is that fibrous substances which compose

the trunk and branches of a tree that lies

between the pith and the bark.

More specifically, wood is defined as the

lignified water conducting, strengthening and
storage tissues of branches, stem and roots of
trees.

Technically, wood is known as XYLEM.

Properties of WOOD
as building material

1. Strong Material
2. Durable
3. Light in weight
4. Ease of working and fastening
5. With artistic and natural beauty
Physical properties of wood

1. Strength
The general term used with respect to the ability of
wood in resisting stress and strain.

2. Moisture
An important factor affecting the strength of wood. To
a certain extent, strength increases with the degree of
wood seasoning.
Physical properties of wood

3. Knots and other Defects in wood

Materially affect the strength more particularly the
size, character and location of the knots or defects.

4. Weight
Another important consideration because heavy
woods are generally stronger than lighter wood.
Physical properties of wood

5. Hardness
It is independent on the weight of wood. It is
important in several methods of utilization such as
flooring, furniture and many small wood items.

6. Cleavability
The resistance of wood to split along the grains.
Physical properties of wood

7. Flexibility and Toughness

The moisture content of wood influences flexibility to
a considerable degrees. Toughness refers to the
combined strength, shock resistance and pliability or
flexibility of wood.

8. Durability
As applied to wood means the ability to resist decay
or simply the length of its life under the given
condition. It includes the resistance of the wood to
the influence of mechanical wear.
Advantages of wood
as building materials
1. In proportion to weight, wood is stronger
than other building materials.

2. Wood is easily worked out with tools and

fabricated into many shapes, sizes and design.

3. Wood is excellent non-conductor of heat. It is

warm in winter and cool in summer.
Advantages of wood
as building materials

4. With artistic grains and appearance conducive to

architectural designs, adding beauty and attraction
to furniture and interior finishes.

5. It is abundant in many shapes, color, sizes and as

renewable resources.

6. The use of timber connectors in wide trusses and

spans generally permit the use of small wood
members.
Advantages of wood
as building materials

7. In terms of value, wood does not deteriorate if

properly handled and protected.

8. It is not readily affected by changing styles.

9. Neither heat nor cold or climate changes would

seriously affect the physical properties of wood.
Definition of Terms: Reference: Building Construction

1. Lumber – is the term applied to wood after it is sawed

or sliced into boards, planks, sticks, etc. for commercial
purpose.

2. Rough Lumber – the term applied to newly sawed

lumbers.

3. Surfaced or Dressed Lumber – is planed lumber having

at least one smooth side.
Definition of Terms: Reference: Building Construction

4. S2s, S4s – are planned or dressed lumber. The number

connotes the number of smooth sides. S2s means
smooth on two sides.

5. Slab – is a kind of rough lumber cut tangent to the

annual rings of wood running the full length of the log
and containing at least one flat surface.

6. Timber – is a piece of lumber 5” (0.13m) or larger in its

smallest of the board.
Definition of Terms: Reference: Building Construction

7. Plank – is a wide piece of lumber from 2 to 5” (0.05m to

0.13m) thick.

8. Board – is a piece of lumber less than 1 ½” or 0.04m

thick and at least 4” wide.

9. Flitch – is a thick piece of lumber.

Definition of Terms: Reference: Building Construction

10. Fine grain – when the annual rings are small, the grain
marking which separates adjacent rings is said to be fine.
When large it is said to be course-grained

11. Straight-grained – when the direction of the wood

fibers are nearly parallel with the sides and edges of the
board.
Classification of Woods
1. Mode of Growth:
a. Exogenous – are those outside growing trees
which are most preferred for lumbering.
b. Endogenous – are not preferred for
lumbering because they are produced a
soft center core.
2. Density:
a. Soft
b. Hard
3. Leaves:
a. needle shape
b. broad shape
Classification of Woods
4. Shade or Color (surface)
a. White c. Brown e. Black
b. Yellow d. Red
5. Grain
a. Straight c. Fine
b. Cross d. Coarse
6. Nature of Surfaced when Sawed.
a. Plain c. Figured or marked
b. Grain
MEASURING OF WOOD
Board Foot
means one square foot of wood one inch thick
or 144 cubic inches.

Board Foot = (T x W x L) / 12
Thickness is in inches
Width is in inches
Length is in feet (6’, 8’, 10’, 12’, 14’, 16’)
Note:
One Cubic Meter of wood is equal to
423.67 bd. Ft.
MEASURING OF WOOD

Board Foot
in a Round Log
Board Foot = [(D-4)2 x L] / 16
Diameter is in inches
Length is in Feet +

where 4 and 16 are constant value

in the formula for the slab reduction.
END OF LESSON