American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), a leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, has launched its latest publication – ‘Sustainable American Hardwoods – A Guide to Species’ in Dubai.

The publication was launched on the sidelines of ‘ifi09 Dubai’, the 24th general assembly of the International Federation of Interior Designers & Architects and the World Interior Design Congress 2009, which opened on Friday.

The new handbook, which offers specifiers, manufacturers, end-users and architects an extensive insight on the properties and characteristics of the US’ wide range of hardwood species, is currently available on AHEC’s stand at the event, which runs at the Grand Hyatt Hotel till November 11.

Designed in a compact A5 format with pages laid out to provide the information ‘at a glance’, the publication has been created to assist architects, interior designers, furniture and joinery manufacturers and hardwood importers in gaining a better understanding of the physical, mechanical and working properties, as well as the availability of America’s commercial and exported hardwood species.

Compared to previous versions of the Guide, more detailed information is given on individual species, their main uses and grading exceptions, while the updated design, layout and use of brand new photography give it a clean and user-friendly look.

In addition, thorough data about the environmental credentials of American hardwoods is also included in the handbook.

“This publication is designed to educate specifiers, manufacturers and end users on the physical and mechanical properties and potential applications of the main commercial American hardwood species through a single reference source,” said Roderick Wiles, Ahec consultant.

“This extensive guidebook is the culmination of the mass of information and resources we have on American hardwoods, which will certainly help decision makers make an informed choice. We are also extending the reach of the Guide by offering it in numerous different languages, with an Arabic edition to be made available soon,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service