construction. It serves as a comprehensive reference for architects and engineers, detailing how wood-based products behave under various environmental and structural loads.

Experts and professionals in the construction industry recognize this text as the definitive technical reference for wood engineering. Readers frequently note the high density of empirical data and the rigorous scientific approach applied to material specifications.