1.1b Softwoods

Question 1

Define softwood and give three examples

Answer 1

Wood from a coniferous tree

• Pine/Redwood
• Cedar
• Larch

Faster growing and less expensive than hardwood

Question 2

State three properties/characteristics of pine and redwood

Answer 2

• Easy to work with
• Relatively cheap
• May contain knots that will weaken the wood
• Straight grains

Question 3

State two uses of pine and redwood

Answer 3

• Building frames and construction
• Furniture (needs protection if used outside)
• Window frames, roofing, floors, and paneling

Question 4

State three properties/characteristics of larch

Answer 4

• Tough
• Hard
• Attractive grain pattern
• Fades to silver (grey) upon exposure outside (sunlight)

Question 5

State two uses of larch

Answer 5

• Garden furniture
• Fencing
• Cladding decking

Question 6

State three properties/characteristics of cedar

Answer 6

• Straight grain
• Can corrode ferrous metals due to their acidic nature
• Low density
• Insect resistant

Question 7

State two uses of cedar

Answer 7

• Sheds, greenhouses, beehives
• Exterior cladding
• Interior paneling