Woods

Question 1

What are hardwoods

Answer 1

A deciduous tree, usually a broad-leafed variety that drops its leaves in the winter

Question 2

Properties of ash wood

Answer 2

Flexible, tough and shock resistant, laminates well, pale brown

Question 3

Properties of beech wood

Answer 3

Fine finish, tough and durable. Biege with pink hue

Question 4

Properties of mahogany wood

Answer 4

Easily worked, durable and finishes well. Reddish brown.

Question 5

Properties of balsa wood

Answer 5

Very soft and spongy, good strength to weight ratio. Pale cream/white

Question 6

Properties of oak wood

Answer 6

Tough, hard and durable, high quality finish possible. Light brown

Question 7

Uses of ash

Answer 7

Sports equipment and tool handles

Question 8

Uses of beech

Answer 8

Children’s toys and models, furniture and veneers

Question 9

Uses of mahogany

Answer 9

High end furniture and joinery, veneers

Question 10

Uses of balsa

Answer 10

Prototyping and modelling

Question 11

Uses of oak

Answer 11

Flooring, furniture, railway sleepers, veneers

Question 12

Why are hardwoods denser than softwoods

Answer 12

Deciduous trees are usually slower growing

Question 13

What is a softwood

Answer 13

From a coniferous tree, one that usually bears needles and has cones and keeps its leaves all year round

Question 14

Properties of pine

Answer 14

Lightweight, easy to work with, can be split and be resinous near knots. Pale yellowish brown.

Question 15

Properties of spruce

Answer 15

Easy to work with, high stiffness to weight ratio. Creamy white

Question 16

Properties of larch

Answer 16

Durable, tough, good water resistance, good surface finish. Pale reddish brown

Question 17

Uses of pine

Answer 17

Interior construction, furniture.

Question 18

Uses of spruce

Answer 18

Construction, furniture and musical instruments

Question 19

Uses of larch

Answer 19

Decking, flooring, furniture and joinery, veneers

Question 20

What are manufactured boards

Answer 20

Sheets of processed natural timber, waste products or veneers combined with adhesives

Question 21

What are manufactured boards made from

Answer 21

Waste wood, low-grade timber and recycled timber

Question 22

Properties of chipboard

Answer 22

Good compressive strength, not water resistant unless treated, good value, prone to chipping on edges and corners.

Question 23

Properties of Medium density fibreboard (MDF)

Answer 23

Rigid and stable, with a smooth, easy to finish surface. Very absorbant so not good in high humidity or damp areas.

Question 24

Properties of plywood

Answer 24

Very stable in all direction due to alternate layering at 90°

Question 25

Uses of chipboard

Answer 25

Flooring, low-end furniture, kitchen unites and work tops.

Question 26

Uses of MDF

Answer 26

Flat pack furniture, toys, kitchen units and internal construction

Question 27

Uses of plywood

Answer 27

Furniture, shelving, toys and construction

Question 28

Examples of hardwoods

Answer 28

Ash, beech, mahogany, balsa, oak

Question 29

Examples of softwoods

Answer 29

Pine, larch, spruce

Question 30

Examples of manufactured timbers

Answer 30

Chipboard, plywood, MDF