The surface roughness constitutes one of the most critical properties of wood and wood veneers for their extended utilization, affecting the bonding ability of the veneers with one another in the manufacturing of wood composites, the finishing, coating and preservation processes, and the appearance and texture of the material surface. In this research work, logs of five significant European hardwood species (oak, chestnut, ash, poplar, cherry) of Balkan origin were sliced into decorative veneers. Their surface roughness was examined by applying a stylus tracing method, on typical wood structure areas of each wood species, as well as around the areas of wood defects (knots, decay, annual rings irregularities, etc.), to compare them and assess the impact of the defects on the surface quality of veneers. The chestnut veneers presented the smoothest surfaces, while ash veneers, despite the higher density, recorded the highest roughness. In most of the cases, the roughness was found to be significantly lower around the defects, compared to the typical structure surfaces, probably due to lower porosity, higher density and the presence of tensile wood. The results reveal that the presence of defects does not affect the roughness of the veneers and increases neither the processing requirements of the veneer sheets before finishing, nor the respective production cost of veneers and the veneer-based wood panels. The high utilization prospects of the examined wood species in veneer production, even those bearing various defects, is highlighted.

Climate change and the subsequent increase in global mean air temperature already present a significant impact on forest vegetation. Especially in the near future, several forest species are expected to be in danger of extinction or compelled to migrate to colder regions. Some common species will be replaced by highly climate-tolerant species, primarily exotic plants, among others. The tree of Ailanthus, or “tree-of-heaven”, as it is widely known, constitutes a rapidly growing plant, considered to be native to parts of China, while since the middle of the 18th century, it gradually spread to Europe and North America. This species demonstrates a preference for warmer, drier environments, although it can also survive in a variety of habitats and endure pollution of urban areas. It is a species with several uses, such as for animal feed, fuel, timber, pharmaceutical applications, etc., while its suitability for specialized applications of high-added-value is constantly being investigated. Its wood has a desirable appearance and characteristics that are comparable to those of other hardwood species of similar densities/weight. This article discusses some of the most important characteristics of Ailanthus wood and presents a comprehensive and constructive review of the chemistry, pharmacology, traditional and innovative uses, quality control, biological resistance, potential utilization in bioenergy and biofuels and wood products (e.g., wood-based panels, other advanced structure materials, etc.), use challenges and limitations, in order to contribute to the utilization potential assessment of this species biomass.

During the Ottoman period, wood had replaced marble in Orthodox churches. Between the 16th and 19th century, common, unknown craftsmen created wonderful wood-carved ecclesiastical works by hand, though many of them have been partially or completely destroyed, usually without any of their images being saved. Advances in technology now make it possible to develop a detailed digital copy of an object of our cultural heritage, creating an unaltered prototype material to be studied by all, while offering in parallel the ease of reproducing precise copies, ensuring even museum quality standards. In the present study, a corresponding attempt to record, scan and then reconstruct a 17th century “Bema Door” (located in the Holy Monastery of Hilandar in Mount Athos) is implemented, presented step-by-step and discussed, in order to highlight the challenges and potential of the applied methods. The process included on-site recording of a 3D digital scan, and then the creation of the Bema door copy, first applying Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machining and then, with elaborate handwork by experienced wood-carvers who successfully completed the process, imparting the necessary and unique human artistic character. The current work transfers the experience on this reproduction technique applied in a Bema door element, shares significant information and details on tools, materials, process steps, etc., in order to be an inspiration and stimulus for the preservation or reproduction of other cultural heritage monuments of high importance.