1.1 - Timbers

A-Level Product Design (Edexcel)

Jelutong

Hard wood
Yellow
Low density
Fine grain
Soft/Weak

Balsa

Hardwood
Soft
Light
Low Density
Straight grain
used for models and crafts.

Oak

Hardwood
Heavy
durable
Light colour
Often used in furniture and flooring.

Beech

Hardwood
hard/tough
abraison resistant
Commonly used in furniture and cabinetry.

Mahogany

Ranges from red-brown
Straight grain
Used in Furniture

Pine

Softwood
Readily available
Affordable
soft
macheinable
Used in construction and furniture

Cedar

Softwood
Natural insect repellent
Warp and crack resistant
Commonly used in outdoor furniture and decking.

Larch

Softwood
Harder than many hardwoods
Rot and stress resisitance
Used in construction and boat building.

Redwood

Softwood
Usually found in California
Slow burn
Rot and insect resistant
Constuction and furniture

Hardwoods

Enclosed seed
warmer climate
100+ years to mature
Expensive

Softwood

Conifers
Easier to forest+replant
30 years to mature
cheaper (abundance)

Sustainability

Felled forests can be replanted
Both soft and hardwoods are sustainable
Softwoods grow faster

FSC

Forest Stewardship Council
Promote responsible forest managment