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Wood
Wood
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Wood has been used since
Different kinds of wood are used
centuries
for different purposes based on
both structurally and for frames,
their properties. In the modern
furnishing, storages etc. inside
world there is extensive use of
the structures
engineered wood (for storages,
furnishing, door panels,
partitions, cladding etc.) along
with natural wood
Properties
• Wood retains its thermal properties. Thus, it is
highly resistant to high temperatures. The heat
conductivity of wood is relatively low in
comparison to materials such as aluminum,
marble, steel, or glass.
• It can absorb sound and echo, making it a
favorite material for the construction of offices
and residential structures.
• Wood is a bad conductor of electric waves.
Hence, it’s perfect to provide insulation to a
living or working area.
Applications
• Wooden houses are inexpensive to build and extend and enjoy low
running and maintenance costs over a long period of time. However, this
also depends on the availability of wood in the local area.
• Wood paneling is particularly popular for ceilings, covering irregularities,
minimizing maintenance, and simplifying the fitting of lighting and the
ventilation system.
Types of wood
• Natural wood
• Engineered wood
Types of natural wood
• Wood can be broadly classified as
Softwood and Hardwood. Density is
a major determinant of the strength of
wood. Hardwoods, being denser than
the softwoods, are stronger and more
durable.
• Botanical characteristic is another
feature which differentiates softwood
and hardwood
Soft wood
• Softwood: Softwood comes from the coniferous trees. These trees are also
known as evergreen trees as leaves do not fall till the new ones grow. Softwood
usually grows in regions having a cold climate. Coniferous trees grow fast;
hence, they are less expensive as compared to hardwood. They are more
sustainable as they can be easily grown.
Pinewood: Pinewood is a soft, white or light-yellow wood which is light in
weight and straight-grained. It resists shrinkage, swelling, and warping but
decays when comes in contact with soil. Pine is very easy to shape and stain.
• USES: It is used to make all kinds of indoor and outdoor furniture. It is also
used to make frames of doors and windows, flooring, and paving materials.
Knotty pine is often used for a decorative effect. It is also one of the sources
of turpentine
Spruce wood: Spruce wood is strong and hard. It finishes well and has a low
resistance to decay. It has moderate shrinkage and is light in weight.
• USES: It is commonly used for masts and spars of ships, aircraft, crates,
boxes, paneling, cladding, general millwork, and ladders.
Cedar Wood: Cedarwood is a knotty softwood that has a red-brown color with
light lines. Cedar is soft as compared to other softwoods. The wood texture is
uniform and highly resistant to decay and insects. They are aromatic in nature.
• USES: It is one of the famous wood types used for lining drawers, chests, and
boxes. Simple cases and storage closets are also constructed from this wood.
Firwood: Fir is straight grain and has a reddish-brown color. It is uniform in
texture and non-resinous and has poor resistance to decay. Fir is hard in
comparison to other softwoods. It cannot be stained easily
• USES: It is used for furniture, doors, frames, windows, plywood, veneer, general
millwork and interior trim.
Hemlock wood: Hemlock wood is light-weight and has moderate strength. It has
a low resistance to decay and is non-resinous.
• USES: It is used in the construction of lumber, planks, doors, boards, joinery,
subflooring and crates.
Hard wood
• Hardwood comes from deciduous trees that have broad leaves, produce fruits or
nuts, and are generally inactive in the winter. Hardwoods have a more dense
structure in comparison to softwoods.