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.