3.6.1

Timber: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes

Test yourself

Stock Forms, Types & Sizes

Woods fall into two main categories, softwoods and hardwoods.

Illustrative background for Wood stock forms Illustrative background for Wood stock forms  ?? "content

Wood stock forms

  • Wood comes in many forms such as:
    • Boards.
    • Square sections.
    • Dowel.
    • Sheets.
Illustrative background for SoftwoodsIllustrative background for Softwoods ?? "content

Softwoods

  • Softwoods are evergreen trees that do not shed their leaves in autumn.
  • Softwoods trees take less time to mature and have looser grains.
  • Softwoods cost less than hardwoods and are therefore suitable for the budget DIY enthusiast.
  • They can sometimes have knots which are not always desirable.
Illustrative background for Softwoods examples:Illustrative background for Softwoods examples: ?? "content

Softwoods examples:

  • Pine.
  • Redwood.
  • Cedar.
  • Yew.
  • Baltic whitewood.
Illustrative background for HardwoodsIllustrative background for Hardwoods ?? "content

Hardwoods

  • Hardwoods are deciduous trees that shed their leaves over autumn.
  • Hardwood trees take a longer time to mature than softwood but will gain more growth rings.
  • Hardwoods cost a lot more as they are sometimes dense but on some rare occasions, they are not. E.g balsa wood.
  • They can add value to furniture projects but are tougher to sand and plane.
Illustrative background for Hardwoods examples:Illustrative background for Hardwoods examples: ?? "content

Hardwoods examples:

  • Oak.
  • Mahogany.
  • Ash.
  • Beech.
  • Walnut.
  • Teak.
  • Balsa.
Illustrative background for Composite boardsIllustrative background for Composite boards ?? "content

Composite boards

  • Composite boards are man-made and therefore have enhanced qualities.
  • They offer several advantages such as being stronger, more environmentally friendly, cheaper, more durable and smoother.
  • However, they can be considered “cheap” which might not be desirable.
Illustrative background for Examples of composites:Illustrative background for Examples of composites: ?? "content

Examples of composites:

  • Blockboard.
  • Hardboard.
  • Chipboard.
  • MDF.
  • Plywood.

Jump to other topics

1Core Technical Principles

2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles

3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles

4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles

5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles

6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles

7Designing & Making Principles

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson