Materials

Wood

The hard, fibrous material that makes up the trunk and branches of trees.

Softwood

Wood from coniferous trees that grows quickly and often is more flexible.

Hardwood

Wood from deciduous trees, typically denser, and usually slow-growing.

Redwood

A strong softwood used in construction, known for being knotty.

Parana Pine

A hard softwood with straight grain, used for high-quality furniture and carpentry.

Mahogany

A strong hardwood valued for its straight grain, used in fine furniture and musical instruments.

Beech

A hardwood known for its smooth texture and strength, often used for mallets.

Oak

A heavy and strong hardwood, commonly used for constructing building frames.

Elm

A durable hardwood that resists splitting and decay, used for various furniture applications.

Timber

Wood that can be classified as either hardwood or softwood.

Dry rot

A type of wood decay caused by a fungus that thrives in dry conditions.

Wet rot

Wood decay caused by fungus in moist conditions, leading to deterioration.

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)

A cost-effective manufactured board known for its smooth surface and finishes well.

Chipboard

A cheap manufactured board made from wood particles, often veneered.

Plywood

A strong manufactured board made from odd layers of wood glued at right angles.

Blockboard

A manufactured board made of softwood strips glued between veneers.

Hardboard

A less strong board made from pulped wood fibers under pressure.

Ferrous metals

Metals that contain iron, which can rust.

Mild steel

A tough, high tensile strength iron-based alloy that rusts easily.

Stainless steel

A tough metal resistant to rust, commonly used in cutlery and medical instruments.

Aluminium

A lightweight, malleable metal known for its corrosion resistance and good conductivity.

Copper

A ductile and malleable metal, excellent for electrical applications.

Nylon

A hard plastic known for its resistance to wear, low friction, and high melting point.

Acrylic

A transparent thermoplastic often used for displays and protective covers.

Melamine formaldehyde

A heat-resistant resin used for various applications, such as tableware.

Epoxy resin

A type of thermosetting plastic created by mixing resin with a hardener.

Phenol formaldehyde

A hard, glossy thermosetting plastic, commonly used in electrical fittings.