Natural Woods

NATURAL WOODS

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Woods are classified into two main groups, softwoods and hardwoods . Trees are either coniferous (bears cones and have needle shaped leaves that stay green all year round) or deciduous (has flat leaves that fall in autumn). The timber that comes from the coniferous tree is known as softwood and the timber that comes from deciduous trees is known as hardwood. Although the terms suggest that softwoods are soft and easy to cut and shape and that hardwoods are hard and more difficult to shape this is not the case. For example, balsa wood which is noted for its lightness and softness, is actually classified as a hardwood.

Main differences between softwoods and hardwoods.

Source Trees
Softwoods are derived from coniferous trees (evergreen, needle-like leaves).
Hardwoods are derived from deciduous trees (lose leaves seasonally).

Growth Rate
Softwoods generally grow faster, making them more abundant and affordable.
Hardwoods typically grow slower, resulting in higher density and cost.

Wood Grain
Softwoods usually have a straight and uniform grain.
Hardwoods often exhibit varied and complex grain patterns.

Density and Hardness
Softwoods are generally less dense and softer (though there are exceptions like balsa).
Hardwoods are typically denser and harder (though some like balsa are soft).

Practical Applications
Softwoods are used in construction, furniture and paper production.
Hardwoods are used for high-quality furniture, flooring, and decorative items.

Weight
Softwoods are lighter in weight.
Hardwoods are heavier due to their higher density.

THREE COMMON SOFTWOODS

Pine is an affordable and versatile wood, often used in construction and furniture making. It is pale in colour, easy to cut and shape, and with excellent machining qualities. Pine is widely available, making it a popular choice for various applications. Pine is derived from coniferous trees, which have needle-shaped leaves and remain green throughout the year. The wood's characteristics make it suitable for both interior and exterior uses.

Spruce is light in colour, typically ranging from white to pale yellow. It has a fine, even texture and a straight grain. It is widely used in construction, particularly for framing and panelling. It is also popular for making musical instruments, such as guitars and violins, due to its excellent acoustic properties.

Fir is often referred to as Douglas fir, has a reddish-brown colour with a straight, pronounced grain. It is relatively strong and durable. Fir is commonly used in construction for beams, flooring and plywood. It is also used for outdoor projects like decking and fencing, as it has good weather resistance.

SUMMARY - PINE - SPRUCE AND FIR

Pine is affordable and versatile, with a pale color and easy workability. Spruce is light-coloUred, fine-textured and used for construction and musical instruments. Fir / Douglas fir, is strong, durable and can appear reddish-brown, used for beams, flooring, and outdoor projects

THREE COMMON HARDWOODS

Mahogany is a high-quality hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown colour, fine grain, and excellent workability. It is durable, resistant to decay, and often used in fine furniture, cabinetry, and boat building. Its beauty and strength make it a prised material for high-end applications.
It is worth noting that there are different types of mahogany, each with their own specific characteristics and physical properties. E.G. African Mahogany, Cuban Mahogany (also known as Spanish mahogany) and Honduran Mahogany,

Oak is a durable and strong hardwood, known for its prominent grain patterns and light to medium brown colour. It is commonly used in high-quality furniture, flooring and cabinet making. Oak is resistant to fungal and insect attacks, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
It is worth noting that there are different types of oak, each with their own specific characteristics and physical properties. E.G. English Oak, American Oak, Japanese oak (also known as Mongolian Oak), White Oak and Red Oak.

Teak is a highly durable hardwood known for its golden-brown colour and natural oils, which make it resistant to decay, insects and weathering. It has a straight grain with a coarse texture and is often used in outdoor furniture, decking, boat building and flooring, due to its strength and longevity.
Plantation Teak is grown in managed plantations, often with controlled conditions to optimise growth and yield.
Natural Teak is grown in natural forests, typically old-growth trees that have developed over centuries. Many countries have banned the import of natural teak, in an effort to reduce deforestation.

WOODS - SHAPES AND SECTIONS