Woods and its types

Wood-

Wood is the hard and the fibrous structural tissue which is mostly found in the stems and the roots of the trees. From thousands of years wood is used for the fuel and for constructing the cottages especially in the colder regions. They are the good insulator of heat. Wood is the natural composite of the cellulose fibers. In the trees it gives the support to stand. Woods are available of two types. One is softwood and the other type is hardwood. As the name itself signifies that hardwoods are hard in appearance and the soft woods are soft.

Hardwoods:

Hardwoods are very hard. They have complex structure as compared to softwoods. The main reason which differentiates the two woods is the presence of pores on the hardwoods. These pores or vessels vary in size, shape, etc. Hardwoods are produced by the angiosperm trees and have broad leaves. Many species are deciduous. Hardwoods are used as fuels, tools, for constructions, for making musical instruments, etc. Earlier hardwoods were available in high quantity but now it is decreasing.

Types of hardwoods:

·         Oak: Oak is a very strong wood, having light color. It is found in more than 60 species which is separated in two varieties i.e. white and red. The red oak is also known as the black oak. Because of large pores oak gives a course texture. It is used to craft American and English country designs.

·         Maple: Two kind s of maple woods are hard rock maple and sugar maple. Maple is so hard and resistant to shocks. It is a very good wood gives a fine texture to the wood. It is used for Colonial furniture.

·         Mahogany: Mahogany is the hardest, strongest and the best quality wood. It has uniform pore structure. It is reddish brown in color. It is an excellent carving wood.

·         Cherry: It is also called fruit-wood. It is light brown in color. It resists warping and checking. It is easy to carve and polish.

Softwoods: Softwoods are the woods which are very soft and mostly used as compared to hardwoods. Learn here to get more information about woods. 

·         Pine: Pine is soft and pale yellow wood which is light weighted. It resists shrinking. Knotty pine is used for the decorative effect.

·         Hickory: It is heaviest and the hardest wood available. Decorative hickory veneers are commonly used.

·         Ash: White ash is commonly used as a commercial wood. Ash is a heavy, porous hardwood. It is used for structural and steam bent furniture.

·         Cedar Wood: Cedar is generally a red colored wood. This types of wood is very soft and has mild aromatic smell. The western red cedar is used for making furniture and the building exteriors. These woods are environment friendly.

·         Fir: Fir is also known as the Douglas fir. It has the straight grain and possesses a reddish-brown color. This time of building is used for making buildings. It is not too much expensive and can also be used to make furniture.