Hardwood and softwood are the two most common types of timber. Hardwoods tend to be more durable, but are also lighter and easier to work with. Hardwoods are more expensive, but softwoods tend to be less so. These two categories include a wide range of different types.
Some of the most common types of timber are oak, pine, ash, mahogany and plywood. Due to their increased durability, hardwoods are often used in furniture and construction. Softwood timber, on the other hand, is used in many residential projects because it has a beautiful finish. It also offers greater flexibility. For Timber Frame Manufacturers, visit Merlin, who are specialist Timber Frame Manufacturers.
How can I select the best wood?
There are many different types of timber, including sizes, shapes, and styles. Choose the right type of wood for your project by carefully considering the traits you want. Consider these factors when choosing timber.
- Density- This is the weight and strength in the wood. Wood with a high density is more suitable for furniture, whereas wood of a lower density is used for woodcraft.
- Colour- The colour of the wood has a major impact on how your product looks. Natural cherry wood, for example, will look very different from white pine.
- Texture- To determine the texture of the timber, you must first check the way the wood was finished.
How should I take care of timber?
To keep your timber in top condition, you will need to maintain it regularly. Be aware that some environments can damage timber and reduce its quality. To avoid this, keep your timber furniture away from direct sunlight, and keep it in a dry, cool room. You should also clean and dry it regularly, to remove dust and dirt. Timber polish is a great way to protect your wood products and minimise the appearance of minor scratches.
Why timber remains a popular building material
Homes built entirely from wood are unusual today, but timber is still found in most new houses, from the floorboards to the roof structure. One reason it remains popular over synthetic materials is that it is biodegradable. When wood comes to the end of its life it decays naturally, returning nutrients to the soil and providing homes for insects and other wildlife.
Timber is also a good insulator. Unlike metal, it does not transfer heat well, which helps keep a house warm. Used and treated properly, it can wear almost as well as brick, although the conditions it is placed in make a difference.
The European forestry industry is large and grows more trees than it needs, which helps keep supply sustainable, even though a tree takes decades to reach maturity. Pine, a softwood, is used widely in building and furniture. The terms softwood and hardwood describe the type of tree rather than how hard the wood is: hardwoods are broadleaved and mostly deciduous, while softwoods are mostly evergreen conifers.
