Woods: a) hardwoods – oak, mahogany, beech, jelutong , balsa

1. Woods: a) hardwoods – oak, mahogany, beech, jelutong, balsa b) softwoods – pine, cedar, larch, redwood.

2. OAK Advantages: -Very strong, hard, tough and durable. Oak finishes well, works well and has very little shrinkage Disadvantages: -European Oak is very heavy, expensive and splits easily. It contains tannic acid, which corrodes steel and iron fitting. The acid's effect on the fittings can cause permanent blue stains on the wood surface Uses: -Garden furniture, boat building, gateposts, furniture, floors and construction work.

3. mahogany Characteristics: There are many species of mahogany, mainly grown in North and Central America. Known for its straight grain and characteristic red brown colour, it polishes and oils very well and can be buffed to a very high shine. An exceptionally durable hardwood, it is the ideal choice for furniture and fittings around the home. Uses: Mahogany is commonly used for furniture joinery, flooring veneers and musical instruments. Advantages: durable, long lasting wood• attractive wood grain• less likely to warp when exposed to sunlight• good water resistant properties• highly resistant to wear and tear• stains and polishes well Disadvantages: very heavy and dense wood• thin, mahogany veneers can be difficult to protect as finishes can react with adhesive used in the veneering process

4. Mahogany hardwood flooring is very durable and can last a lifetime. As with any hardwood flooring, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider before you buy. Durability Mahogany is one of the hardest of hardwoods, even surpassing the hardness of oak. This means the wood will sustain much longer, with fewer dents and less need for refinishing. Value Mahogany is also reasonably priced. It is readily available, which makes it a cost-effective alternative to exotic woods. Fade Resistant Mahogany will absorb sunlight, which makes it fade-resistant. This is an important consideration if you are flooring a room that gets a lot of sunlight. Workability Because it is such a hard wood, cutting mahogany can be quite difficult. If you are planning on doing the installation yourself, it is recommended that you have it cut before delivery. Variations Mahogany has a beautiful red tint to it, with a fine texture. There may be a variation in the shade and pattern of the board,s which may make it difficult to apply an even finish. Dark Color Although the dark color of mahogany quite stunning, it does show dust, pet hair and other debris easily. You will have to stay on top of the dusting to keep it looking nice at all times.

5. Most stable hardwood Mahogany from Fiji shows extremely low overall shrinkage with regards to volume and dimensions during the drying, but what truly makes it the best for keeping shape is the close to 1:1 ratio of radial (measured in the direction between the center of the tree and the bark) to tangential (measured in the direction of the circumference) shrinkage. This scientific ratio is the determining factor in woods’ resistance to warping and splitting. The wood has a natural affinity for modern finishes, compounding further advantages as the finish seals the wood in order to further unsure its resistance to moisture and temperature changes. Mahogany is less liable to warping, shrinking, swelling, and twisting than other woods. This is because of its unusual resistance to moisture and atmospheric changes. Mahogany does not move – it holds its shape.  Extremely Durable and Resistant In 1985, Forest Research established a field test of 20 x 20 x 500 mm stakes to compare the natural durabilities in ground contact of Fijian Mahogany (swieteniamacrophylla). Fijian mahogany was given a durability class 3. This indicates an above ground durability of class II. Which means it will easily last as a decking product for 20+ years. Mahogany is particularly resistant to rot, mold, and pother organisms of decay, both with respect to the atmosphere and with the soil. In addition  mahogany is highly resistant to the attack of drywood termites. While untreated Mahogany sapwood is susceptible to wood-boring insects like termites, the Mahogany Green World Lumber imports from Fiji is pre-treated to resist them.

6. Beech Advantages of beech wood furniture are:1, hard materials, textures, the structure is fine;2, wear-resistant and shiny when dry no distortion;3, processing, finishing, gluing is better. The disadvantage of beech wood furniture is:1, colour and density differences due to age different, makes furniture colour is not uniform;2, kiln drying and processing that is easy to crack and easy to shape.

7. Sources: -Europe, including Great BritaiColour: -White or pinkish brown Advantages: -Beech is very hard and tough. It is also strong, with a close straight grain. Beech polishes well and withstands shocks and wear. Disadvantages: - It is not suitable for permanent outdoor use because it is not durable when exposed to changes in moisture. It can be heavy because it is so dense and may be difficult to work. Uses: - Kitchen surface tops, indoor chairs, floors, wooden toys, plywood and turned products.

8. Jelutong Colour: initially almost white, darkening to a yellowish brown color with age. Low density Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools Known for uniformity, softness, and stability From South East Asia Close, straight grain Fine texture List three properties of Jelutong. White colour, even texture, good wood to carve because of softness. What are the advantages of Jelutong? Can use hand or power tools, stains/paints/varnishes well What are the disadvantages of Jelutong? Quite brittle and weak, low resistance to decay jelutong • straight-grained with fine, even texture • creamy-white colour • model and pattern making • excellent wood to carve and sculpt due to its softness • works easily with both hand and power tools • glues, screws, and nails without difficulty • stains, paints, and varnishes fairly well • quite brittle and weak • low resistance to decay • cannot be easily steambent

9. balsa • straight-grained and ‘spongy’ • pale beige to pinkish colour • softest and lightest commercial hardwood • used for buoyancy aids and modelmaking • very soft and light • quite strong for its weight • quite stable in use • possibly the easiest wood to cut, shape and sand • extremely buoyant (floats very well in water) • low in strength, stiffness and shock resistance • finishes fairly well but porous composition soaks up finish • not suitable for steambending Balsa • Very light & soft • Fast growing • Large • From Brazil and North Mexico • Excellent strength to weight ratio • Open grain • Buoyant

10. ScotsPine Pine • There are about 115 species of pine • Pines are native to most of the Northern Hemisphere • Fast growing • Can be knotty • Can warp Parana Pine Parana Pine • attractive with straight grain and very close density • honey colour • hard, straight grain (often knot-free) • fairly strong, durable and easy to work • smooth finish • glues without difficulty and holds nails and screws quite well • low stiffness, shock resistance and decay resistance • can distort significantly if not seasoned properly USES -furniture, turned items, general construction, plywood veneers and woodpulpfor papermaking White Pine • straight-grained with a fine, uniform texture • creamy white, pale yellow or light brown • yellows with age • works very easily with most machine or hand tools • carves quite well • holds nails and screws well without the need to pre-drill • glues, paints and varnishes well • does not turn well • needs sealer to prevent blotches when staining • quite weak • low decay resistance, shock resistance • not good for steambending USUS - carvings and sculpture,toys, novelties, musical instrument, boxes, match sticks, veneer, dowels and patterns

11. Cedar • Pros of Cedar • Durable • Cedar has a long history of use in decking and housing. It’s a durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks, and resists moisture absorption, so it tends to last longer, needs less maintenance, and doesn’t warp or split as easily. A cedar deck can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on maintenance and environment. • Attractive • Cedar is generally a more attractive wood solution, with strong color tones and consistency that can be sanded, stained, and treated for a beautiful finish. • Versatile • Western red cedar, used the most, is pitch- and resin-free, making it better for accepting and holding many different stains, bleaches, colors, and translucent finishes. Cedar is also available in many different dimensions, textures, and grades. • Environmentally Friendly • Many people are surprised to find out that cedar (and other natural woods) are actually more environmentally superior to synthetic products. It has a net negative greenhouse gas effect (it removes these gasses from the atmosphere), and is renewable and biodegradable. It’s also produced from sustainably managed forests, so it doesn’t degrade our natural forests. • Affordable • Although cedar decking isn’t the least expensive material, it is an affordable wood, given its many advantages. • Cons of Cedar • Sensitive • As a softer wood, cedar decking can be more easily scratched or dented by furniture and pet claws. • Requires Maintenance • Cedar needs to remain well stained or sealed. You always have the option of an unstained, rustic look, but you still need to seal it every few years. • Deterioration Concerns • Although cedar lasts a long time under ideal conditions and treatment, it tends to degrade more quickly when it’s used for ground-level decks, and if it’s shaded, it will slowly dry out. Again, simple maintenance and re-sealing solves these problems.

12. Larch LARCH Larch timber has a pale creamy brown sapwood and a distinctly reddish brown heartwood which is naturally durable and strong. This inherent durability and strength means that it has traditionally been used for fencing, gate material, boat building and other outdoor uses. The advantage of larch as a durable timber is very much appreciated and it is still the standard by which all other softwood fencing stakes are judged by farmers. As the timber is resistant to rot when in contact with the ground it is suitable for use as posts and in fencing. Larch is also used as a flooring material and for general structural purposes. It is often selected for use by architects and builders because of its attractive reddish colour. Due to its high quality timber, larch is also in great demand for building yachts and other small boats, for exterior cladding of buildings and interior panelling. Larch requires no preservative treatment, however oiling can help maintain its attractive natural appearance. LARCH is better because.... It is naturally strong and durable. It requires no preservative treatment It is naturally resistant to decay It has high wood density. It is a naturally attractive wood https://www.freshdesignpedia.com/interior-design-ideas/larch-wood-in-comparison-with-other-types-of-wood.html

13. Redwood Redwood lumber is known for its durability and weather resistance. It has many uses and has been popular for the rustic look for many years. Redwood lumber has always been popular for fencing. It has a tendency to resist insects and also is more resistant to UV rays than some other types of wood. It can be coated with a clear, spray on sealant and the beautiful red cast of the wood will last for years and years. Decks built of redwood lumber are very popular because they give an added color to your landscape and outdoor living area without having to stain it every year. A coating of waterproofing each year will make your deck have a very long life and keep the red color intact. Redwood is a hard lumber and because of this, it resists wear better than other woods such as pine. Mini barns and storage units are often built of redwood lumber for the fun appeal of the little red barn look. Again, it is low maintenance and less expensive than many woods used in outdoor building so its very popular. You can get more storage space for your dollar by using this lumber. Outdoor furniture built of redwood lumber is also very popular. Adirondack chairs, tables and rockers will last season after season with just a coating of sealant and an occasional hosing down for cleanliness.

14. MDF Advantages of MDF Furniture MDF is an economical choice. It's inexpensive to make so you will pay less for it in the store than for some solid wood pieces. MDF uses recycled wood in its construction, thereby helping to save trees. MDF is easy to paint in many different colours, whereas solid wood has a difficult time taking some colours. A smooth material throughout, MDF does not have knots that can blemish the surface of a piece or make components difficult to attach. The chemicals used in the construction of MDF make it poisonous to pests such as termites. MDF will not expand and contract due to heat and humidity the way solid wood can. Shaping MDF is easier than shaping solid wood, making it easier to do more elaborate designs. Veneer can easily be attached to MDF to give it the look of genuine wood.  Disadvantages of MDF Furniture As noted above, when MDF is being constructed, it may off-gas small amounts of formaldehyde, though this has largely dissipated by the end of the construction process. MDF which has been painted reduces any health risk still further. MDF tends to be high maintenance - if you chip it or crack it, you cannot repair or cover the damage easily as you typically can with solid wood. The chemicals used in making MDF make the material less child-friendly than other materials. Direct exposure to water can cause MDF to swell. There is no grain on MDF, as it is not a natural wood product. If this is an issue, however, it is easily remedied with veneer. The glue present in MDF can make it hard to sink certain types of fasteners into the material. 

15. Hardboard Hardboard Hardboard is a wood product that is made from wood fibers, which are obtained from wood chips. The wood chips are steamed, which makes them soft and pliable. These soft chips are then ground into a pulp like consistency, from which the wood fibers are obtained. The fibers are then treated under extremely high pressure and heat. This treatment removes all the moisture from the fibers and a compact, dense sheet of hardboard is produced. Different types of manufacturing methods exist, such as the wet process, the wet-dry process and the dry process, all of which use varying amounts of moisture. Hardboard that is manufactured using the wet process is smooth on one side and bears the mark of a filtering screen on the other. On the other hand, hardboard that is made using the dry process is smooth on both sides. What makes hardboard unique is the fact that the manufacturing process uses the natural binders in wood, thereby reducing the need for synthetic resins. The use of additional chemicals or binders is minimal.

16. chipboard Sources: -Gluing together wood particles with an adhesive, under heat and pressure makes chipboard. This creates a rigid board with a relatively smooth surface. Chipboard is available in a number of densities: -normal, medium and high-density. Normal density is fairly soft. High-density is solid and hard. Uses: -It is often used for kitchen tops (which are laminated with melamine) and fire doors. Medium density is somewhere between normal and high density. There are exterior grades of chipboard available but most are only suitable for internal use. Disadvantages: -All grades of chipboard except the high-density variety tend to soak up water. Once it is water logged, chipboard tends to swell and breakdown. Uses: -Chipboard with a veneered surface is widely used for flat-pack furniture and work surfaces. Uses: -High-density chipboard is often used as the carcass for kitchen units and worktops and flooring. This type of chipboard is hardwearing, rigid and heavy. Other grades of chipboard are standard, flame-retardant, flooring, and moisture-resistant. Ironing or gluing on strips of veneer may disguise the unattractive edge of veneered chipboard.

17. plywood Advantages/Pros: It has very good strength and durability compared to Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). It is available in different thicknesses ranges from 6mm to 25mm. Plywood made out of different wood species are available. It is less susceptible to water damage than MDF. It can be easily polished or It can hold screws well. It is resistive to shrinking, warping, twisting and cracking. It is available in large size compared to solid wood and hence one avoids joints and therefore the failure has given good looks. And because of the same, it increases speed & ease of maintenance unlike the natural wood veneers, where you had to make up of joints It is economical as compared to solid wood. Also Read: Make a Right Choice Between Plywood and MDF Disadvantages/Cons: It is more expensive than Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). Because the layers of veneers are seen at the edges, edges have to be finished. It often splinters at the edges. It is quite difficult to cut It is known to emit toxic VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compound). Water may damage Moisture Resistant (MR) grade plywood. For common people, it is difficult to judge which wood has been used for making the plywood. It is costlier as compared to blockboard or particleboard. The most of the commercial grade plywood needs to be covered by laminates i.e. Sunmica, so as to enhance its beauty and to increase its life. It is prone to termite effect and may get damaged once affected.