National Woodworking Month is observed throughout the month of April. Since 1990, this holiday has been observed. Woodworking encompasses cabinetry and furniture manufacturing, wood carving, carpentry, and woodturning, among others. From ancient times to the modern era, every civilization on the planet has used wood to create functional, elegant, and decorative products. There is woodwork from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. Many other ancient societies around the world used woodworking in a variety of styles and techniques. Since this practice has seen centuries of relevance in our daily lives, it’s only fair we give it the appreciation it deserves.
History of National Woodworking Month
Wood, as crucial as it is to our culture, is sometimes overlooked in this day and age. Space-age materials are being developed as technology advances, and metal is being used in more ways than ever before. The history of woodworking is inextricably linked to the history of man. Wood, along with stone, mud, and animal parts, was undoubtedly one of the first materials encountered by prehistoric humans. The development of ever-increasing levels of competence in using these materials was inextricably linked to the advancement of human civilization.
The Egyptians and the Chinese were two ancient civilizations that used woodworking. The Egyptians first used copper for woodworking tools, while bronze was not used for ironworking until much later, after 2000 BC. During the pre-dynastic period, mortise and tenon joints were also used to join pieces of wood (3100 B.C.). These joints were reinforced with pegs, dowels, and leather or cord lashings. During the New Kingdom period (1570–1069 B.C.), animal glue was used. There is evidence that early Egyptians were gluing boards together to make boat hulls as early as 3000 B.C.
The forefathers of Chinese woodworking are considered being Lu Ban and his wife Lady Yun. Lu Ban is said to have brought the plane, chalk-line, and other instruments to China. Although it was written 1,500 years after his death, his teachings are said to have been preserved in the book “Lu Ban Jing.” This book contains instructions on Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese discipline of geomancy, as well as descriptions of proportions for creating various products.
National Woodworking Month timeline
The wooden peg gets replaced by the wooden nail in woodworking.
The steel hand saw makes woodwork easier.
Edmond Michel invents the first circular saw.
The spring measuring tape is introduced to make carpentry easier for carpenters.
The iconic rounded nail is invented.
National Woodworking Month FAQs
What do you call a woodworker?
A woodworker who creates or repairs wooden products is known as a carpenter, craftworker, or artificer.
How old is woodworking?
Woodworkers were an integral element of society for the ancient Egyptians, Jews, Romans, Greeks, and all other ancient civilizations around 2,000 years ago.
Where did woodworking start?
In ancient Egypt, there is extensive evidence of advanced woodworking.
National Woodworking Month Activities
Restore furniture in your home
Take a day off from work and restore a piece of furniture in your home. Purchase the necessary tools and begin the process of restoring your furniture to its former beauty.
Sign up for workshops
National Woodworking Month is the ideal opportunity to pick up some new skills. Sign up for woodworking workshops to learn basic methods, gain hands-on experience, and meet other individuals who are passionate about the trade.
Share your woodwork masterpiece
Share the satisfaction and pleasure that comes from creating something with your hands. Share your woodworking masterpiece and experience online by uploading photographs and videos. You can also make use of the #nationalwoodworkingmonth hashtag.
5 Facts About Wood That Will Blow Your Mind
1% of the world's commercial wood
Every year, IKEA consumes 1% of the world's commercial wood to make furniture.
Most expensive chair
The Dragons Chair, designed by Eileen Gray and valued at over 28 million dollars, is the most expensive chair ever sold.
Half a millennium
Oak trees in the United Kingdom can survive for up to 500 years.
Oldest surviving wooden structure
Hōryū-ji temple in Ikaruga, Japan, is the world's oldest surviving wooden structure.
World's palest natural wood
Holly is regarded as the world's palest natural wood.
Why We Love National Woodworking Month
It improves one's motor skills
Woodworking is a craft that improves motor skills. Using woodworking to create high-quality objects results in a high level of hand-eye coordination. When measuring up a piece of wood, carving a pattern, cutting a joint, or putting the finishes to their masterpieces, even toddlers or adults who struggle with hand-eye coordination appear to gain their footing.
It contributes to mankind's survival
Woodwork is one of the most important jobs in the world, whether it is the construction of timber-framed houses or talented carpenters making marvels out of raw lumber. Without woodworkers, there would be no houses, churches, or commercial buildings.
It promotes creativity
Woodworking is an art form that promotes creativity. Woodworking is not limited to adults, children can equally use woodworking to exhibit their creativity and imagination.
National Woodworking Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |
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