Understanding Types of Woods for Building Construction

Wood, the sturdy and fibrous material sourced from trees, plays a crucial role in construction. Let’s delve into the diverse types of woods, their uses, and when to deploy them in building projects.

Types of Woods Used in Construction

1. Teak Wood

Teak wood, extracted from broad-leaved deciduous trees, boasts high tensile strength and durability. With optimal seasoning, it can last for a remarkable 100 years. Teak finds its place in outside doors exposed to diverse climates and in garden furniture, thanks to its resistance to moisture and atmospheric conditions.

Advantages of Teak Wood:

• Natural resistance to termites and insects.
• High density, resisting rot and decay.
• Moisture-resistant.
• Easily carved and polished.
• Heat moderation, suitable for all seasons.

Disadvantages of Teak Wood:

• Expensive.
• Limited availability.
• Tools may blunt due to its strength.

2. Sal Wood

Originating from Sal Trees, Sal wood is a cost-effective alternative to Teak. It is suitable for inside doors, windows frames, and tool handles. Though not as hard as Teak, it requires termite control.

Advantages of Sal Wood:

• Available in longer lengths.
• Moisture-resistant.
• Less expensive than Teak.

Disadvantages of Sal Wood:

• Requires termite control.
• Prone to cracks when exposed to direct sunlight.
• Requires painting for finishing.

3. Plywood

Plywood, a strong board composed of multiple wood layers, offers enhanced durability and strength. It finds extensive use in partitions, furniture, and more. Different types, such as Softwood, Hardwood, and Marine Plywood, cater to varying strength requirements.

Advantages of Plywood:

• Excellent insulation material.
• High strength due to layered construction.
• Flexible and can be modified to desired shapes.

Disadvantages of Plywood:

• Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).
• Heavy when in contact with water.

4. Nova-Pan Wood/Medium-density Fiber-board (MDF)

Nova-Pan Wood, an eco-friendly product made from wood residuals, is an economical substitute for plywood. It’s available in three density types: light, standard, and high density.

Advantages of Nova-Pan Wood:

• Cost-effective.
• Isotropic wood with consistent properties.
• Resistant to atmospheric conditions.

Disadvantages of Nova-Pan Wood:

• Swelling in low-grade Nova-Pan when in contact with water.
• Shrinkage in low atmospheric conditions.

5. Rubber Wood

Primarily used in furniture, rubber wood is less dense and not recommended for construction due to its lower strength.

Advantages of Rubberwood:

• Cost-effective.
• Easily available.
• Eco-friendly.
• Low density, suitable for light furniture.

Disadvantages of Rubberwood:

• Potentially harmful to health.
• Prone to fungus in contact with water.

Understanding the characteristics and applications of these woods is vital for making informed decisions in construction projects. Always consider the specific needs and conditions to choose the most suitable wood type.