Natural and manufactured timbers

Using these general rules will help you answer most questions relating to Hardwoods and Softwoods:

• Hardwoods tend to be more expensive due to the longer time to grow to maturity
• Hardwoods tend to be denser due to slow growth times, this makes them more durable, stronger, harder and tougher than softwoods
• Hardwoods tend to be darker than softwoods

Ash:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Strong and durable Good shock resistance Attractive grain pattern Easy to work with tools Good bending properties	Prone to insect attack Can be difficult to stain evenly Limited natural resistance to rot Can warp if not properly dried

Uses: Tool handles, furniture, sports equipment, flooring

Beech:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Physically hard Tough Polishes well	Can be prone to warping Not suitable for outside applications Can be difficult to work

Uses: Workshop benches, School desks, Furniture

Mahogany:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Easy to work Durable Finishes well Very few knots	Grain can be variable Prone to warping Prone to Splitting Physical hardness varies

Uses: Furniture, Veneers, Floorboards

Oak:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Strong Works Well Durable	Expensive Heavy Prone to Splitting Can be Physically Hard

Uses: Garden furniture, construction, High quality furniture

Balsa:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Lightweight Easy to work Grows very quick (sustainable)	Can be expensive Not very durable Not waterproof

Uses: String instruments, model making

Larch:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Aesthetically pleasing Easy to work Good availability	Natural resins can damage tools Prone to knotting/warping Difficult to treat

Uses: Furniture, Cladding, Boatbuilding, Veneers

Pine:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Easy to work Straight grain Affordable	Prone to knotting Not very durable Rots/corrodes easily

Uses: Roof joists, Floorboards, Construction, Furniture

Spruce:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Lightweight yet strong Good strength-to-weight ratio Straight and even grain Resonant qualities (good for sound) Easy to work with hand tools	Low natural durability outdoors Prone to warping if not properly dried Can have many knots Soft surface dents easily

Uses: Musical instruments (soundboards), construction lumber, aircraft frames, paper pulp

Using these general rules will help you answer most questions relating to Natural timbers and Manmade timbers:

• Manmade boards are not limited by the size of the tree, they can be created in any size, shape or thickness
• Manmade boards are often covered in a wood veneer for greater strength, durability and for aesthetics
• Manmade boards are harder to recycle due to the adhesives in them
• Manmade boards tend to be cheaper than natural timbers due to lower quality wood
• Manmade boards don't have a grain (except Plywood) which makes them stable in all directions and easier to machine
• Manmade boards are more readily available
• Manmade boards are made from recycled timber so they are more sustainable

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF):

Advantages	Disadvantages
Widely available Cheap Doesn't warp due to lack of grain structure No knots Comes in any size/thickness	Not as durable as natural timber Doesn't take nails/screws well Doesn't do well with moisture Poor surface finish without veneer

Uses: Roofing, Tables, Cabinets

Plywood:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Widely available Cheap Uniform strength Easy to work with Can be finished easily with varnishes etc	Only comes in certain thicknesses Edges can splinter Doesn't do well with moisture Not as durable as natural timber

Uses: Beams, Interior structures, shipping crates

Chipboard:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Low cost material Eco-friendly (made from wood waste) Uniform density Lightweight Good sound insulation	Weak structural strength Absorbs moisture easily Difficult to repair once damaged Poor screw holding ability Rough edges require finishing

Uses: Flat-pack furniture, flooring underlay, interior shelving, low-cost cabinetry

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