natural and manufactured timber

• What are the primary sources of softwoods?

  Cool northern parts of Europe, Canada, Russia
• Where do hardwoods primarily grow?

  Central Europe, West Africa, Central and Southern America
• What happens when trees reach maturity?

  They can be felled and converted into planks
• What is green timber?

  Timber that has just been felled and contains moisture
• Why must timber be seasoned?

  To reduce its moisture content
• What is air seasoning?

  Air flows around stacked timber to dry it
• How long can air seasoning take?

  It can take a number of years
• What is kiln seasoning?

  Timber is dried in a kiln with steam
• How does kiln seasoning differ from air seasoning?

  Kiln seasoning is much quicker than air seasoning
• What is shrinkage in timber?

  Drying out timber in an uncontrolled way
• What are splits in timber?

  Cracks that occur at the ends of timber
• What are shakes in timber?

  Cracks due to uncontrolled drying out
• What are knots in timber?

  Where a branch has grown out of the trunk
• What problems can knots cause in timber?

  They can weaken the timber and cause decay
• What happens if timber is left unseasoned?

  Fungal attack can occur, ruining the wood
• What are the two categories of natural timber?

  • Hardwoods
  • Softwoods
• What are the characteristics of hardwoods?

  They come from deciduous trees with broad leaves
• How do hardwoods compare to softwoods?

  Hardwoods are generally harder and more expensive
• What is Jelutong used for?

  Pattern making
• What is Beech known for?

  It is prone to warping and splitting
• What is Mahogany used for?

  Good-quality furniture and panelling
• What is Oak known for?

  It can be finished to a high standard
• What is Balsa used for?

  Model making, floats, and rafts
• What are the characteristics of softwoods?

  They come from coniferous trees with needle leaves
• Why are softwoods considered more sustainable?

  They grow faster than hardwoods
• What is the size of manufactured boards?

  2440 mm x 1220 mm
• What are the advantages of manufactured boards?

  They have consistent properties and are more stable
• What are laminated boards?

  Boards produced by gluing large sheets together
• What are compressed boards?

  Boards made by gluing particles under pressure
• What is medium-density fibreboard (MDF)?

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

  Wood veneers glued together with alternating grain
• What is chipboard made from?

  Wood chips bonded together with resin
• What is hardboard made from?

  Compressed fine wood fibres bonded with resin
• What is the ecological footprint of timber?

  Timber is renewable and biodegradable
• What are the benefits of felling old trees?

  It allows for the planting of young trees
• How does timber compare to metals and polymers in processing?

  It uses a limited amount of fossil fuels
• What happens to timber in landfill?

  It is biodegradable and has little effect
• What is the role of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)?

  To ensure forests are correctly managed
• What are the social benefits of timber?

  It provides employment and fair wages
• What is deforestation?

  The removal of trees from an area of land