Types Of Wood And Its Characteristics for your next Project

We have already learned that there are certain materials that can fit well for certain project as there are the right tools for the right job. As a builder, it is very important to know the characteristics of a material to be able to utilize it into your own advantage. Wood for instance is a very popular material for those who are starting up a workshop because it is cheap, easy to find, replace and repair, and manipulate compared to other construction material. But what makes wood tricky is that there are more than 5000 types of wood that you can choose from which means it that you should know the right wood and power tools for your project as well.

Luckily, it is not that difficult to get to know the wood basics once you get the idea of it. It will surely help you on choosing the perfect wood and tools whether it is for a small furniture project, construction or just taking your new Milwaukee 18v for a spin. All that there is to know is that there are two main types of wood: the hardwood and the softwood. Hardwoods are deciduous trees that often shed their leaves in the fall. There are about 200 kinds of hardwood that is pliable for woodwork. Compared to other trees, those that are classified as hardwood grow slower which means that it is denser and has favorable grain pattern for woodworkers. Great examples of hardwood are oak, cherry, and maple.

Softwoods on the other hand are commonly referred to as evergreen trees. And contrary to hardwood, they have finer grains that are not noticeable on the final product. They also grow faster than hardwood and perfect for outdoor construction projects. Some examples of softwood are fir, pine, and cedar.

Now let us look unto the characteristics that different wood types have. This will help us in looking for the perfect wood type to use for specific wood projects.

1. Density – Refers to the tightness of the woods’ grain pattern and the capability to resist wearing, denting, and scratches. 
2. Color – this is associated to the woods’ complexion without undergoing treatment and painting. For example, maple has a very different color than oak and cedar. Some wood even go through color change with different weather condition.
3. Texture – plays a big role in the finishing of the project. Texture may both refer to the condition and stability of the wood’s surface.
4. Grain Pattern – refers to the direction of the wood fibers. While it plays a significant impact on the aesthetic of the project, it is also important to understand that the grain pattern has a big bearing in constructional projects. Tight-patterned wood are generally stronger than the loose-patterned one.

It is necessary to understand that there are a lot of commercial lumber in the market and each type possesses different wood characteristics. That is why you should set your wood preferences and carefully select which wood will meet your standards. So before you turn up that Milwaukee 18v and create something, make sure to take some time to know which wood will be perfect for your project.

Choosing The Right Materials For Your Workshop: Wood And Its Properties

As there is a specific tool for a specific job, there is a specific material for a specific project. To make sure that your project will be completely worth the while, it is an important skill to be able to determine which material will be most suited for what object. There are various materials to choose from. A material has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Let us take some time to understand one of the most common material used in projects—the wood.

Wood is a material that is easy to manipulate, shape, and resize. Power tools like Milwaukee 18v will have its easy way on this material. It is cheap and flexible for any projects. Wood is also easy to replace and maintain. This makes wood a very popular material for construction. It is also used for making musical instruments, boats, furniture, and sculptures. But for us to fully understand this material and what projects would be fitting for wood, let’s get to know this material more by analyzing its properties.

ADVANTAGES
Physical Properties -- Wood is a tough material. It may be not as strong as steel, but it is more flexible and lighter. Wood is also resistant to squeezing. And unlike plastic, it is difficult to stretch wood out.

Thermal Properties – Unlike other materials, wood does not change in size and volume when temperature seizes. Wood does not expand when expose to heat. On the contrary, it dries out and gains strength.

Acoustic Properties – The lightness of wood makes it an ideal material for musical instruments and concert halls. It reduces echo and absorbs sounds.

Aesthetic Properties – Wood is a highly decorative material. And depending on the tree from where it will be taken from, it can vary in color, design, and smell. The design can be changed depending on how the wood is sliced. It can even be painted and varnished.

Environmental Properties – Since wood is taken from trees, it is a sustainable material. Trees taken down for wood can be replaced by growing new trees. Also, wood can easily be disposed through the natural process of decomposition. Variation – There are more than 5000 kinds of wood in the world. This variety will offer different options for different kinds of projects.

DISADVANTAGES
- Because wood is a natural material, it is also vulnerable to natural conditions.
- Exposing wood to moisture may cause fungi and mold to grow on it.
- Most wood is vulnerable to termites and insects.
- Wood can easily catch fire.

There are several steps on how to strengthen wood and fight these disadvantages. For instance, to prevent termites and fungi from growing on the surface of the wood, the wood can be treated with chemicals or painted. Coating the wood will also strengthen its resistance to weather conditions.

Knowing the properties of your materials and their characteristic will help you decide on how you can utilize it and maximize its potential. So before you start up those Milwaukee 18v and work up a new project, make sure to have a clear visual of the materials that you will be using to save you from possible problems that you might encounter.