For more than a century, wood has been used as a basic building material. Wood is still utilised extensively worldwide, despite new developments in construction brought about by materials like steel and concrete. As the wood industry has improved due to new technologies, this opinion is shifting, and wood is now appropriate for larger, more intricate buildings. More robust and taller buildings than ever before are being constructed with wood.
It’s crucial for builders to understand the many kinds of wood, their uses, and their capabilities. Knowing how the major wood types are graded will help you choose the ideal one for your project once you have a solid understanding of them.
Types of Wood for Construction
Hardwood, softwood, and engineered wood are the three varieties of wood that are frequently discussed by builders. Only hardwood and softwood are solid, natural woods that are derived straight from trees. Conversely, engineered wood is a product of human creation. It creates a more robust and adaptable material by mixing wood products with other substances like resin or glue. Let’s examine these three categories of wood:
Hardwood
Angiosperm trees, which produce seeds with a protective covering, give rise to hardwoods. Pollen is transported from one tree to another by birds and insects that pollinate these trees. The plants provide seeds, nuts, or fruits after fertilisation.
Most hardwood trees shed their leaves every year because they are deciduous. The wood of these trees is denser and stronger than that of softwoods because they typically develop more slowly. Hardwoods are therefore ideal for building projects that must withstand weather or the elements. Hardwood is frequently utilised in strong decks, exquisite flooring, robust beams, sophisticated panelling, and long-lasting, fine furniture. These trees’ slow growth lends their wood a special durability and strength, making it a sturdy choice that lasts for many years.
Types of Hardwood
5 common hardwood species used in construction are listed below:
Teakwood
With a light brown colour, teak is a popular hardwood that is excellent for indoor furniture and buildings, along with its robust, weather-resistant, and non-flammable properties.
Rosewood
Rosewood smells of flowers and has a lovely reddish-brown colour. It can be costly and is frequently utilised for high-end furniture and musical equipment.
Oakwood
It resists moisture and fungi effectively and is utilised to make sturdy furniture like bookcases and cabinets.
Maplewood
Maplewood is ideal for high-traffic areas like floors because it is shock-resistant and light beige in colour.
Ashwood
Ashwood has a lovely light brown colour and is durable and lightweight. It is more reasonably priced than oak and is frequently used for flooring, cabinets, and furniture. The timber industry frequently uses it.
Softwood
The gymnosperm family of trees, which produce cones rather than flowers or fruits, are the source of softwoods. These trees typically have straight, basic grain patterns, light-coloured wood, and rapid growth. Softwoods are incredibly adaptable and can be used for a wide range of products, including paper, furniture, building materials, and even energy.
Types of Softwood
Here are five popular types of softwood used in construction:
Pinewood
Pinewood is light yellow and easy to stain. It is perfect for doors, windows, and floors but not suitable for outdoor use as it decays quickly.
Cedarwood
With a stylish light brown, striped look, cedar wood is great for decorative furniture like chests and closets and naturally resists decay.
Firwood
A reddish-brown wood that’s harder to stain, ideal for furniture and interior structures.
Spruce Wood
A strong and light beige spruce wood is used for high-end projects like ship masts and aircraft but needs upkeep to prevent decay.
Hemlock Wood
A very affordable, lightweight, and versatile hemlock wood that is used for planks, doors, and joinery, though prone to decay.
Engineered Wood
Discarded wood pieces create more problems in constructing a structure. To balance this, engineered woods are created by using discarded pieces of wood. By adding some adhesives, these engineered woods are well known for their long-lasting property. For building a structure, engineered wood is a fantastic option due to its strength and budget. In large-scale construction, it can be used to create floors, walls, and beams. This lowers the wood waste and makes it more environmentally friendly.
Types of Engineered Wood
AC Plywood
One side of AC plywood may be rough (C grade) and the other smooth and finished (A grade). When only one side is exposed, it works well for floors, fences, roofing, and furniture.
CDX Plywood
CDX plywood has an exterior glue that bonds the sheetboard together. One side of the plywood is C grade, and the other side of the board is D grade. It can withstand moisture and is apt for spaces like sheathing and subfloors.
High-Density Fiberboard (HDF)
HDF plywood is made by compressing recycled wood fibers along with resins to become tough and versatile. It is ideal for making furniture, cabinets, and floors. To enhance its style and appearance, it can be painted or laminated.
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)
A strong option for beams and heavy loads in structural work.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
A budget-friendly plywood alternative for walls, floors, and roofs.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Dense and eco-friendly, ideal for furniture and curved surfaces.
Benefits of Wood in Construction
Wood can be used for many purposes for its easy process and it is one of the most sustainable gifts of nature for mankind. It’s cheaper and uses less energy to build than steel and concrete. These are its main advantages:
- Thermal Insulation: Wood keeps spaces warm, making it perfect for cold climates. It also lowers energy use and electricity costs.
- Sound Insulation: It absorbs sound, creating quieter homes, offices, and studios.
- Adaptability: Wood can be reused for new purposes, like turning an old door into furniture.
- Health Benefits: Wood moderates humidity and improves emotional well-being, reducing stress.
- Cost-Effective: It is easy to source and maintain, thus resulting in saving your money for the long term.
- Fire Resistance: Wood burns predictably, with a charcoal layer that slows fire spread.
Maintenance and Care of Wood in Construction
If you take proper care of them, wood floors are simple to maintain. Here’s how to maintain their excellent appearance:
Clean Regularly: Dust, sweep, or vacuum weekly using a vacuum without hard heads or beater bars. Avoid abrasive mops or steam cleaners.
Handle Spills Quickly: Wipe spills immediately with a clean, damp cloth to prevent stains. Don’t let liquids sit, as they can damage the wood.
Prevent Scratches: Trim pet nails and use furniture pads or sliders when moving furniture. Avoid hauling heavy goods.
Use Proper Equipment: Invest in wood floor cleaning supplies and a microfiber mop. Steer clear of strong cleaners, water, and oils.
Protect Floors: Place mats at entrances to trap dirt. Use rugs in sunlit areas to prevent fading and maintain indoor humidity at 35-45% to avoid warping or splitting.
Remove Sticky Substances: Loosen with ice and gently scrape with a plastic tool. Follow these tips for long-lasting, beautiful floors!
Conclusion
In the construction field, wood has been used as a building material for more than a century. It is differentiated according to its strength and durability. In building, different wood varieties have different uses; some are better suited for flooring, beams, or structural components, while others are best for doors and windows. Builders can make well-informed decisions to get the greatest results for their projects by being aware of the distinctive qualities of each type.