Timbers - Softwoods

Question 1

Cedar

Answer 1

• Reddish brown
• Straight grain
• Excellent work ability
• Does not contain any resin

Question 2

Spruce

Answer 2

• Straight grain
• Typically flexible and durable
• When dried, the wood does not shrink
• Used in sound boarding in pianos and the bodies of violins

Question 3

Pine

Answer 3

• Pine wood has 100 different species around the world
• Usually a white or pale yellow colour
• Is light weight with an open grain
• Typically used in flooring, furniture, toys, landscaping and mining timber

Question 4

Douglous fir

Answer 4

• The timbers bark is typically think and corky with deep gaps running up the trunk
• Has excellent strength properties and well known for its workability
• Relatively easy to work with, good machining qualities
• Used to make beams, veneers, furniture, cladding, decking and flooring

Question 5

Larch

Answer 5

• The wood is stiff, moderately strong and hard as well as heavy
• Dries well but has the tendency to warp
• The wood turns, planes and shapes well and can be smoothed
• Used in building construction for rough dimension

Question 6

Redwood

Answer 6

• Redwoods are naturally resistant to insects, fungi and fire
• High in tannin and do not produce resin
• The timber is fairly light, aesthetically pleasing
• Mostly used in Boxes, bins, bats, barnes and bridges