Wood is a soft and pliable structural tissue found at the roots and tips of trees and various woody plant species. Wood is an organic compound a natural, complex mixture of cellulose fibers which are incredibly tough in compression and embedded in an epoxy matrix of silica that resists compression to a certain extent. Wood’s chemical makeup can be categorized as: boron, hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, manganese, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc. Wood is used to make everything from furniture and flooring to wallpaper and musical instruments. Wood has been a popular building material throughout human history because of its inherent strength and durability.
Wood is very resilient and a durable building material. Wood is resistant to insects, decay, and moisture. Wood has the potential to be painted on but should never be applied to moist surfaces, such as bathroom walls and kitchen countertops. Wood resists rotting, cracking, and warping and has very little tendency to swell or expand due to atmospheric pressure or temperature changes.
Wood is classified into two types: softwoods and hardwoods. Softwoods include birch, pine, bamboo, maple, elm, ash, hickory, and aspen. Hardwoods include mahogany, oak, maple, cherry, pecan, fir, cedar, Douglas fir, and elm. Wood can be classified by the type of growth process:
Hardwood trees grow in tropical and subtropical climates. Wood contains cellulose, the primary component of fiber. Wood expands when it is exposed to humidity, heat, and light. Wood is primarily harvested from mature trees in tropical and subtropical climates where it thrives. Wood products made from softwood trees are often superior in appearance, quality, and price to hardwood products.
Wood supplies manufacturers use various processes to convert hardwood into softwood. Wood that has been certified as softwood may have undergone an intensive treatment to strip natural oil from the wood. The treated wood then undergoes thorough heating and filtering to remove any remaining organic contaminants. After the wood has been cleaned, it is then dyed to create a wide range of colors.
Wood is a living organism just like all other things in nature. Wood rots and decays in the environment just as it does in a tree’s environment. In addition to the natural process, wood is also transformed by man-made chemicals, such as pesticides and insecticides. Wood contains different species of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which can cause serious health problems, especially if the wood is improperly disposed of or if it is subjected to water or other contaminants.
Wood, although a natural resource, is also sensitive to many human factors. It is more likely to decay and rot than most other materials. Wood is especially affected if the surrounding environment or climate is less than ideal for growing trees. Proper tree care ensures that the wood remains durable and strong for years. Wood products such as flooring, shelving, cabinetry, and doorframes should be constructed using wood as the primary material. Wood is a great building material because it can be shaped to practically any design imaginable.
Wood is very versatile and therefore it makes a great building material. It can be crafted into any shape possible, making it very attractive and durable for indoor and outdoor applications. Wood can also be shaped using various chemical treatments to create different colorings and finishes. Some manufacturers use a combination of chemicals to achieve the desired results.
Wood is classified according to the type of growth it is from, whether it is a softwood or a hardwood. Wood can be classified as softwoods, hardwoods, and conifers. The most common wood species in North America are oak, maple, birch, poplar, Douglas fir, pine, cedar, juniper, hickory, aspen, pecan, cherry, elm, black walnut, white oak, chestnut, and oak-rub wood. Wood is a popular choice for furniture, flooring, paneling, cabinets, doors, and flooring.
Hardwoods, or conifers, are generally thicker and more durable than softwoods. However, most hardwoods are more expensive and harder to work with. Examples of hardwoods are hemlock, redwood, spruce, and cypress.
Softwoods, on the other hand, are less dense and much easier to work with. There are many softwoods available for cutting including white oak, douglas fir, redwood, pine, cedar, juniper, and spruce. Softwoods are suitable for outdoor projects and home furnishings. Wood is a beautiful material that has been used for building for centuries.
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