EGR 290 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Northern Hemisphere, Plywood, Softwood
Document Summary
The classification of wood has historically always been either hard wood or soft wood based on its physical structure and makeup; and their characteristics as summarised in the comparison table below. Comes from angiosperm trees that are not monocots; trees are usually broad-leaved. Has vessel elements that transport water throughout the wood; under a microscope, these elements appear as pores. Comes from gymnosperm trees which usually have needles and cones. Medullary rays and tracheids transport water and produce sap. When viewed under a microscope, softwood has no visible pores because of tracheids. Hardwood is more likely to be found in high-quality furniture, decks, flooring, and construction that needs to last. About 80% of all timber comes from softwood. Softwood has a wide range of applications and is found in building components (e. g. , windows, doors), furniture, medium-density fiberboard (mdf), paper, Most hardwood types have a higher density than most softwood. Most softwood types have a lower density than most hardwood.
