Which hardwood is strong, tough and durable with good elasticity, suitable for bending?

• A. Beech
• B. Mahogany
• C. Oak
• D. Ash

Answer: (D)

Choosing a hardwood for bending relies on elasticity along with strength and durability. Elasticity means the wood can deform when forced to bend and still return to shape without cracking, which is essential for shaping curved pieces. Ash has a fibrous, springy structure that gives it good elasticity and high toughness, so it bends smoothly and resists snapping under steam or gradual curved loads. That makes it ideal for applications requiring curved parts and handles.

Beech is very strong and hard, with excellent dimensional stability, but it isn’t as springy as ash, so it doesn’t bend as easily without risk of fracture. Oak is renowned for hardness and durability, but its rigidity makes bending more challenging. Mahogany is durable and stable and works well, yet its elasticity isn’t as high as ash’s, so it’s less suited to bendings that demand significant flex.