Timber

Question 1

what are the qualities of softwoods?

Answer 1

grow in cold climate

fast growing

cheap

readily accessible

needle-like leaves

evergreen and have cones

Question 2

describe PINE and its uses

Answer 2

yellow with brown streaks

strong and cheap

knotty

used for telegraph poles / fences / cheap furniture

Question 3

describe LARCH and its uses

Answer 3

attractive yellow-reddish brown colour

harder, tougher and more durable than most softwoods

resistant to rot

used for decking / cladding outside of buildings / fence posts

Question 4

describe SPRUCE and its uses

Answer 4

reddish brown colour

hard

good strength - to - weight ratio

knotty

not very durable

used for both inside / outside structural purposes :

aircraft / crates / ship masts

Question 5

what are the qualities of hardwoods?

Answer 5

grow in warm climates

slow growing

more expensive than soft woods

broad / flat leaves

deciduous

tighter grain

denser / harder than softwoods

Question 6

describe OAK and its uses

Answer 6

light brown

tough / durable / very strong

attractive grain (when quartersawn)

finishes well

used in interior panelling / flooring / furniture

corrodes steel screws and fittings

Question 7

describe MAHOGANY and its uses

Answer 7

red-brown colour

durable

easy to work with

expensive

used for good quality furniture

Question 8

describe BEECH and its uses

Answer 8

pinkish brown

hard enough to resist dentation

can be bent using steam

used for chairs and toys

Question 9

describe BALSA and its uses

Answer 9

white or tan colour

very low density

very soft

easy to cut / shape

high strength - to - weight ratio

used for modelling

Question 10

describe ASH and its uses

Answer 10

pale cream colour

tough

absorbs shock well

used for tool handles / wooden sports equipment e.g baseball bats

attractive so used in furniture