Woods

• What is wood produced from?


  Wood is produced naturally as trees grow.
• Why is wood considered a renewable material?


  Because it can be grown again as trees are cultivated.
• What is the current issue with tree usage?


  Trees are being used up faster than they are being replaced.
• What should we do to conserve wood for the future?


  We need to avoid waste.
• What type of trees are hardwood trees?


  Hardwood trees are deciduous.
• What is a characteristic of hardwood trees' leaves?


  They have broad leaves.
• How long does it take for hardwood trees to reach maturity?


  Hardwood trees reach maturity in 100 years.
• Why are hardwoods usually more expensive than softwoods?


  Because they are slow growing and take longer to mature.
• In what type of climate do hardwood trees typically grow?


  Hardwood trees grow in warmer climates.
• What type of trees are softwood trees?


  Softwood trees are coniferous.
• What is a characteristic of softwood trees' leaves?


  They have needle-like leaves.
• How long does it take for softwood trees to reach maturity?


  Softwood trees reach maturity in 30 years.
• Why are softwoods usually cheaper than hardwoods?


  Because they are fast growing and easily replaced.
• In what type of climate do softwood trees typically grow?


  Softwood trees grow in colder climates.
• What are examples of softwoods?

  • Cedar
  • Pine
• What are examples of hardwoods?

  • Mahogany
  • Beech
  • Oak
• What are the properties and uses of Mahogany?


  Properties:

  • Reddish brown
  • Generally straight grain
  • Machines and polishes well

  
  

  Uses:

  • Cabinets
  • Furniture
  • Musical instruments
  • Doors
  • Exterior of boats and yachts
• What are the properties and uses of Beech?


  Properties:

  • Pale, pinky cream timber
  • Smooth texture
  • Straight grain
  • Hard and strong

  
  

  Uses:

  • Mallets
• What are the properties and uses of Oak?


  Properties:

  • Rich, light brown wood
  • Straight grain
  • Heavy and strong

  
  

  Uses:

  • Construction
  • Furniture
  • Staircases
  • Handrails
• What are the properties and uses of Pine?


  Properties:

  • Pale yellow with red-brown streaks
  • Hard, fairly strong, and durable

  
  

  Uses:

  • Staircases
  • Doors
  • Built furniture
• What are the properties and uses of Cedar?


  Properties:

  • Lightweight
  • Smooth texture
  • Fine and straight grain
  • Easily cut and rarely rots

  
  

  Uses:

  • Patio furniture
  • Panels
  • Ceilings
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Posts
  • Beams
  • Cupboards
• What is meant by the grain in timber?


  The grain runs along the length of the timber and shows lines that can be straight or wavy.
• What causes the grain pattern in timber?


  The grain pattern is caused by growth ring marks visible on the surface.
• What are knots in timber?


  Knots are dark circles within the wood where a branch has fallen or been removed.
• How does the grain grow around a knot?


  The grain grows around the knot, creating a distinct pattern.
• What are man-made boards made from?


  Man-made boards are made from the waste produced when trees are cut into planks.
• What is an advantage of man-made boards regarding size?

  They are available in large sizes of uniform thickness.
• Why are man-made boards not prone to defects?

  Because they are not affected by humidity and do not have a grain structure.
• How can man-made boards improve their appearance?

  They can be used with veneers to cover the boards.
• What is a veneer?


  A veneer is a thin layer of real wood used to cover manufactured boards.
• What is MDF and its composition?


  MDF is Medium Density Fibreboard composed of fine wood dust and resin pressed into a board.
• What are the uses of MDF?


  MDF is used in building and furniture trades.
• What are the properties and uses of Chipboard?


  Chipboard is cheap but not strong, used for inexpensive furniture and cupboard backs.
• What is Plywood and its structure?


  Plywood is made of odd numbers of layers glued together with their grain at 90 degrees.
• What are the uses of Plywood?


  Plywood is used in building work, construction, boat building, and furniture making.
• What is the purpose of using veneers on manufactured boards?


  Veneers give the manufactured board extra strength and improve appearance.
• What are the advantages of using man-made boards?


  • Available in large sizes of uniform thickness
  • Not prone to defects
  • Not affected by humidity
  • More easily worked with than natural woods
  • Cost-effective with a smooth surface
• What are the disadvantages of using man-made boards?


  • Generally not as strong as solid wood
  • May require veneers for better appearance