Wood Theory Flashcards
Softwood - coniferous, features
- They mainly grow in a cooler climate like Canada
- These cone-bearing trees are called Coniferous Trees
- They have a looser grain structure
- They are often used as building material.
- These are usually softer and easy to work
- The trees grow tall and straight which makes it easier for the manufacturer to cut long straight planks of wood
- They are evergreen which means they do not lose their leaves.
- These grow faster than hardwoods therefore are cheaper
Softwood examples
Larch
Pine
Spruce
Redwood
Hardwood - decidious, features
- You can have evergreen hardwood trees which do not lose their leaves however Deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter
- They generally grow in temperate climates including the British Isles
- These are usually quite hard.
- They are broad-leaved trees and the seeds are enclosed in the fruit that the tree produces
- Tend to have a tighter grain
- They can be very expensive.
- They are slower growing trees it can take 100 years to grow fully
Most evergreens are found in tropical or subtropical countries such as South America - mostly used for furniture and bespoke pieces
Hardwood examples
Ash
Beech
Mahogany
Oak
Balsa
Manufactured boards, features
- Boards are available in many thicknesses
- Manufactured boards are often covered with a thin layer of real wood which is called veneer this improves their appearance or properties.
- Manufactured boards are often made using waste wood
- Boards are inexpensive so are often used instead of real woods
- Manufactured boards have been developed mainly for industrial production as they can be made in very large sheets of consistent quality
Manufactured boards examples
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
Plywood
Chipboard
Describe the conversion of timber
After being cut (felled), tree trunks are stripped of their bark and cut into usable planks in a sawmill, where they become timber. Planks come in many shapes and sizes
What is seasoning
Newly cut (green) timber contains a lot of moisture, which makes it liable to rot, split and warp. To counteract this, the moisture is removed through seasoning.
● Air Seasoning
● Kiln Seasoning
What are the two types of seasoning
● Air Seasoning
● Kiln Seasoning
What material would be used for modern high-end kitchen cupboard doors?
A consistent quality is required with a high level of finish.
MDF
It is affordable, and it has a smooth surface so there would be no splinters so it works well to be painted as well.
What would be a suitable material for this heavy-duty sub-floor?
A sub-floor is a structural floor attached to joists that would usually have a more aesthetic floor on top (such as laminate flooring)
Plywood
It is used since it is made with many layers. This makes it strong so it can maintain weight, stable and durable so it lasts for a while
Many kitchen worksurfaces have a laminated wood / plastic finish.
What material would be used under the laminate?
Laminated Chipwood
It is very durable, and doesnt get scratched easily, and doesnt get stained or get cracks in the wood easily
What would be used to manufacture these flat-pack bookcases? They are relatively inexpensive and should not be unnecessarily heavy for easy transportation.
Laminated Chipwood
It is relatively cheap, and light, but they are very durable and can hold weight, which makes it a light and durable bookcase.
Whilst not used in a flat board form, which manufactured board could be used to create the curved frame on an Ikea chair?
Plywood
Due to the layers, it can be easier to bend the plywood into this shape. Plywood is also durable and strong so it would be able to allow weight on it, but also last for a long time
What is sustainable timber?
Timber sourced from trees that are replanted
