Materials - Woods

Question 1

Hardwood

Answer 1

Hardwood: These type of trees are naturally grown for a very long time (takes about 100 years to fully grow) . Pretty hard trees. Found in tropical or sub tropical countries such as south America as an example. Another examples are: Ash, Beech, Mahogany, Oak, Balsa

Question 2

Softwood

Answer 2

Softwood: These type of woods are way more softer than than the harder one which means its more easier to work with. Grows really fast and more easier to cut so its more cheaper. Mainly grows in cooler countries like Canada

Question 3

MDF (Medium Density Fireboard)

Answer 3

Medium-density fibreboard is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming it into panels by applying high temperature and pressure. MDF is generally more dense than plywood.

Question 4

ChipBoard

Answer 4

Chipboard – also sometimes referred to as Particle Board or Low Density Fibreboard – is made by mixing small wood particles with epoxy resin, which are pressed together under intense heat and pressure to produce a rigid board, typically with a smooth surface. Chipboard is available in a variety of densities to suit different needs and uses, including low, medium and high-density varieties. The lower densities are fairly soft and pliable, while the higher-density chipboards are more rigid and can be used for more heavy-duty applications.

There are various advantages and disadvantages of chipboard as a sheet material. The main advantages are, of course, the cost-effectiveness and versatility of uses that chipboard provides. The main disadvantage is that untreated chipboard is porous and will therefore soak up any water it comes into contact with. This is true for all grades of chipboard, even the highest densities, so it is important to keep untreated chipboard dry and treated to prevent it from soaking up water and swelling, as this will render the board unusable. Thankfully, it is very easy to treat and cover chipboard with water-resistant veneers, melamine coatings and varnishes to make it more robust.

Question 5

What can chipboards be used for

Answer 5

Kitchen worktops (coated with melamine)
Basic structures of kitchen cabinets
Flooring and flooring insulation/underlay
Flatpack furniture (usually coated in a veneer)
Building insulation

Question 6

What can MDF be used for

Answer 6

Furniture.
Cabinets and shelves.
Flooring.
Decorative projects.
Speaker boxes.
Wainscoting.
Doors and door frames.
Tradeshow booths and theater set construction.

Question 7

Laminated chipboard

Answer 7

Laminated particle boards have decorative plastic laminates or wood veneers. These are stronger, smoother and better looking than plain unfinished fiber boards. They also require minimal maintenance and are easy to clean.

Question 8

What can laminated chipboards be used for

Answer 8

Kitchen worktops (coated with melamine)
Basic structures of kitchen cabinets.
Flooring and flooring insulation/underlay.
Flatpack furniture (usually coated in a veneer)
Building insulation.

Question 9

What is plywood

Answer 9

Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or “plies” of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another.

Question 10

Uses of plywood

Answer 10

Formwork.
Furniture.
Flooring.
Structural systems.
Light doors and shutters.

Question 11

What is blockboard

Answer 11

Blockboard is a timber-based sheet material that comprises a core faced on both sides. The core is made from parallel, rectangular-section, bonded softwood strips (around 28mm wide); these are sandwiched between a variety of facing materials which can include veneers of softwood, hardwood, thin MDF or particle board.