Timbers Flashcards
Where does hardwood come from!?
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees with broad leaves
What makes hardwood expensive!?
Hardwood trees take between 60-100 years to grow
This means that they are rarely planted and very expensive.
Where does hardwood grow!?
hardwoods grow in tropical regions such as Amazonian climates
Describe their growth rings
Their growth rings are much smaller than softwood, making the grain closer
Examples of hardwoods….
beech
mahogany
oak
birch
ash
Physical properties of beech
Slight pink tint, close grain
Working properties of beech
Tough, durable and smooth to finish
Physical Properties of mahogany
Dark-reddish colour, very close grain
Working properties of Mahogany
Cuts and polishes easily, gives a fine finish, used for high-quality furniture
What is birch used for!?
Birch is often used for veneers in furniture because of its even grain
Why is birch used for furniture!?
it is easy to cut and shape
Disadvantages to birch
it is also liable to rot and insect attacks.
Where does soft wood come from!?
coniferous trees with needle-like leaves that normally stay on during the winter -
Where are softwoods found!?
Softwoods naturally grow in colder regions such as Alpine climates
Describe the rings in softwood…
Softwood trees grow quickly so their growth rings are wider making the grain wider.
What is the advantage to the wide rings in softwood!?
This ability to grow quickly means that softwood trees can be used for timber after 20-30 years - making them cheaper than hardwood.
Examples of softwoods
pine
cedar
larch
They are usually grown commercially
Physical properties of pine
(Softwood)
Pale coloured with aesthetically pleasing grain
Working properties of pine
(Softwood)
Lightweight, easy to form, used for construction and decking
Physical properties of cedar
(Softwood)
pale colour with even texture
Working properties of cedar
(Softwood)
More expensive than pine but not as strong
What are manufactured timbers made from!?
Manufactured timbers can be made from leftover wood such as sawdust and wood chippings
An advantage of manufactured board…
they can be made into large sheets rather than being restricted to the size of a tree trunk
Price of manufactured timbers compared to soft and hardwoods!?
They are much cheaper than both hardwoods and softwoods and are often used in low-cost furniture
Examples of manufactured timbers
MDF
plywood
chipboard
What does MDF stand for!?
medium-density fibreboard
Physical properties of MDF
Smooth, light brown, can be veneered
Working properties of MDF
Smooth and easy to finish, absorbs moisture so not suitable for outdoor use
Physical properties of plywood
Layers of veneer glued at 90 degree angles for strength, aesthetically pleasing outer layer
Working properties of plywood
Easy to cut and finish, can be stained or painted
