Choose wood for optimal durability and resistance
Choosing the wood that best suits your needs in terms of durability and strength can be a challenge. There are many different types of wood, each with their own characteristics and benefits. To help you choose the wood that best suits your needs, we offer these tips.
Study the properties of wood
Before choosing a type of wood, it is important to understand the properties of wood and how they can affect durability and strength. The properties of wood can be divided into two categories: physical properties and chemical properties. Physical properties include density, compressive strength, and flexural strength. Chemical properties include moisture content, oil content, and tannin content.
Understanding durability and resistance
Durability and strength are important factors to consider when choosing wood. Durability refers to the ability of wood to resist degradation caused by external agents such as humidity, insects and fungi. Strength refers to the wood’s ability to resist bending, compression and twisting.
Choose the right type of wood
Once you understand the properties of wood and the factors that affect durability and strength, you can choose the type of wood that best suits your needs. Here are some of the most commonly used types of wood and their characteristics:
- Hardwood: Hardwood is very dense and durable. It is generally used for applications that require high strength and long life. Common examples of hardwoods include oak, beech, walnut, and teak.
- Softwood: Softwood is softer and easier to work with. It is generally used for applications that require lower resistance and shorter life. Common examples of softwoods include pine, fir, and cedar.
- Exotic wood: Exotic wood is very hard and very durable. It is generally used for applications that require high strength and long life. Common examples of exotic woods include bamboo, wenge, and iroko.
Consider environmental factors
When choosing a type of wood, it is important to consider environmental factors such as where the wood comes from, the type of treatment used and the amount of wood needed. Where the wood comes from can affect its durability and strength.