Timbers

Question 1

Where does hardwood come from!?

Answer 1

Hardwood comes from deciduous trees with broad leaves

Question 2

What makes hardwood expensive!?

Answer 2

Hardwood trees take between 60-100 years to grow
This means that they are rarely planted and very expensive.

Question 3

Where does hardwood grow!?

Answer 3

hardwoods grow in tropical regions such as Amazonian climates

Question 4

Describe their growth rings

Answer 4

Their growth rings are much smaller than softwood, making the grain closer

Question 5

Examples of hardwoods….

Answer 5

beech
mahogany
oak
birch
ash

Question 6

Physical properties of beech

Answer 6

Slight pink tint, close grain

Question 7

Working properties of beech

Answer 7

Tough, durable and smooth to finish

Question 8

Physical Properties of mahogany

Answer 8

Dark-reddish colour, very close grain

Question 9

Working properties of Mahogany

Answer 9

Cuts and polishes easily, gives a fine finish, used for high-quality furniture

Question 10

What is birch used for!?

Answer 10

Birch is often used for veneers in furniture because of its even grain

Question 11

Why is birch used for furniture!?

Answer 11

it is easy to cut and shape

Question 12

Disadvantages to birch

Answer 12

it is also liable to rot and insect attacks.

Question 13

Where does soft wood come from!?

Answer 13

coniferous trees with needle-like leaves that normally stay on during the winter -

Question 14

Where are softwoods found!?

Answer 14

Softwoods naturally grow in colder regions such as Alpine climates

Question 15

Describe the rings in softwood…

Answer 15

Softwood trees grow quickly so their growth rings are wider making the grain wider.

Question 16

What is the advantage to the wide rings in softwood!?

Answer 16

This ability to grow quickly means that softwood trees can be used for timber after 20-30 years - making them cheaper than hardwood.

Question 17

Examples of softwoods

Answer 17

pine
cedar
larch
They are usually grown commercially

Question 18

Physical properties of pine
(Softwood)

Answer 18

Pale coloured with aesthetically pleasing grain

Question 19

Working properties of pine
(Softwood)

Answer 19

Lightweight, easy to form, used for construction and decking

Question 20

Physical properties of cedar
(Softwood)

Answer 20

pale colour with even texture

Question 21

Working properties of cedar
(Softwood)

Answer 21

More expensive than pine but not as strong

Question 22

What are manufactured timbers made from!?

Answer 22

Manufactured timbers can be made from leftover wood such as sawdust and wood chippings

Question 23

An advantage of manufactured board…

Answer 23

they can be made into large sheets rather than being restricted to the size of a tree trunk

Question 24

Price of manufactured timbers compared to soft and hardwoods!?

Answer 24

They are much cheaper than both hardwoods and softwoods and are often used in low-cost furniture

Question 25

Examples of manufactured timbers

Answer 25

MDF
plywood
chipboard

Question 26

What does MDF stand for!?

Answer 26

medium-density fibreboard

Question 27

Physical properties of MDF

Answer 27

Smooth, light brown, can be veneered

Question 28

Working properties of MDF

Answer 28

Smooth and easy to finish, absorbs moisture so not suitable for outdoor use

Question 29

Physical properties of plywood

Answer 29

Layers of veneer glued at 90 degree angles for strength, aesthetically pleasing outer layer

Question 30

Working properties of plywood

Answer 30

Easy to cut and finish, can be stained or painted