TYPES OF
WOOD
CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY 1
( WOOD WORKS TECHNOLOGY )
WOOD
WHAT IS WOOD?
WHAT IS WOOD?
WOOD
• Wood is an essential natural, fibrous composite
material. It is found in the stems and roots of trees
and other woody plants.
• Wood is one of the most commonly used materials
for structural elements or building component parts,
because it is rather strong and resilient.
Pyramid of Neolithic Long Chinese
Giza House Temple
BRIEF HISTORY
The history of wood use by humans is a long and intertwined journey with
civilization itself. From the Paleolithic era, where it served as the foundation for
tools, weapons, and shelters, to the Neolithic era, where it became central to
permanent homes, farming tools, and early boats, wood has been a constant
companion. Ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome further developed
wood's applications, utilizing it for construction, shipbuilding, furniture, and even
mummification. The development of water-powered mills and sawmills in the
Middle Ages revolutionized wood processing, making it a key component in the
construction of houses, churches, castles, and ships.
Wood became a global commodity during the Renaissance and beyond, driving
trade and exploration with the discovery of new wood species and advancements
like the printing press. The Industrial Revolution propelled wood-based industries
such as papermaking, furniture production, and construction, expanding its use.
The invention of steam engines and later electricity revolutionized wood
processing and transportation. Today, wood remains essential in construction,
furniture, paper, and various products, with sustainable forestry practices and
innovative technologies ensuring its long-term availability. With the growing
concerns of climate change, wood's role as a renewable and sustainable resource
is increasingly vital, leading to the development of wood-based solutions for
bioenergy, bio-based materials, and carbon sequestration.
TYPES OF WOOD
• Hardwood
• Softwood
• Engineered Wood
Derived from deciduous trees
A versatile and durable material with a wide range
HARDWOOD
of applications. Its unique properties, including
density, strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal,
make it a popular choice for furniture, flooring,
construction, and more.
Slower-growing than softwoods, contributing to
their denser structure. This slower growth rate
results in tighter grain patterns and a more
intricate wood structure.
PROPERTIES
• RESISTANCE
OF
• DENSITY
HARDWOOD
• APPEARANCE
• MALLEABILITY
Oak Mahogany
EXAMPLES
OF
HARDWOOD Cherry Walnut
Derived from coniferous trees.
A versatile and valuable material that plays a vital
SOFTWOOD
role in numerous industries. Its unique
characteristics, including its lower density, straight
grain, workability, and natural resistance, make it a
preferred choice for a wide range of applications.
Known for their straight grain and uniform
texture, making them easy to work with and
finish.
CHARACTERISTICS
• FLEXIBLE
OF SOFTWOOD
• LIGHT IN WEIGHT
• LESS DENSE THAN
HARDWOODS
Pine Cedar
EXAMPLES
OF
SOFTWOOD Spruce
Differences between Hardwood and Softwood
Hardwoods: Often used for furniture, flooring, and other applications
requiring durability and a beautiful grain pattern.
Softwoods: Often used for construction, framing, paper production, and
other applications where affordability and workability are important.
Hardwoods are generally denser and more durable than softwoods,
making them ideal for applications requiring high strength and resistance
to wear and tear. However, softwoods offer advantages in terms of
workability, affordability, and availability.
Softwoods: Derived from gymnosperm trees, typically conifers.
Hardwoods: Derived from angiosperm trees, which produce flowers and
fruits
Generally made from the same hardwoods and
softwoods used to manufacture lumber, but
mixed with additives like adhesives.
ENGINEERED
Known as composite wood, manufactured
wood, or mass timber, represents a diverse
range of wood products designed to enhance
WOOD
the properties of natural wood.
·The use of engineered wood in construction is
increasing, particularly in mass timber
construction, which offers numerous benefits in
terms of sustainability, speed of construction,
and aesthetic appeal.
CHARACTERISTICS
• FLEXIBLE
OF ENGINEERED
• STRONG AND STABLE
WOOD
• SUSTAINABLE
• LIGHTWEIGHT
Blockboard Plywood
EXAMPLES
OF
ENGINEERED Laminated
Veneer
WOOD
Lumber is a term for wood that has
been processed and prepared for
construction and other uses. It is
LUMBER essentially sawn wood that has
been cut into specific dimensions
and lengths, making it ready to be
used in various applications.
TYPES
Lumber can be categorized based on
its species, grade, and intended use.
o Construction lumber: Used for framing,
joists, beams, and other structural elements.
o Finish lumber: Used for flooring, paneling,
trim, and other visible applications.
o Dimension lumber: Lumber that has been cut
to specific dimensions for various uses.
Knots - circular imperfections formed when a branch grows on a tree and is
eventually enveloped by the trunk.
Shakes - separations between the growth rings of the wood, which can occur on the
face of the board or below the surface. They are caused by factors like stress, fungi,
or bacteria.
Pith - spongy center of the tree, and it becomes a defect when it appears on the
COMMON
board surface. Pith can cause the wood to curl and open up at the edges as it dries.
Ring Shake - cracks that appear between and parallel to the tree's growth rings,
weakening the wood. It is caused by parasitic bacteria and is more prevalent in
LUMBER
wood with high moisture content.
Gum, Pitch, and Sap - natural elements of trees that can gather in pockets in a
board, typically where the tree was injured. They can stain lumber and cause
DEFECTS
difficulty when applying finishes.
Wane - presence of bark or the absence of wood at a board's corners. It is found
only in lower-grade lumber and can sometimes be concealed by flipping the board.
Wind Cracks - small, shallow cracks that appear on the surface of wood exposed to
strong winds. They are caused by the wood drying too quickly, leading to surface
shrinkage and cracking.
Insect Damage - Many insects feed on wood and create holes and tunnels,
weakening the wood. Beetles, moths, wasps, and borers are common culprits
Dry Rot - type of fungus that attacks timber, causing significant structural damage.
It thrives in damp, poorly ventilated conditions and feeds on the cellulose in wood.
HARDWOOD GRADES
Established by the national
hardwood association.
GRADES SOFTWOOD GRADES
Are based on the American softwood lumber
standards by the United States Department of
Commerce. Divided on three size classification;
board, dimension lumber, and timbers. Another
classification is called factory and shop.
LUMBER GRADES
The quality or grades pf lumbers
depends on the size of the pieces and the
amount of clear cutting they contain.
CONCLUSION
Wood can be considered as a versatile
material largely used in construction
work, due to its natural strength, great
durability and good aesthetic appeal,
and, above all, being renewable,
making it an environment-friendly one.
Knowing the pros and cons at least
gives those who are building with
wood an opportunity to make more
informed decisions.
