Wood. Wood surface, showing several features Wood is a hard, fibrous structural tissue found in the stems and roots of trees and other woody plants. It has been used for thousands of years for both fuel and as a construction material. It is an organic material, a natural composite of cellulose fibers (which are strong in tension) embedded in a matrix of lignin which resists compression. Wood is sometimes defined as only the secondary xylem in the stems of trees,[1] or it is defined more broadly to include the same type of tissue elsewhere such as in tree roots or in other plants such as shrubs. The Earth contains about one trillion tonnes of wood, which grows at a rate of 10 billion tonnes per year.
History A 2011 discovery in the Canadian province of New Brunswick uncovered the earliest known plants to have grown wood, approximately 395 to 400 million years ago.[3] Physical properties Growth rings Knots In the tree a knot is either the base of a side branch or a dormant bud. Wood Knot Color. Types of Wood for Woodworking. Solid wood — that is, wood cut into boards from the trunk of the tree — makes up most of the wood in a piece of furniture. The type of wood you choose determines the beauty and strength of the finished piece. Many varieties of wood are available, and each has its own properties. The following sections introduce you to the most common types of soft- and hardwoods. Sampling some softwoods Softwoods aren't weaker than hardwoods. Softwoods come from coniferous trees such as cedar, fir, and pine and tend to be somewhat yellow or reddish.
It's also relatively easy to find sustainably grown softwoods (woods grown on tree farms to ensure an endless supply of wood); this means you're not contributing to the deforestation of the world and will always have a supply of wood for your projects. Following is a list of common softwood varieties and their characteristics. Cedar The most common type of cedar is the western red variety. Fir Pine Redwood Homing in on hardwoods Ash Birch Cherry Mahogany Maple Oak Poplar. The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Wood. Wood Species 1. Which Wood is Best - Types of Wood - 10 Great Woods for Woodworking. Paint Types - Pros & Cons. Architectural Details: 10 Skylights in the Bath by.
All About the Different Types of Wood Finishes. Green Wood Finishes Natural oils and waxes are the most eco-friendly of wood finishes, although synthetic alternatives do exist. Beeswax and linseed oil are well known green finishes, but look out for safflower oil and carnauba wax as well. Water-based varnishes and stains also have good green credentials. Look at the manufacturer's label, check for any VOC content and determine exactly what ingredients have been used. For the application of eco-friendly products, follow the guide below. Wood Finishes Natural wood finishes, especially those that soak into the grain, are often difficult to remove, so take time to think about your requirements and choose the right product.
Courtesy of DK - Do It Yourself Home Improvement © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited Varnish Hardwearing, transparent or colored, decorative and preservative finish that highlights and protects the wood surface below. For interior or exterior use as specified. Stain For interior or exterior use as specified. How to Use Wood Stain, Paint, and Finish on Pinterest. How to Use Wood Stain, Paint, and Finish on Pinterest. All About the Different Types of Wood Finishes. Types of wood | WOOD IS BEAUTIFUL. All About Hardwood Floors.