4.2b Timber Notes

Softwood vs Hardwood

Softwood

1. Softwood comes from coniferous trees (trees with cones and needle-like leaves), like pine, cedar, and fir.
2. It is commonly used for building and furniture because it is light, flexible, and easy to work with.
   1. Physical Properties (What It’s Like)
      1. Softwood is lighter than hardwood because it has lower density.
      2. It has an open grain, meaning it can absorb water easily, which can make it swell or rot if not treated properly.
      3. Think of softwood like a sponge—it soaks up water more easily than hardwood.
   2. Mechanical Properties (How Strong It Is)
      1. Softwood is more flexible than hardwood, meaning it bends more easily.
      2. It is not as strong when pulled or squeezed (less strong in tension and compression).
      3. Imagine bending a thin wooden ruler vs. a thick wooden board—softwood is more like the ruler, bending easily but not breaking quickly.
   3. Aesthetic Properties (How It Looks & Feels)
      1. Usually light in color, but some types have darker grains.
      2. Some softwoods, like cedar, have a strong scent.
      3. Since it is softer, it can get scratched or dented easily.
      4. Think of how a wooden pencil can be marked or dented easily—softwood is similar.
   4. Environmental Considerations (Is It Sustainable?)
      1. Softwood trees grow quickly, making them more renewable than hardwood trees.
      2. Since they regrow fast, they are a better choice for sustainability.
      3. It’s like planting and harvesting corn vs. growing an oak tree—softwood trees grow much faster!
   5. Design Uses (Where It’s Used in Real Life)
      1. Low-cost furniture (like IKEA-style tables and shelves).
      2. House framing (used to build walls and roofs).
      3. Indoor furniture (chairs, doors, and cabinets).
      4. Easy to cut, sand, and shape, making it great for DIY projects.

Hardwood

1. Hardwood comes from deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves in autumn), like oak, maple, and mahogany.
2. It is known for being strong, durable, and often more expensive than softwood.
   1. Physical Properties (What It’s Like)
      1. Hardwood is denser and heavier than softwood, making it stronger and more durable.
      2. It has a tighter grain, meaning it does not absorb water as easily, making it more resistant to moisture.
      3. Think of hardwood like a rock—it’s solid, tough, and doesn’t soak up water easily like a sponge (softwood).
   2. Mechanical Properties (How Strong It Is)
      1. Hardwood is stronger and harder than softwood, meaning it doesn’t bend or dent as easily.
      2. It can handle more weight and force, making it great for flooring and furniture that needs to last a long time.
      3. Imagine trying to scratch a wooden cutting board vs. a wooden pencil—hardwood is like the cutting board, tough and scratch-resistant!
   3. Aesthetic Properties (How It Looks & Feels)
      1. Hardwood comes in rich, deep colors and often has a beautiful grain pattern.
      2. It feels smooth and can be polished for a shiny finish.
      3. Some hardwoods, like mahogany and walnut, have dark, elegant colors, while others, like oak and maple, are lighter.
      4. Think of a fancy wooden dining table—hardwood gives a classy, elegant look.
   4. Environmental Considerations (Is It Sustainable?)
      1. Hardwood trees grow much slower than softwood trees, making them less renewable.
      2. Because they take longer to grow, cutting too many hardwood trees can harm the environment.
      3. Many hardwoods are now grown in sustainable forests to help protect nature.
      4. It’s like growing a huge tree vs. planting a sunflower—one takes decades, while the other grows in weeks!
   5. Design Uses (Where It’s Used in Real Life)
      1. High-quality furniture (dining tables, cabinets, and bookshelves).
      2. Flooring (because it’s strong and lasts a long time).
      3. Musical instruments (guitars, pianos, violins).
      4. Boat building (because some hardwoods resist water well).
      5. If you’ve ever seen a fancy wooden staircase or a grand piano, it was probably made from hardwood!

How Wood Grain and Cutting Methods Affect Timber

1. Wood naturally has grain patterns that impact both its appearance and strength.
2. The way wood is cut affects how it looks, how strong it is, and how it reacts to moisture.

Types of Wood Cuts & Their Effects

1. Plain Sawn
   1. Most common and affordable cut.
   2. Has a wavy grain pattern but can warp more over time.
2. Quarter Sawn
   1. More stable and resists warping better.
   2. Straight, uniform grain pattern, often used in high-quality furniture.
3. Rift Sawn
   1. Very strong and stable with a tight, linear grain.
   2. Often used in flooring and premium furniture.
4. Live Sawn
   1. A mix of different grain patterns.
   2. Unique look with a mix of straight and curved grain.

Engineered Timber

4 main types are:

1. Plywood
2. MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)
3. Fibreboard / Chipboard
4. OSB (Orientated Strand Board)

Treating and Finishing Timbers

1. Timber doesn’t come ready to use right after it’s cut.
2. It needs to be dried, treated, and sometimes finished to improve its strength, durability, and appearance.

Seasoning of Timber

1. Freshly cut wood is full of moisture, making it weak and prone to warping or rotting—like a sponge soaked in water.
2. Seasoning (drying) removes this excess moisture so the wood becomes stronger and more stable.
3. Depending on the type of wood, where it was grown, and how it will be used, seasoning can take 1 to 5 years—kind of like aging fine cheese or wine to bring out the best qualities.

Treatment of Timber

1. Wood naturally rots, warps, or gets attacked by insects, so we apply treatments to make it last longer. I
2. Imagine spraying bug repellent on yourself before going into a mosquito-infested forest!
3. Treatments include
   1. Protection from insects and fungi – Chemicals are added to make wood "poisonous" to bugs and fungi, preventing rot.
   2. Weatherproofing – A waterproof layer helps prevent swelling or shrinking when exposed to rain. It’s like applying sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
   3. Chemical resistance – Some wood is treated to resist acids or harsh chemicals, making it useful in labs or factories.

Finishing of Timber

1. Once wood is dried and treated, it can be finished to improve its appearance and durability
2. Sort of like polishing leather shoes to make them look better and last longer.
   1. Stains – Add color and protect the wood from UV rays, similar to how hair dye changes color but also strengthens hair.
   2. Oils and waxes – Make the surface smooth and shiny while adding protection, like lotion keeps skin soft and prevents cracking.

Recovery & Disposal of Timer

Towards the end of timber's lifecycle

Wood is used everywhere—from houses to furniture to paper—but what happens when it’s no longer needed?

1. Recycling wood isn't always easy.
   1. Some types, like MDF and particle board, have strong glues and chemicals that make them hard to reuse. It’s like trying to recycle a pizza box soaked in grease—sometimes, it’s too contaminated to be useful.
2. Old wood can be chipped and repurposed for landscaping, playgrounds, or even making new wood-based materials.
3. Reclaimed wood from old buildings is prized for its unique appearance.
   1. Aged timber can be used to make beautiful furniture or flooring, just like vintage clothing has a unique character.

Sustainable Forest Management

1. Since wood is a natural resource, we need to balance cutting trees with planting new ones.
2. Sustainable forests are carefully managed so we don’t destroy ecosystems.
   1. For every tree cut down, a new one is planted.
      1. Imagine a farm where crops are replanted every season—that’s the idea behind sustainable forestry.
   2. Wildlife and local communities benefit.
      1. Trees provide habitats for animals and help control the climate, so managing forests properly is key.
   3. Certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) help people choose responsibly sourced wood, like buying fair-trade coffee to support ethical farming.