Natural Timbers

• What type of trees do hardwoods come from?

  Deciduous trees
• What are the characteristics of hardwoods?

  Dense, strong, durable, and often expensive
• Name an example of hardwood used in flooring.

  Oak
• What is mahogany commonly used for?

  Furniture
• Which hardwood is used for tool handles?

  Beech
• What is ash commonly used for?

  Sports equipment
• What is teak primarily used for?

  Outdoor furniture
• What are the advantages of hardwoods?

  Attractive grain, long-lasting, resistant to wear
• What are the disadvantages of hardwoods?

  More expensive, slower growth, not always sustainable
• List some common uses of hardwoods.

  Furniture, flooring, construction, high-quality veneers
• What type of trees do softwoods come from?

  Coniferous trees
• What are the characteristics of softwoods?

  Grow faster and are less dense than hardwoods
• Name an example of softwood used in furniture.

  Pine
• What is cedar commonly used for?

  Cladding
• What are the advantages of softwoods?

  Cost-effective, easy to work with, sustainable
• Which softwood is used for musical instruments?

  Spruce
• What are the disadvantages of softwoods?

  Less durable, prone to weathering
• List some common uses of softwoods.

  Construction, furniture, and paper production
• What do growth rings in wood indicate?

  The age and growing conditions of the tree
• How do grain patterns affect wood?

  Affect strength and aesthetics
• What properties of wood depend on grain structure?

  Durability, flexibility, and workability
• What is a major environmental impact of unsustainable logging?

  Deforestation and loss of biodiversity
• What does FSC stand for?

  Forest Stewardship Council
• What does the FSC certification ensure?

  Responsibly sourced timber
• How can sustainability be achieved in wood sourcing?

  Use fast-growing trees, recycle wood waste, choose local sources