Wood

Wood is a natural organic material that has been used for many centuries for the construction of buildings, bridges, and a variety of other structures. It remains an important construction material today as research and improved technology have led to a better knowledge of the material behaviour. Timber has many important attributes. It has a warm texture and attractive appearance and is often used for internal finishing and the main structure. It is easy to work with and can be produced in a wide range of shapes and sizes. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio and has good thermal insulation properties. Timber can be used compositely with concrete and steel. It is the only construction material that does not contribute to greenhouse emissions and is a fully renewable and largely recyclable material.

Softwood – wood of coniferous tree species, generally less dense than hardwood

Hardwood – wood of broad-leaved tree species, generally more dense than softwood

Differences in wood anatomy of softwood and hardwood

Softwoods

Abies alba Mill. -- Silver fir

Juniperus communis L. – Common juniper

Larix decidua Mill. – European larch

Picea abies (L.) Karst. -- Norway spruce

Pinus sylvestris L. -- Scots pine

Pinus strobus L. – Eastern White Pine

Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco – Douglas-fir

Taxus baccata L. – Taxus baccata L.

Ring-porous hardwoods

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle – tree of heaven

Castanea sativa Mill. – Sweet chestnut

Fraxinus excelsior L. – European ash

Morus nigra L. – Black mulberry

Quercus robur L. – Common oak

Robinia pseudoacacia L. – Black locust

Ulmus glabra Huds. – Wych elm

Semi-ring-porous hardwoods

Cerasus avium Moench. – Wild cherry

Juglans regia L. – Common walnut

Malus sylvestris Mill. – European crab apple

Prunus domestica L. – Common Plum

Sorbus aucuparia L. – European mountain ash

Diffuse-porous hardwoods

Acer pseudoplatanus L. – Great maple

Aesculus hippocastanum L. – Horse chestnut

Alnus glutinosa Gaertn. – Common alder

Betula pendula Roth. – Silver birch

Carpinus betulus L. – European hornbeam

Fagus sylvatica L. – Common beech

Platanus acerifolia Willd. – London plane

Populus nigra L. – Black poplar

Pyrus communis L. – Common pear

Salix alba L. – White willow

Tilia cordata Mill. – Small-leaved lime