How can the quality of wood be determined based on its appearance?

The quality of wood can be assessed based on its appearance, and one significant indicator of inferior quality is how fuzzy it appears when checkered. High-quality wood typically has tight, straight grains that create a smooth surface when cut. If the wood appears fuzzy during the checkering process, this suggests that the grain is not well-defined, which can be a sign of lower density or age-related degradation.

Clear grains contribute to the aesthetic appeal and strength of the wood, but the presence of fuzziness is a direct indication of poor craftsmanship or wood quality. Reflecting light well may indicate a good finish rather than intrinsic wood quality, while being lightweight alone does not provide adequate information regarding the wood's strength or suitability. Therefore, a fuzzy appearance in checkering is a more accurate measure of quality degradation in wood.