Natural & Manufactured Timbers

• What are the characteristics and uses of hardwoods?


  • Hardwoods are found in tropical climates.
  • Deciduous trees that drop leaves in winter.
  • Tighter grain, expensive, tough, and hardwearing.
  • Commonly used for furniture and everyday objects.
• What are the characteristics and uses of softwoods?


  • Found in cooler climates.
  • Coniferous trees that bear needles and cones.
  • Looser grain structure, inexpensive, soft, and easy to work with.
  • Commonly used for household construction and projects.
• What are the characteristics and uses of manufactured boards?


  • Made from processed natural timber waste products.
  • Pale brown appearance with no grain.
  • Lightweight, easy to work with, and used in construction.
  • Often layered with adhesive for strength.
• Hardwoods

  • Hardwoods are found typically in tropical or sub-tropical climates.
  • Hardwood trees are deciduous trees that drop leaves in winter.
  • Hardwoods mainly have large broad leaves, which usually produce a seed or fruit.
  • They have a tighter grain and are expensive.
  • They are generally quite tough and hardwearing.
  • Hardwood trees can take up to 100 years to grow fully.
• Softwoods


  • They are found typically in cooler climates.
  • Softwood trees are coniferous trees that usually bear needles and cones.
  • They are frequently called evergreen trees as most keep their needles all year round.
  • They have a looser grain structure and are inexpensive compared to hardwoods.
  • They are generally quite soft, easy to work with and used as construction material.
  • Softwood trees can take up to 25 years to grow fully.
• Manufactured boards


  • Usually sheets of processed natural timber waste products.
  • Made from waste wood, low-grade timber and recycled timber.
  • Often covered with thin slices of a more expensive wood called a veneer.
  • They have a pale brown appearance with no grain.
  • They are generally quite lightweight, easy to work with and used as construction material.
  • Often made up of several layers mixed with adhesive to increase their strength.
• Ash


  • Pale cream in appearance.
  • Flexible, shock resistant and laminates well.
  • Common uses include sport equipment and handles for garden tools.
• Beech


  • Pink in appearance with a tight grain.
  • Finishes well and is very durable.
  • Common uses include furniture and children’s toys.
• Mahogany


  • Deep reddish brown in appearance.
  • Finishes well and is very durable.
  • Common uses include high-end furniture.
• Oak


  • Light brown in appearance with variable grain.
  • Finishes to a high quality.
  • Tough and durable.
  • Common uses include flooring and furniture.
• Balsa


  • Pale brown in appearance with open grain.
  • Very lightweight, soft and thin, prone to snapping.
  • Common uses include aircraft and boat model kits.
• Larch


  • Pale brown with a dark grain.
  • Tough, water resistant, good to work with and machines well.
  • Common uses include furniture, cladding, flooring and joinery.
• Pine


  • Pale yellow to brown in appearance.
  • Lightweight, easy to work, can split at times.
  • Common uses include furniture, decking, and interior building material.
• Spruce


  • Cream in appearance with an even grain.
  • Easy to work with, stiff and lightweight.
  • Common uses include musical instruments and furniture.