Woods Flashcards
What are the primary sources of materials for producing papers and boards?
Natural timbers and manufactured boards
What are the properties of Ash?
Tough, flexible, wide grained, shock resistant, finishes well
What are common uses for Ash?
Sports equipment, hand tools, ladders
What are the properties of Larch?
Tough, durable, good water resistance, finishes well
What are common uses for Larch?
Fencing, cladding, decking, furniture
What are the properties of Beech?
Strong, dense, close grain, prone to warping and splitting
What are common uses for Beech?
Furniture, children’s toys, bench tops
What are the properties of Pine?
Lightweight, easy to work with, can be knotty
What are common uses for Pine?
Interior joinery, furniture, window frames
What are the properties of Mahogany?
Strong, durable, easy to work with, finishes well
What are common uses for Mahogany?
High end furniture
What are the properties of Spruce?
Easy to work with, lightweight
What are common uses for Spruce?
Furniture, musical instruments, construction
What type of trees are hardwoods obtained from?
Deciduous trees
What are the characteristics of hardwoods?
- Grow in warmer, more humid climates * Grow slowly (80+ years) * More difficult to sustain than softwoods * More expensive than softwoods * Strong and hardwearing
What type of trees are softwoods obtained from?
Coniferous trees
What are the characteristics of softwoods?
- Grow quickly, making them sustainable * Usually grow in colder climates * Grow thin, needle-like leaves * Grow relatively quickly (30 years) * Easier to sustain than hardwoods * Easy to cut and shape * Usually cheaper than hardwoods
What are manufactured boards made from?
Waste sections of felled trees
What are the benefits of manufactured boards?
- Come in sheet form (usually 1.2 x 2.4m) * Extremely stable and of uniform thickness * Less expensive than laminating planks of timber * Can be covered with veneers * Available in various thicknesses (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 22mm)
What are the properties of Oak?
Strong and lightweight
What are common uses for Oak?
Flooring, furniture, timber framed buildings
What are the properties of Balsa?
Strong, durable, very lightweight, can snap if too thin
What are common uses for Balsa?
Model making, floats, rafts
What are some surface finishes for natural timbers?
- Paint * Stain * Wax * Varnish
What is the purpose of applying finishes to timbers?
- Seals the wood from heat and water * Enhances the grain and surface * Colors the surface * Provides aesthetic appeal
What is Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)?
Compressed board that is rigid, stable, easy to work with, and absorbent
What are common uses for MDF?
Flat pack furniture, kitchens, toys
What is plywood?
A laminated board stable due to its alternate layering at 90°
What are common uses for plywood?
Furniture, shelving, skateboards, exterior fencing
What are the properties of chipboard?
Compressed board not as strong as MDF or plywood, prone to chipping
What are common uses for chipboard?
Flooring, low end furniture, kitchen units, cupboards
What is veneer?
Very thin layers of wood that can be glued onto manufactured board
What is lamination?
Bonding by gluing strips of materials together in layers
True or False: Wood is considered a sustainable material.
True
What organization is dedicated to ensuring timber supplies are regulated and sustainably harvested?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
What is a key issue related to timber use in many parts of the world?
Timber is being used faster than trees are being replanted, causing deforestation
What is the impact of deforestation?
Seen as a key factor in global warming
