Wood: Types, Uses, and Benefits in Construction

What Is Wood?

Wood is a rough yet fibrous fibre consisting of wooden trunk including stems. Once the timber is harvested as from trees, the logs of the wood are seasoned.

Seasoning is the method of getting water from out wood logs to such an acceptable level. It is proposed that seasoning for around one month should be advised in regular dry warm weather.

Significance of Utilising Wood in Construction

Wood is a raw product that has been pretty easy to work on, readily available in vast quantities, and has so many variations. For particular uses, each type of wood could be used. It’s lightweight and durable, and that it’s available in a wide range of patterns and looks more natural.

The substance which has been around since prehistoric times. As a result, qualified workers with sufficient knowledge of the various varieties of wood are readily accessible worldwide. Wood preserves its thermal properties. It is also extremely resistant to extreme temperatures.

The heat conductivity of wood is comparatively poor compared to materials such as aluminium, marble, steel or glass. This can withstand sound as well as echo, creating it a favoured material for constructing offices including residential structures.

Wood is a weak conductor of electrical waves. It is also ideal that provide protection to a living as well as working environment.

Wooden houses are cheap to build and expand and reap low operating and upkeep costs for a significant period of time. That being said, this still relies on the supply of timber in the local region.

Wood panelling is especially common for ceilings, covering irregularities, reducing upkeep and simplifying the fitting of lighting and ventilation systems.

Different Types of Wood (Normal Use)

38 different types of woods with pictures of different types of wood are as follows.

Sr.No.	Wood Names	Pictures of Different Types of Wood	Detail of Different Types of Wood
1	Whitewood, European		Whitewood is found in Europe, the Baltic states, and the Russian commonwealth It’s a commercial grouping of white to pale yellowish-brown softwoods, commonly used for construction, joinery, and flooring.
2	Western Red Cedar		Western Red Cedar is mostly found in North America and is a reddish-brown softwood, used for roofing shingles, exterior cladding, and greenhouses.
3	Western Hemlock		Western Hemlock wood are mainly found in North America and are pale brown softwood, used for construction and joinery.
4	Walnut Wood		Walnut wood has occasional waves and curls and rich dark tones that are created through a combination of rich dark heartwood and creamy brown sapwood. It comes up with varying grain patterns.
5	Utile Wood		Utile woods are majorly grown in West Africa. It has color reddish-brown hardwood, used for interior and exterior joinery, furniture, and cabinetwork.
6	Teak Wood		Teak wood is found in Burma and Thailand and has been extensively planted elsewhere. It has major color golden-brown hardwood, sometimes with dark markings that are used for furniture, interior, and exterior joinery.
7	Southern Yellow Pine		It is generally southern yellow pine used for interior and exterior construction as it’s easy to work and finishes well. It has very few defects.
8	Sitka Spruce Wood		This type of wood comes up with a close and straight-grained wood with a high strength-to-weight ratio.
9	Sapele Wood		This is mostly found and grown in South East Asia and is a medium reddish-brown hardwood with a marked stripe figure, used for interior joinery, furniture, and flooring.
10	Redwood, European		Pinus sylvestris is generally found in Scandinavia, the Baltic States, and the Russian Commonwealth. It is also available in the UK, where it’s known as Scots pine or British pine. It has colored a pale yellowish-brown to red-brown softwood, commonly used for construction, joinery, and furniture.
11	Poplar Wood		Poplar wood’s color is pale, light, and very soft. It is mostly used in joinery, furniture interiors, and packing cases and for making plywood. It second most prior source after conifers for cellulose for pulp paper.
12	Pitch Pine Wood		A Central American softwood pine has better strength and durability compared to most pines. The commercial graded pitch pine is used for constructional work.
13	Pine Wood		Pinewood is a cheaper and more readily available alternative to traditional hardwoods. It is one type of pale wood that can range from yellow to almost red in appearance. Pinewood is highly susceptible to wear and denting, especially in high-traffic areas.
14	Opepe Wood		Opepe wood is found in West Africa. It has the color yellow to orange-yellow hardwood, used for heavy construction, marine, and freshwater construction, and for exterior joinery and flooring.
15	Okoume Wood		This is only found in the forests of Gabon. Okoume wood is softwood and has color salmon pink in color with a fibrous texture and an irregular grain that looks like light mahogany. Okoume trees mainly produce cylindrical logs, which are suitable for slicing and peeling and is mainly used to make veneer sheet.
16	Oak, European Wood		It is majorly grown in Europe and is a yellowish-brown hardwood used for furniture, interior, and exterior joinery, flooring, barrels, and fencing.
17	Oak Wood		This is traditionally used first choice construction timber. It mainly straight-grained and Colors range from light to medium brown. Sometimes, it is called red oak because its autumnal foliage has more flecks and a defined grained finish. Oakwood is heavy, hard-wearing, and very strong.
18	Meranti Wood		This is a mixed-species grouping of the Shorea genus that’s grown in South East Asia. Commercially, meranti woods are grouped according to their color and density.
19	Maple Wood		It is generally straight-grained and is characterized by irregular patterning, which can include fiddle back and bird’s eye patterns. It comes up with light brown heartwood color and thin white sapwood that can be tinged with reddish-brown.Maple wood is very strong, heavy, and has a high resistance to knocks. After stained, it has a light, almost translucent appearance. maple is found in Canada is one of the hardest species
20	Ligneous Wood		The ligneous wood materials are bagasse, bamboo, cereal straw, and flax or hemp shives.
21	Khaya Wood		Khaya wood is also known as West African mahogany, it’s slightly lighter in weight than Brazilian mahogany but normally has a coarser texture.
22	Iroko Wood		Iroko wood trees mostly grew in West Africa. It has the color yellow-brown hardwood with a grain that’s irregular and interlocked. Iroko wood is mostly utilized for interior and exterior joinery and for construction work. A cheaper alternative to teak.
23	Greenheart Wood		The Greenheart is grown and found in Guyana. It has color dense yellow or olive green to brown hardwood used for heavy construction such as bridges, marine, and freshwater construction.
24	European Beech		European Beech is a very Important type of wood. It is generally grown in Europe and is a white to pale brown color hardwood, used for furniture, interior joinery, and flooring. It can be used for plywood.
25	Elm Wood		It is one of hardwood and grain similar to or even exceeding that of oak. It is found in a variety of colors and tones from cream to dark brown and its grain is equally diverse, ranging from straight to wavy. Characteristically, the elm comes up with incorporates knots and burrs.
26	Douglas fir Wood		Douglas fir wood is grown in North America and the UK. It generally has a light reddish-brown color with softwood, used for construction, interior, and exterior joinery, and in plywood. It is very strong compared to weight.
27	Danta Wood		The danta wood comes up with fine grain mostly interlocked with mahogany red heartwood and lighter sapwood. It’s a hard and strong wearing surface. It is mostly used for high-quality joinery, cabinetwork, benchtops, boat components, decking, and interior and exterior applications.
28	Dahoma Wood		Dahoma wood generally has coarse interlocked grain, yellowish-brown streaky heartwood, and pale sapwood. It is one of hard timber mostly for exterior use, such as exterior structural timbers, mining timbers, marine work, sleepers, outdoor furniture, decking and so on.
29	Conifer Wood		Wood cut out from Coniferous or cone-bearing trees are known as conifers. Generally, these trees are evergreen, the trees have needle-like leaves and produce softwood timber.
30	Cherry Wood		Cherry wood has color reddish-brown and it comes up with straight-grained wood that may contain pith flecks and small gum pockets that create random patterning.
31	Celtis Wood		A celtis wood is a straight-grained but sometimes interlocked wood. It comes up with yellowish-grey heartwood and sapwood and fine texture with a slightly lustrous look. It is majorly utilized for interior joinery and trim, flooring, moldings, veneer, plywood, handles, and some furniture.
32	Cedar Wood		It is one of the major used lightweight softwood. It can be useful in construction work. Cedarwood is proven durable with straight gain.
33	Brazilian Mahogany Wood		Brazilian mahogany is denser than many African mahoganies. It can be used for making boats and different construction work utilization.
34	Beech Wood		Beechwood is one of the hard durable wood that is found in its natural form comes in a variety of warm, soft honey tones. Sometimes, beech has been treated at high temperatures to create a unique red color.
35	Bamboo Wood		It generally has a rich golden colour that’s very hard-wearing. As bamboo is impervious to moisture, it can be used in conjunction with the ornamental part of a water feature or for flooring in bathrooms, conservatories, and other wet areas.
36	Balsa Wood		However, balsa wood is one of the softest and lightest weight timbers, it is a hardwood. Balsa is mainly used for heat, sound, and vibration insulation and for model making.
37	Ash Wood		Ashwood one type of light wood and it offers distinctive luster when polished. Its structure almost open grain and is reasonably hard wearing. This type of wood can be stained to almost any color.
38	Akasa Wood		Its types of heartwood and sapwood. Which is straight-grained grey-brown color. It is mainly utilized in interior joinery, light structural work, flooring, utility furniture, veneer for plywood and turnery. An Akasa wood is general utility interior wood.

Types of Woods (6 Main Types of Woods)

construction company uses different types of wood. Which is are as follows.

Teak Wood
Sal wood
Plywood
Nova-Pan Wood/ Medium Density Fiber Board
Rubber Wood
Cedar Wood

#1. Teak Wood

The timber harvested from broad-leaved deciduous trees ̈Tectona Grandis teak ̈ is considered as Teak Wood. Teak is hardwood and seems to have a rich oil base with such a high tensile strength relative to many other forms of wood.

It is really robust that can last a hundred years. As stated, all wood needs to be seasoned. Wood in a building can only be used until proper seasoning.

Use of Teak Wood:

This is strong enough to resist all sorts of climatic pressures.
It is extremely resilient and withstands the moisture content throughout rainfall.
Such a form of wood is primarily used during exterior doors, that are vulnerable to environmental weather conditions including furniture in lawns, gardens, respectively.
The value of teak wood seems to be much greater compared to many other forms of wood.
Teak Density Wood = 700 to 850 Kg/m³
A healthy teak does have a higher density. Denser than concrete Strength Color: yellow to dark brown

Advantages of Teak wood:

Natural protection to pests as well as bugs: as stated, Teak does have a natural oil content, it’s indeed immune to the damage done by termites as well as other fungal insects to the wood.
Density: The density is so much greater in teak that prevents the rot as well as the deterioration of wood.
Resistant of moisture.
Can be hand-carved comfortably.
No requirement for painting. Self finished products including soft material.
Less cleaning and less polishing.
Teak wood is simple to handle, polish as well as function using, which is why a number of carved designs were produced being used.

Disadvantages of Teak wood:

The main drawback is that it is very costly.
Limited indisponibility
Hard to find high-quality timber.
Woodworking equipments is blunted: since the wood itself is very heavy, it also renders wooden tools blunt as well as required constant sharpness of equipment.

#2. Sal Wood:

The wood that originates from Sal Tree is termed Sal Wood. This is less costly as compared to the Teak. Sal Trees are straight and cylindrical in form that can grow longer in height. Then we can harvest fine, longer-length timber.

Uses of Sal Wood:

Sal wood can be used for inside doors and window frames, tool handles, respectively.
This is not that challenging as opposed to Teak wood which needs the control of termite. They are 30-40 percent heavier than teak, just 20 percent heavier than teak.
Salt wood density = 800 to 900 kg/m³

Advantages of Sal Wood:

These can also be widely available in larger sizes.
These are resistant to moisture.
Polishing is really not needed, however painting is necessary.
Less costly relative to Teak wood.
It’s conveniently available.

Disadvantages of Sal Wood:

Thermite control is necessary.
Direct sunlight on Sal wood is discouraged as this can contribute to the development of Cracks in Wood.
Sal wood The surface has little cracks and they are packed with paint.
Finishing involves painting.

#3. Ply wood:

This is a Sturdy thin wooden board consisting of three or four layers of wood, and that these layers are bonded to each other with alternate grains. Since perpendicular graining is made of wood, it is tougher to wear and longer-lasting than regular wood.

Uses of Ply wood :

Solely wood you could raise the strength is Plywood. But how is that? Yeah, not only does Plywood have the strength of the wood it’s constructed of, and it is improved to allow it was last better.
Once they put two or even more board lengths on top of each other with alternate grains, it stops the wood from becoming able to touch for any comfort. More and more strands of wood are used, the stronger the plywood.
The whole sort of wood is often used in partitions, cartons, furniture, and so on.
There have been various forms of Plywood depending on the quality of the materials used.
Softwood Ply wood, Hardwood Ply wood, Aircraft Ply wood, Decorative Ply wood, Flexible Ply wood, Marine Ply wood.
Density Ply wood = 500 to 650 Kg/m³

Advantages of Ply wood:

Insulation material: plywood does have the function of insulation, serving as insulation for fog, high humidity, respectively. It may have a strong thermal as well as sound insulation property.
Strength: Plywood may hold large items quickly. As other have described, these are pressed on top of each other with alternate grains. Owing towards this aspect, it makes loading smoother for all areas of Plywood.
Flexibility: As that of a designed component, it can be changed to any desired form as per consumer requirements. It can be quickly changed to take any part of the construction

Disadvantages of Ply wood:

Plywood is found to release Volatile Organic Compounds.
Plywood gets thick in contact with the water and therefore should be shielded when left outdoors to eliminate the occurrence of absorption.

#4. Novapan Wood/ Medium Density Fiber Board (MDF):

Nova Pan Particle Boards are amongst the better replacements for plywood as well as other forms of wood that we typically use for building purposes.

Such wood is built waste material derived from hardwood or softwood then combined with binders (Wax or Resins) under high pressure and temperature to create wood fibers. That’s the best wood commercially available.

It was an environmentally commodity that requires fewer resources to make boards. They are generally made in panels and could be sliced in whatever form you choose.

Nova-Pan Wood density = 500 to 1000 Kg/m³. Much Denser is more efficient and usable in three forms of light, regular and high density.

Uses of Novapan wood

Nova pan wood is branded with different shades, if it has been labeled with such a green hue, then that is moisture tolerant but if it is red then that is a fire retardant. One such form of wood is being used to produce furniture that makes it cheaper and cheaper.

Advantages of Novapan wood:

Quite inexpensive relative to other natural forests.
It has no grains, it’s isotropic wood (properties are the same in both directions) It won’t contract or extend under atmospheric conditions.
Finishing is better compared to Plywood.

Disadvantages of the wood of Novapan:

The grade in light Nova-pan can swell while in contact with the water.
It can shrink under low atmospheric conditions.

#5. Rubber Wood:

Rubber Wood is the low-cost, light wood that comes from rubber trees which produce latex, the raw material used in the manufacture of natural rubber. Rubber Wood is also called “parawood,” and grows in Amazon forest in Brazil and after the tree reaches maturity (approximately 9 years) then the latex extraction begin.

Uses of Rubberwood:

One such form of wood is being used for furniture. It has much less power relative to other trees.

Advantages of Rubberwood:

It’s really cheap timber relative to other trees.
It’s conveniently accessible.
Less density for light furniture.
This is an eco-friendly commodity.
Fewer covers.

Disadvantages of Rubberwood:

Detrimental to wellbeing, according to scientific findings, rubberwood is the most harmful to wood and can cause extreme allergies.
Readily vulnerable to spores when in contact with water.

#6. Cedar Wood:

Cedarwood is indeed a prickly softwood with such a red-brown appearance with thin lines. Cedar is gentle relative to other softwoods. The texture of the wood is smooth and extremely resistant to rot and insects. In fact, these are aromatic. It is indeed located in Kashmir as well as Assam in India.

Uses of Cedar Wood:

It is one of the most common styles of wood used to line drawers, chests, and cabinets. Easy cases including storage closets are often made of this wood.

Advantages of Cedar Wood:

Durable: It has become one of the durable woods which is inherently resistant to rust, rotting, insect attacks, other than being resistant to moisture absorption, cedar wood requires less upkeep and does not cover quickly. Attractive: the wood has a good paint hue that appears more attractive and it can be handled with a much more appealing finish.
Versatile: Very versatile wood accessible in varying shapes, textures and grades.
Environmentally friendly: Timber is environmentally preferable to manufactured goods and organic and biodegradable.
Affordable: Cedar wood is a reasonably priced timber, considering its many benefits.

Disadvantages of Cedar Wood:

Sensitive: Cedar wood is indeed a delicate wood that can be readily scratched or enclosed by furniture.
Needs Maintenance: Maintenance is necessary in ability to remain properly sealed, maintenance is required each year.

FAQ: Understanding Wood: Types, Uses, and Benefits in Construction

What is wood?

Wood is a fibrous material consisting of the trunk and stems of trees. Once harvested, logs are seasoned to remove water to an acceptable level for construction and other uses.

What is seasoning in the context of wood?

Seasoning is the process of drying wood logs to reduce their water content to a suitable level for use. It typically involves air-drying the logs in warm, dry conditions for about a month.

Why is wood significant in construction?

Wood is valued for its ease of work, availability, variety, lightweight, durability, and aesthetic appeal. It has been used since prehistoric times and offers excellent thermal and sound insulation, making it ideal for both residential and commercial buildings.

How does wood perform in terms of thermal and sound insulation?

Wood has low thermal conductivity compared to materials like aluminum, marble, steel, or glass, making it a good insulator. It also absorbs sound and reduces echoes, enhancing the acoustic environment in buildings.

What are the advantages of using wood in construction?

Thermal and sound insulation: Wood maintains thermal properties and reduces sound and echo.
Electrical resistance: Wood is a poor conductor of electricity, adding safety to structures.
Cost-effective: Wooden houses are affordable to build and maintain.
Aesthetic versatility: Wood comes in various patterns and colors, offering natural beauty.

What are some common uses of wood in construction?

Wood is used for structural framing, joinery, flooring, paneling, and exterior cladding. It’s also used in making furniture and decorative items due to its natural appearance and versatility.

What are the main types of wood used in construction?

The article lists 38 types of wood, including:

Teak: Known for its strength and durability.
Sal: Less expensive and used for doors and window frames.
Plywood: Strong and versatile, used in partitions and furniture.
Novapan (MDF): Eco-friendly and used for furniture.
Rubber Wood: Cost-effective and used for light furniture.
Cedar: Durable and used for chests and cabinets.

What are the advantages of Teak wood?

Teak is highly resistant to moisture, pests, and decay. It is strong, durable, easy to carve, and requires minimal maintenance. However, it is expensive and not readily available.

How does Sal wood compare to Teak wood?

Sal wood is less expensive and widely available but requires termite control and may develop cracks under direct sunlight. It is used for interior doors and window frames.

What is Plywood and its uses?

Plywood is a strong board made of layered wood veneers bonded together. It’s used in partitions, furniture, and other structural applications due to its durability and resistance to wear.

What is Novapan wood, and where is it used?

Novapan, or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), is made from wood fibers bonded with binders under pressure. It’s used for making furniture and is known for its affordability and uniformity.

What are the properties of Rubber Wood?

Rubber Wood is inexpensive, eco-friendly, and suitable for light furniture. However, it can be harmful to health and is susceptible to fungus when in contact with water.

Why is Cedar wood popular in construction?

Cedar is durable, resistant to rot and insects, and has an attractive appearance. It is used for lining drawers, cabinets, and storage closets but requires regular maintenance.