Manufactured boards / Hardwoods / Softwoods, properties

• What type of trees do hardwoods come from?

  Slow-growing, deciduous trees
• How can deciduous trees be identified?

  They have broad leaves that are lost in winter
• Where does oak hardwood primarily grow?

  European forests
• What are the properties of oak hardwood?

  It is hard, tough, strong, durable, and has an attractive light grain
• What are common uses for oak hardwood?

  Timber-framed buildings, high-quality furniture, flooring
• Where does mahogany hardwood primarily grow?

  Amazonian rainforests
• What are the properties of mahogany hardwood?

  It has a deep reddish color, is strong and durable, and has few knots
• What are common uses for mahogany hardwood?

  Good-quality furniture, panelling, veneers
• Where does beech hardwood primarily grow?

  European forests
• What are the properties of beech hardwood?

  It is hard, strong, close-grained, and prone to warping
• What are common uses for beech hardwood?

  Furniture, children's toys, workshop tool handles
• Where does beech hardwood grow in terms of geographical location?

  Central American and South American tropical forests
• What are the properties of beech hardwood?

  It is lightweight, soft, and easily worked, with good weathering properties
• Where does jatoba hardwood primarily grow?

  Asian forests
• Where does birch hardwood primarily grow?

  European forests
• What are the properties of jatoba hardwood?

  It has a natural reddish color, is very hard and tough, and is resistant to weathering
• What are the properties of birch hardwood?

  It has an even, straight grain, is easy to work, but has poor weathering resistance
• What are common uses for birch hardwood?

  Handles, plywood, formed doors
• What type of trees do softwoods come from?

  Fast-growing coniferous trees
• How can coniferous trees be identified?

  They have needles that they keep all year round
• Where does pine softwood primarily grow?

  Alpine forests
• What are the properties of pine softwood?

  It is straight-grained, light yellow, strong, and easy to work
• What are common uses for pine softwood?

  Exterior joinery, window frames, flooring
• Where does cedar softwood primarily grow?

  Alpine forests
• What are the properties of cedar softwood?

  It is very resistant to weathering and decay, with a light reddish-brown color
• What are common uses for cedar softwood?

  Fencing, fence posts, and exterior cladding
• Where does larch softwood primarily grow?

  Alpine forests
• What are the properties of larch softwood?

  It is tough, durable, and has good weather resistance
• What are common uses for larch softwood?

  Exterior cladding, fencing, and fence posts
• What are manufactured boards made from?

  Processed from many different types of natural and recycled timber
• What are the advantages of manufactured boards over natural timber?

  They are less likely to twist or warp and are available in larger sizes
• What is plywood made from?

  Wood veneers glued together with an alternating grain
• What are the properties of MDF?

  It is relatively inexpensive, has a flat surface, but is abrasive on tools
• What are the properties of plywood?

  It is very strong, flat, and smooth, but needs protection from weathering
• What is medium-density fibreboard (MDF) made from?

  Compressed fine wood fibres bonded together with resin
• What is chipboard made from?

  Wood chips bonded together with resin
• What are the properties of chipboard?

  It is inexpensive, has limited strength, and is abrasive on tools
• What is trend forecasting in relation to timber products?

  It is concerned with predicting the use of timber products over the next few years
• How can trend forecasting affect the supply and use of timber products?

  It can influence the demand and availability of timber products