English yew wood is a unique and beautiful species of wood that is highly sought after by woodworkers, carvers, luthiers, and more. But where can you find and buy thisrare and precious material? In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about getting your hands on English yew wood for your next project.
An Overview of English Yew Wood
English yew (Taxus baccata) is a species of conifer native to Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It is an evergreen tree that can grow quite large, up to 66 feet tall with trunk diameters over 5 feet. The wood ranges in color from reddish-brown to purplish-brown with some creamy white or yellow sapwood.
What makes English yew so prized is its appearance workability, and durability. It has a very fine consistent grain that takes detail very well. The wood is fairly strong and stable. It’s also naturally decay resistant and has insect-repelling properties. Historically, it was used to make longbows in medieval Britain.
Today, woodworkers favor English yew for furniture, turnings, carvings musical instruments veneer, and more. It is considered relatively easy to work provided sharp tools are used. The only downsides are that it can be prone to tearout and it has high material costs due to scarcity.
Finding Sources of English Yew Wood
The first challenge is locating sources that have English yew in stock This species has become increasingly hard to source over recent decades There are a few ways to track it down
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Specialty wood dealers – These businesses specialize in exotic and rare woods from all over the world. Contact them to ask about English yew availability. Stock will be limited but they can likely source it.
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Lumber yards – Some regular lumber yards will carry a selection of exotic woods along with traditional domestic species. Call around to any yards in your area to see if they can get English yew.
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Woodworkers’ forums – Post on woodworking forums asking if anyone knows a source for English yew. Fellow woodworkers are often happy to share supplier information.
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Overseas suppliers – Importing English yew from Europe may be an option if you can’t find a North American source. Transportation costs will be higher.
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DIY harvesting – In theory, you could harvest your own English yew if you can find trees in your area. Make sure to get any necessary permits.
What to Look for When Buying
Once you find suppliers with English yew inventory, inspect the wood carefully before purchasing. Here are some tips:
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Examine the color for reddish, brownish, or purplish heartwood. The sapwood may be pale yellow or tan.
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Check for a fine, consistent grain without significant defects. Some small knots are acceptable.
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Look for relatively straight boards without twisting or warping.
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Select boards with interesting grain patterns if desired. Curl, burl, and so on.
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For large projects, try to get boards with matching color tones.
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Buy extra wood – up to 20% more. This accounts for waste from milling and defects.
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Request photos of the actual boards if buying online before having them shipped.
What to Expect for Pricing
Due to its rarity, English yew commands a high price. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Lumber priced per board foot: $20 to $30
- Turning blanks: $50 to $200 depending on size
- Musical instrument sets: $500 to $2000+
- Veneer sheets: $50+ per square foot
Be prepared to pay a premium for high quality pieces with excellent grain patterns or crotch wood. Quartersawn boards also cost more.
For comparison, domestic woods like oak, maple, and walnut usually only cost $3 to $10 per board foot. Exotic woods like rosewoods, cocobolo, or ebony are more aligned with English yew pricing.
English yew may not be cheap, but it is certainly a beautiful and versatile species worth seeking out. With some diligent searching and careful selection, you can find boards perfect for your next marquetry, carving, or lutherie project. The fine grain and rich colors will make all your effort worthwhile. Just be prepared to pay a little extra for this rare European wood.
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Special Features
- Bird Friendly2
- Deer Resistant7
- Dwarf Variety1
- Easy Care8
- Edible1
- Fall Color2
- Ornamental Berries2
- Spring Color5
- Summer Color3
- Tolerates Acidic Soil4
- Tolerates Alkaline Soil2
- Winter Color6
English Yew (Taxus Baccata)
This Yew Tree is widely grown in Europe, but in America it is only hardy in zones 6, 7, and 8. The wild tree is roughly pyramidal, and usually matures between 30 and 60 feet tall, but this form is hardly ever seen in gardens. Garden forms can be roughly divided into:
1. Narrow, upright forms, such as the Irish Yew, or Columnar English Yew (taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’). This tree grows into a narrow column of dense, upright branches, about 10 feet tall when 10 years old, and no more than 2 or 3 feet wide. It makes an excellent accent specimen tree. Usually female, with heavy crops of berries.
2. Broad, spreading forms, with names like ’Repandens, ‘Procumbens’, or ‘Prostrata’. These typically grow 3 to 4 feet tall in time, and spread 6 to 8 feet wide, if untrimmed.
Golden and variegated forms, with yellow leaves, or leaves edged in yellow to white, can occur in both upright and spreading yews. Some forms show this effect most in spring, and fade to green in summer, but others, such as the David English Yew (taxus baccata ‘David’), hold their golden color well throughout the year.
English Yew for sale ideal for making English Longbows
FAQ
What is yew wood worth?
$8.00 – $16.00.
What are the disadvantages of yew wood?
The chemicals in yew are toxic, especially to cells in the heart. They cause the heart cells to work differently, making the heart beat faster and slower. It is not known how yew might work as a medicine. The chemicals in yew are toxic, especially to cells in the heart.
Where do you find yew wood?
Yew is most commonly found growing in southern England.
Why is yew wood so expensive?
The wood of the yew tree is considered a valuable asset, because it is not affected by termites and has an extremely attractive appearance, suitable for use …
What is English yew tree?
English Yew Tree may be the most elegant softwood. Displaying an array of colors from amber to pink, Yew Tree’s tones continue to develop as they age, getting richer and richer. Yew Tree at its best, can be found with pip or eye. Call for availability: 1.610.932.7400 / 1.888.814.0007
What are the different types of yew trees?
For gardeners, the important types of Yew Tree are the English Yew (taxus baccata), the Japanese Yew (taxus cuspidata), and the Hybrid Yew (taxus x media. To the ordinary eye their foliage is identical. This Yew Tree is widely grown in Europe, but in America it is only hardy in zones 6, 7, and 8.
Who makes English yew wood?
Exotic Hardwoods UK Ltd, a leading supplier of premium and exotic hardwoods, proudly offers English Yew Wood as part of their extensive selection. The company is dedicated to providing sustainably sourced materials, ensuring that their English Yew Wood is harvested responsibly and meets the highest standards of quality.
Are yew trees worth it?
You can be strict, and create cones, balls, spirals and columns, or more casual, and clip into rolling clouds below your windows and around your doors – the choice is yours. It is in shade that Yew Trees have the greatest value. Every garden has shady areas, and as trees mature the shade tends to increase.
Which Yew Tree should I Choose?
In moderate climate zones of America, choose the English Yew, with all its varieties. In colder states, forms of the Japanese Yew or Hybrid Yew should be in your garden, and in the hottest areas, choose Plum Yew instead. Wherever you live you can enjoy the shade-tolerant evergreen foliage of the Yew Tree – just choose wisely.
How big does a yew tree get?
Narrow, upright forms, such as the Irish Yew, or Columnar English Yew (taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’). This tree grows into a narrow column of dense, upright branches, about 10 feet tall when 10 years old, and no more than 2 or 3 feet wide. It makes an excellent accent specimen tree. Usually female, with heavy crops of berries. 2.