timbers

Question 1

What categories are timbers split into

Answer 1

hardwoods, softwoods and manufactured boards.

Question 2

hardwoods

Answer 2

1)found in tropical or sub-tropical climates
2)deciduous trees that drop leaves in the winter
3)usually have large broad leaves which produce fruits and seeds
4) have a tight grain and are expensive
5)are tough and hard wearing
6)hard wood trees can take up to 100 years to fully grow

Question 3

Softwoods

Answer 3

1)found in colder climates
2)Softwood trees are coniferous trees that usually bear needles and cones.
3)They are frequently called evergreen trees as most keep their needles all year round.
4)They have a looser grain structure and are inexpensive compared to hardwoods.
5)They are generally quite soft, easy to work with and used as construction material.
6)Softwood trees can take up to 25 years to grow fully.

Question 4

manufactured boards

Answer 4

1)Usually sheets of processed natural timber waste products.
2)Made from waste wood, low-grade timber and recycled timber.
3)Often covered with thin slices of a more expensive wood called a veneer.
4)They have a pale brown appearance with no grain.
5)they are generally quite lightweight, easy to work with and used as construction material.
6)Often made up of several layers mixed with adhesive to increase their strength.

Question 5

Hardwood examples

Answer 5

Ash:Pale cream in appearance.
Flexible, shock resistant and laminates well.
Common uses include sport equipment and handles for garden tools.

Beech:Pink in appearance with a tight grain.
Finishes well and is very durable.
Common uses include furniture and children’s toys.

Mahogany:Deep reddish brown in appearance.
Finishes well and is very durable.
Common uses include high-end furniture.

Oak:Light brown in appearance with variable grain.
Finishes to a high quality.
Tough and durable.
Common uses include flooring and furniture.

Balsa:Pale brown in appearance with open grain.
Very lightweight, soft and thin, prone to snapping.
Common uses include aircraft and boat model kits.

Question 6

Softwood examples

Answer 6

Larch:Pale brown with a dark grain.
Tough, water resistant, good to work with and machines well.
Common uses include furniture, cladding, flooring and joinery.

Pine:Pale yellow to brown in appearance.
Lightweight, easy to work, can split at times.
Common uses include furniture, decking, and interior building material.

Spruce:Cream in appearance with an even grain.
Easy to work with, stiff and lightweight.
Common uses include musical instruments and furniture.