Wood is one of the most important building materials on Earth. It’s been used for thousands of years and is still widely used today.
When it comes to choosing the right type of wood for a project, there are many options to choose from. Different types of wood have their unique features and applications they are best used for.
Some trees are known for being hard, some trees are known for being attractive, and then there are those with a fascinating history behind them.
Depending on what you are making, the characteristics will affect the overall quality of your product.
This article explores the unique features and uses of each type of wood so you can learn more about them.
Classification of Wood
Wood is the most common construction material used in the building of homes and furniture. There are typically 3 classifications of wood:
- Softwood
- Hardwood
- Engineered wood
Each of these three classifications can be used in many different ways and have its unique benefits. All three are incredibly useful when it comes to creating furniture and other types of products manufactured from wood.
Most people get confused by the classification of wood. We’re going to break it down to make it easier to understand.
Various Types of Wood
1. Hardwood
Hardwood is a type of wood that is derived from deciduous trees and it is an important natural resource in many countries around the world. It is usually called hardwood because it has a higher density than softwood.
Hardwoods are generally more expensive than softwoods and are often used in construction and furniture.
Hardwood has been harvested for centuries by logging operations to provide lumber for construction projects such as houses and bridges. It is also used for paneling, musical instruments, and other interior woodwork due to some of its unique qualities.
What Defines Hardwood?
Hardwood is known for these characteristics:
1. Durability: The most important factor when choosing a type of wood for your project is its durability and resistance to splitting. Hardwoods are hard and more durable than softwood. They have been used by humans for centuries, and have proven to be incredibly durable and long-lasting. This makes them ideal for sturdier items like thick planks, large beams, and posts.
2. Density: It’s best to choose the wood that has the highest density possible because it will last longer than other types of wood. Hardwood trees are denser than softwoods, so they have a higher mass per unit volume.
3. Appearance: It has a distinct look which makes it unique from other hardwoods. Hardwood is known for its beautiful knots and unique grains. The natural grain makes it so attractive. The color can be a rich golden brown or reddish depending on the tree species and their different growth rates.
4. Fire resistance: These types of wood are more fire-resistant than their counterparts.
Several different types of hardwood can be used to construct different items. The hardwoods commonly used in construction include oak, mahogany, and walnut.
1. Oak Wood
Oak wood is obtained from oak trees which is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 21 meters tall. It has a lifespan of about 600 years. The trees are found in the northern hemisphere and are a part of the genus Quercus.
Oak trees have been used for centuries as timber and building materials. It is one of the most popular types of trees in the world because it produces valuable timber, acorns, and other products that people can use for various purposes such as furniture making and paper production.
The wood is hard and heavy with an even grain sometimes interspersed with dark streaks. It’s easy to identify oak because it usually has an uneven texture with a straight-grained pattern. Some uncommon oak woods have wavy grains.
Things You Should Know About Oak Wood
1. Oak trees are found all over the world but are mainly found in Asia and North America.
2. The oak tree’s leaves are different shades of green and they turn yellow-brown in the autumn.
3. Oak wood has a high density so it is great for building furniture or construction purposes.
4. Oak wood can be used as firewood because it burns slowly as a result of its dense wood fibers and produces heat efficiently.
5. It has been deemed the king of trees because of its endurance and longevity. Oak was used by many civilizations throughout history to build homes and even instruments like violins or guitars.
6. The world’s oldest oak tree is at least 2000 years old.
Characteristics of Oak
Oak trees have a lot of features that make them so valuable. The following are just a few of the most prominent ones:
| Characteristics | |
| 1. | Oak has been around for centuries, but it has recently become popular again because of its aesthetic qualities. The color of oak ranges from light beige to dark brown with prominent grain streaks running through it. Oak wood is a great choice for those who want to make their home more stylish and elegant. |
| 2. | It is dense and heavy as it has a high percentage of fibers that are tightly packed together. |
| 3. | White oak has a Janka hardness rating of 1350 while red oak’s rating is 1220 making it hard and durable. |
| 4. | The high tannin content in oak makes the wood resistant to fungal and termite infestation. Oak has a natural oil that protects it from damage caused by water and insects; this makes it an excellent choice for people who live in areas where the humidity levels are high or where there are many bugs that eat wood. |
| 5. | As a result of its scarcity, high demand, and numerous benefits, oak wood or furniture can be expensive to purchase. |
Sometimes a stain can magnify the graining on oak wood and make it look two-hued.
Use Cases
Oak wood is a hard, strong, and heavy wood that is used in many different industries. The material has a long history of use in the construction of buildings, oak paneling, flooring, furniture, decking, joinery, veneers, and wine barrels. Oak wood is also used to make musical instruments like guitars and pianos because it produces warm tones.
2. Mahogany
Mahogany wood is the name of a group of hardwood species belonging to the genus Swietenia. The wood is reddish-brown in color and is primarily found in wet or dry tropical forests. It is native to Venezuela, Guatemala, and Southern Florida.
The semi-evergreen tree grows taller than most other trees and from an early age, produces large quantities of solid timber that can be easily worked and shaped into useful objects. Long lumber can be gotten from its straight trunk.
The mahogany tree can grow up to 61 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 2 meters.
Mahogany wood has many qualities that make it desirable for use in furniture production, such as its durability and strength. The wood also has good resistance against insects and fungi which means it can last for decades without needing any treatment or refinishing.
Things You Should Know About Mahogany
1. Mahogany is a tree that comes from the Chinaberry tree family.
2. It’s also known as the Swietenia macrophylla, Cuban mahogany, or big-leaf mahogany.
3. The mahogany tree is a semi-evergreen tree that grows to heights of up to 200 feet with a trunk diameter of up to 6 feet.
4. It’s also referred to as true mahogany.
5. Mahogany trees grow slowly and can live for as much as 350 years in the wild.
6. Mahogany wood is often sought after but rarely found on the market as it has become scarce. The supply of this wood has become so slim that it is now very expensive, gaining more popularity to many people.
Characteristics of Mahogany Wood
Mahogany is a beautiful and luxurious type of wood, hence it is an ideal material for building furniture, cabinets, and other items. However, it isn’t just the look that makes mahogany appealing. There’s more to this unique material than meets the eye.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important characteristics of mahogany and learn about the properties that make this an exceptional material for all types of products.
| Characteristics | |
| 1. | Because it is strong, dense, and resistant to warping, it is often used in furniture making and the construction of houses. |
| 2. | Mahogany is aesthetically pleasing with its straight grain. It has an earthy red-brown colour that can be polished to a very high shine with oil. |
| 3. | Wood is an amazing product that will bond with a vast range of decorations. |
| 4. | Mahogany resists swelling and twisting better than other hardwoods. |
| 5. | It is one of the most expensive types of wood in the world due to its uniqueness and high demand. |
Use Cases
Mahogany is one of the most popular woods used in furniture, cabinetry, and many other woodworking applications. Since it is versatile, several woodworkers use it in their projects.
Mahogany wood is a great choice for any project that includes architectural details, furniture, or cabinetry.
Mahogany is an attractive and sturdy wood, which makes it perfect for adding character and detail to your home while still maintaining the structural integrity needed to support the weight of objects. It comes in a range of colors, grain patterns, and shapes which makes it a perfect choice for building warm and elegant furnishings.
Because of its distinctive color, mahogany can be used for veneer, furniture, interior paneling, etc.
This material is commonly used in making boats and it is also used to make instruments such as violins and guitars, because of the way it maintains tone.
3. Walnut
Walnut wood comes from the walnut tree, which grows in temperate climates around the world. It is high-density hardwood, and also resistant to moisture and rot, so it’s perfect for outdoor projects and furniture.
Walnut trees are native to Southern Europe, Asia, and North America. They’re typically light in color, soft, and easy to work with. The sound of walnut wood is said to be beautiful which is why it has also been used for musical instruments.
Walnut trees have several varieties but Eastern Black Walnut is the most popular one that’s used for woodworking.
It has a Janka hardness rating of 1010 hence it is a tough and extremely durable hardwood. It is ideal for high-end pieces. The grain is typically straight and uniform, which keeps its color and texture consistent. Walnut furniture is very popular because it’s aesthetically pleasing and has its own distinct warmth. This can make it a good choice for any room, no matter the style.
Things You Should Know About Walnut
1. Walnut trees can attain a height of 100 feet, with a diameter of 2 to 4 feet, which is a huge size making the timber straight and easy to work with.
2. Walnut wood changes color depending on where it is located on the trunk. The area closer to the center of the tree is darker than that nearer to the outside of the trunk.
3. The process of aging causes walnut wood to change color. It can turn lighter with time! This honey color is a sign of a high-quality piece.
4. Walnut is an incredibly strong tree species and this makes it perfect for intricate carvings.
5. Walnuts can take up to 150 years to mature in ideal conditions as they grow slowly. The tree could have an estimated lifespan of up to 250 years.
Essential Qualities of Walnut Wood
If you are looking for some exotic wood for your project and want something that stands out, then walnut is the material to use. Various characteristics of walnut wood make it an ideal choice for your project. These include
| Characteristics | |
| 1. | Walnut wood is prized for its strength and durability. It can withstand hard usage but doesn’t weigh very much. |
| 2. | Walnut wood is considered one of the best construction woods as it is a very stable wood that doesn’t warp, twist and crack like other types of wood. It has excellent resistance against decay, insect attacks, and wear and tear. |
| 3. | It is resin-free which means that it is easier to get a smooth finish. |
| 4. | The color of walnut wood ranges from creamy white to dark chocolate. Walnut has a beautiful grain pattern and is very easy to work with. It’s beautiful when finished and its unique aesthetics make it stand out from the crowd. |
| 5. | Walnut wood is a premium wood so the price is on the high side. It is pricey because it is more in demand than before. However, walnut lumber is not as expensive as some other premium woods. |
Walnut furniture is best used indoors in a dry environment.
Use Cases
Walnut wood is one of the most beautiful, versatile, and valuable woods. It has been used for centuries as a decorative material, but also as a building material, due to its strength and durability. Walnut timber is often used in traditional furniture but it is also popular for use in many modern styles.
It’s used in constructing dressers, drawers, dining tables and chairs, office desks, paneling, bed frames, gun stocks, bookshelves, flooring, veneers, musical instruments such as violins, and other wooden objects.
2. Softwood
The term “softwood” describes the softer type of wood that comes from coniferous trees that are not as hard and durable as hardwood. The trees are typically evergreen and produce cones and needles in place of flowers and leaves.
Softwood has a lower density and weight than hardwood gotten from broad-leaved trees. This makes it easier to work with it, which means you can use softwood in all kinds of projects!
Choosing between softwood and hardwood is almost entirely based on what you aim to construct and your personal preference. But before you choose, it’s important to know the features that make softwood preferred over hardwood in some instances.
What defines softwood?
Here are some of the qualities that define softwood:
Versatility: While hardwood is the primary choice for furniture making and construction, softwood is more versatile. Softwood has a softer texture that makes it easier to work with wood. In many instances, you’ll see homeowners favor softwood over hardwood when making something as simple as chairs, cupboards, or even tables.
Price: It is also less expensive because it’s more abundant and can be found in many different types of trees. They are more common since they are easier to plant and it takes less time for them to mature.
Grain: Softwoods are a type of wood that has a softer, more muted grain meaning that the wood has a more subtle pattern. They do not have vessels in their cells, so they do not have pronounced grain as hardwoods.
Color: softwoods tend to be lighter in color than hardwoods. They usually have a yellow shade.
Examples of softwood include pine, spruce, and cedar.
1. Pine Wood
Pinewood is a type of softwood that comes from pine trees. The pine tree is from the Pinaceae family. It is native to North America and Europe and is now also found in China, Argentina, and Russia. The trees are fantastic due to their ability to withstand extreme conditions – from the coldest temperatures on earth up to the hottest. Pine trees grow quickly and make good lumber.
They are easy to use for furniture or construction projects. All types of wood are used around the world, but pinewood has a dominant marketplace share because it’s so versatile. Plenty of companies use wood obtained from pine trees for their needs not only because it is easy to work with, but also because it’s so common, versatile, and cost-effective.
Pine trees can grow to be as tall as 260 feet with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet.
Things You Should Know about Pinewood
1. There are two different types of pine trees; soft pine trees and hard pine trees.
2. Pinewood is low in density and contains high amounts of resin.
3. The most common types of pine include Eastern white pine, slash pine, sugar pine, red pine, and Jack pine.
4. The Siberian pine is the smallest species of pine, while the ponderosa pine is the largest.
5. Some pine trees can live for about 1000 years. A 4600-year-old little tree called a bristlecone pine is the oldest pine species on earth.
6. Pinewood has a long history as an important construction material. In ancient times, it was used in the building of temples and musical instruments.
Characteristics of Pinewood
Pinewood is not only beautiful to look at, but it also possesses certain characteristics that make it perfect for particular uses.
| Characteristics | |
| 1. | Pinewood trees are fast-growing, typically reaching heights of 260 feet or more within a few years so it is easily available; making them one of the cheapest woods for woodworkers. |
| 2. | The wood produced from pinewood trees is strong, shock resistant, and durable. The pine is considered to have little or medium resistance to the effects of fungal and insect attacks. |
| 3. | With an attractive grain pattern, pinewood has a light color that allows it to be easily painted or varnished so you can develop an attractive appearance for your final product. |
| 4. | Pinewood is one of the cheapest materials used for manufacturing furniture. It is available in different sizes. |
| 5. | One of the best things about pinewood is its versatility and ease of use. New woodworkers can easily work with it. Pinewood is a good material that can be used in any project. It is lightweight and easy to handle. It can be easily planned, cut, glued, and sliced. |
One of the disadvantages of pinewood is that it scratches and dents easily. This means any project made from it will require extra care to maintain it.
Also, depending on where you may live, the weather can be a problem. The heat from the sun will cause it to warp or crack if left under direct sunlight without any protection.
Use Cases
Pinewood is a very valuable wood. It can be used for many different things. Construction and paper industries make up the bulk of pinewood’s uses. From planks used in construction to the material for making furniture or tables, pinewood has become popularly utilized over the years by many different industries.
It’s a material that can absorb vibration and produce a lot of sounds. This makes it a great option for making guitars.
2. Spruce Wood
Spruce wood is obtained from the spruce tree a type of evergreen tree in the plant family Pinaceae. It is a common type of wood with a light color used in various applications.
Spruce wood is quite light and pliable, but also decisive. This makes spruce a good choice for use in certain applications where you need to make something extremely strong but have a specific weight limit on the final product.
It has natural resins that give it an authentic scent, which some people find pleasant.
Things You Should Know about Spruce
1. Spruce trees can grow to be anywhere from 50-150 feet tall.
2. There are 35 species of spruce trees in the world.
3. Some of the trees may survive as long as 600 years. Trees are taken down for timber at around 100 years.
4. In poorly ventilated soils, the spruce tree will only spread a shallow root ball of less than 30 cm. This may be why spruces are more prone to wind damage in less favorable areas.
5. You can not easily distinguish between spruce sapwood and hardwood.
6. Spruce trees are native to the Northern hemisphere and grow fast, with a mature tree reaching heights up to 200 feet (61 meters).
Characteristics of Spruce Wood
The features of spruce wood make it a valuable resource for sustainable furniture building, and we’ll explore some of the ways this versatile tree can be used to create beautiful wooden pieces.
| Characteristics | |
| 1. | Spruce has good strength despite its lightweight and it is also supple which helps to make it a good choice for making things like paper. |
| 2. | Spruce does not shrink and retains its shape. |
| 3. | Spruce is easy to work with, and you can use almost any tool or machine on it. You can saw it, plane it, drill through it, sand or peel its surface, and split it into strips. |
| 4. | The sapwood in spruce trees is yellowish white and the heartwood is either reddish brown. |
| 5. | Building with construction-grade spruce is cheaper and more available. There are also different types of wood, such as old growth or quartersawn clear lumber and they can be more expensive. |
The downside of this type of wood is that it easily gets damaged by insect infestations. It’s a very light wood, so it doesn’t hold up well to weathering, which means it will rot if you leave it out in the elements for too long.
Spruce is also more susceptible to splitting than other woods, so you’ll need to be careful when handling it.
Uses
The material is a common type of wood used in interior finishing and both residential and commercial construction projects. It is also a favorite for furniture makers, manufacturers of composite wood materials, and other crafters.
Making paper out of spruce wood is pretty common because of its high-quality long wood fibers that produce sturdy sheets.
Spruce is a popular choice for soundboards due to its strength and durability. It’s often used in musical instruments like guitars and pianos.
3. Cedar Wood
Cedar is a softwood tree of the genus Cedrus. It is a slow-growing tree that lives up to several hundred years. It produces branches with needles growing out from the main trunk of the tree. Cedars are one of the few kinds of trees that can grow in climates where extreme temperatures are present. The trees are native to the Mediterranean region, Asia Minor, and Lebanon.
Wood is one of the most versatile woods. It has a welcoming smell that can make any room feel like home. Its soft creamy tone and beautiful grain make it a great choice for furniture, flooring, and other wood projects.
It can be used for anything from cabinets to shelving units. The warm color of cedar complements any color palette and its unique smell makes it perfect for aromatherapy.
Things You Should Know about Cedar
1. Cedarwood is one of the most fragrant woods in the world.
2. In aromatherapy, one of the most popular fragrances is cedarwood. It’s a natural stress reliever and is effective in reducing anxiety disorders and hyperactivity in patients.
3. Cedar trees grow at an average rate of 24 inches per year.
4. The most common type of cedar is red cedar, which has a reddish-brown color when cut and dried. Other types of cedars include white cedar, which has a lighter color; Alaskan yellow cedar; and Spanish cedar.
5. Cedarwood has been used for thousands of years by many cultures around the world. It was believed to have sacred qualities and was often used in religious ceremonies.
6. The cedar tree can grow up to 100 feet tall and can live up to 1000 years old. It grows best in full-sun locations.
7. Western red cedar is one of the fastest-growing cedars. It grows about 1 to 2 feet per year.
Features of Cedarwood
Cedar wood is a nice-looking and even more pleasant-smelling wood. It has a distinctive smell which is often described as a refreshing natural scent.
Cedar lumber has many important characteristics such as:
| Characteristics | |
| 1. | Cedar wood is known for its natural properties that inhibit moisture and insects. This makes it a popular choice in the building industry. |
| 2. | Cedar is a great option for exterior projects like fences, decking, etc, because it has natural, weather-resistant qualities. |
| 3. | Cedar wood is quite high-priced. It can be quite expensive to purchase cedar wood furniture but it is worth the cost as it lasts much longer than other types of softwood furniture and is resistant to deterioration. |
| 4. | Cedar is popular for its scent. It is a popular choice for many home builders who want to create a warm, inviting space with a light and pleasant smell. |
| 5. | Cedar trees grow fast. |
A downside is that cedar wood ages into a weathered grey over time. A lot of people consider this to be an aesthetic drawback.
Use cases
Cedarwood has a long history of use by humans as it is durable and smells nice. It offers many benefits that make it an excellent choice for many different types of projects. Wood is used for many purposes including furniture making and house decorations. It is often used for construction projects such as fences, shutters, decks, shingles, and windows.
Contrary to superficial observations, softwood is not necessarily softer and hardwood is not necessarily harder. For example, certain types of softwood are harder than some softwoods. In the same way, some types of hardwood like balsa are softer and not as dense as certain softwoods.
3. Engineered / Man-Made Wood
People also know this type of wood as composite wood or mass timber. The first engineered wood was invented in the 1800s and engineered hardwood floors became available for homes in the 1970s.
Engineered wood is a composite material made by binding wood fibers or veneers together with glue or other methods. It is a hybrid of wood and adhesive that is manufactured by bonding together small pieces of wood to form a large, strong, and dimensionally stable piece.
Man-made wood combines the two materials in such a way that it is strong and durable. The result is a product that looks like it was naturally grown.
Man-made wood is modified to provide dimensional stability and other desired properties. It can be used in many different products including furniture, flooring, and other construction materials its properties.
What defines engineered wood?
It is manufactured from a blend of wood that’s been engineered to have the same properties as traditional lumber but with several advantages. The following characteristics define engineered wood:
- Engineered wood can replace traditional lumber in a wide range of applications that require straightness and uniformity: fence posts, decking planks, roofing material, long tables—the list goes on.
- It is durable. Engineered wood is often treated to make it more resistant to damage, so it can last longer without needing much maintenance or repair. Almost all man-made wood contains very dense and strong layers of grain that run in multiple directions. This makes it tough and durable.
- Finally, you won’t have to worry about termites. Because engineered wood doesn’t have any natural moisture content, it’s less likely to attract bugs, which means there’s less risk of insects attacking your piece of furniture.
There are several engineered woods including plywood, Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), and Oriented Strand Board (OSB).
1. Plywood
The most common engineered wood product is plywood. Plywood is a type of engineered wood that is made from thin layers or “plies” of wood bonded together with an adhesive.
It is usually manufactured by pressing together layers of flat-surfaced timber veneer, with each layer being oriented perpendicular to adjacent layers for increased strength and stability.
Things You Should Know about Plywood
1. Plywood is a more affordable option for people who want the look of solid wood without paying the price. It is a good substitute for solid wood.
2. It has two layers – an inner layer, which is 3mm thick, and an outer layer, which is also 3mm thick.
3. The exterior layers of the plywood are typically made of harder wood, while the interior is made of inexpensive wood.
4. Plywoods are treated by impregnating or by pressure to withstand wear and tear.
5. Furniture pieces made using plywood were found in ancient Egypt.
Characteristics of Plywood
Many qualities make plywood unique.
| Characteristics | |
| 1. | An advantage of plywood is its durability, even though it does not have the same strength as hardwood. The engineering process makes plywood stronger than some traditional woods, but this also makes it more prone to warping when moisture is present. Pressure-treated plywood is resistant to insect damage. |
| 2. | The layers are usually glued together with adhesive. Urea formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde are two types of adhesive used to make plywood. |
| 3. | In addition to being strong and durable, plywood is also very affordable. The cost per square foot for good quality plywood is often less than that of solid wood materials such as cedar or oak. It’s relatively cheap to produce and purchase. |
| 4. | Plywood is lightweight, which makes it easy to transport across the country. |
| 5. | It is easy to work with. If you need to make a repair or add something new, you can easily do so without having to worry about damaging your project. |
Use Cases
Plywood is the most popular wood product in the construction industry. With a wide range of applications, this versatile material is a favorite among homeowners, business owners, and even woodworkers.
Plywood can be used for various purposes, including home construction and furniture making. It provides an affordable, versatile, and durable building material. It is used in construction as subflooring, exterior wall sheathing, interior walls, wall paneling, and roofing. Plywood can be used for furniture such as tables and chairs or the structural parts of items like boats.
2. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)
LVL is a type of engineered wood manufactured just like plywood. It is made up of multiple dried and graded layers of veneer that have been bonded with glue.
LVL has become one of the most popular engineered wood products for use in construction due to its many benefits, which include:
Things You Should Know about LVL
1. LVL is engineered from various veneer materials like acacia, eucalyptus, rubber, and pine.
2. Laminated Veneer Lumber can be two and a half times stronger than standard framing lumber.
3. It is similar to plywood but the major difference between the two materials is their grain orientation.
Characteristics of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)
| Characteristics | |
| 1. | It is a great material for structural construction such as beams due to its strength. The construction material can hold heavy loads. The strength and stability of LVL make it a favorite for use in high-rise buildings as well as bridges and other structures. |
| 2. | LVL is made using multiple layers of thin wood and glue. The materials are stacked in alternating directions and pressure is applied, shrinking the wood and making it denser. |
| 3. | The material is not waterproof. Water can get in and damage products made from it. |
| 4. | LVL can be easily installed so it is a great option for floor systems, roofing, and beam. |
| 5. | Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is a highly versatile and practical building material that can be used in many different types of applications. |
Warping, delamination, and other defects can be expected since it is manufactured from many layers of veneer.
Use Cases
LVL makes for a great choice in any application when straight strong beams are required. They perform excellently in bearing load and can be used for both walls and floors to form panels.
With a high degree of physical and dimensional stability, LVLs are perfect for many different applications. They are well suited for trusses, rafters, headers, beams, rim boards, and planks.
3. Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
OSB is a wood-based product that can be used instead of LVL or plywood. It is manufactured by pressing together thin layers of wood fibers and then binding the layers with adhesives.
The major advantage of OSB is its relatively low cost. Compared to plywood, OSB wood is less expensive because it is made up of thinner sheets.
Things You Should Know about OSB
1. OSB board has a rough textured surface, which makes it less slippery. The board’s level of roughness will help the roofer stay in place when working on it.
2. Wood technologists believe that plywood and OSB have very similar levels of structural performance.
3. OSB has limited advantages when compared with other building materials. For instance, it is not appealing so it is not a good choice if you want a floor covering.
Characteristics of Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
| Characteristics | |
| OSB costs between $32 to $77 per 4×8 foot. | |
| The product is relatively cheaper than other wood options. The price has increased however in recent years as a result of the high demand for it. | |
| The glue creates a strong bond between the wood fibers, which results in a very strong and durable product. | |
| For safety purposes, OSB has a rough appearance. Use a resin filler coat, sandpaper, and a putty knife to smooth down the surfaces or edges. | |
| OSB resists moisture better than plywood but will dry out more slowly. |
One disadvantage of OBS is that it expands if exposed to moisture or water. For example, the edges may increase by up to 15% after contact with moisture or water.
Use Cases
OSB products are used in a wide variety of construction and manufacturing applications, including floor underlayment, roof cover, wall sheathing, furniture, and siding.
FAQs
Conclusion
Buying a piece of wood furniture is similar to buying a car. There are so many brands and options that it can be difficult to decide which is the best for you.
Hopefully, we’ve given you some idea of the kind of things you should consider when making your choice. And once you do select your wood, don’t forget to keep it in good condition by regularly maintaining it.
The wood you use in your home is a big investment. It’s vital to ensure the type you purchase is of good quality and will last for years to come!
