Wood in Construction

Flashcards covering key concepts related to wood and its use in construction.

What is wood in construction?

A natural material from trees used for structural and finishing purposes.

What is lumber?

Processed wood cut into usable sizes for construction.

What is seasoning?

The process of removing moisture from wood.

What is shrinkage?

Reduction in wood size due to moisture loss.

What are the two main classifications of wood?

Hardwood and Softwood.

What is hardwood?

Wood from broadleaf trees; generally denser and stronger.

What is softwood?

Wood from coniferous trees; generally lighter and easier to work with.

What is plain sawing?

Cutting logs tangentially to produce wide boards.

What is quarter sawing?

Cutting logs radially for more stable grain.

What are common wood defects?

Knots, cracks, warping, decay, and insect damage.

What causes warping?

Uneven drying or moisture changes.

Why is seasoning important?

To increase strength, durability, and stability.

What are types of seasoning?

Air drying and kiln drying.

What is board foot?

A unit of volume equal to 1 ft x 1 ft x 1 inch.

Why is board foot used?

To estimate lumber quantity.

What is a wood post?

A vertical structural member supporting loads.

What is a girder?

A main horizontal beam supporting smaller beams.

What is a floor joist?

Horizontal support member for floors.

What is T and G flooring?

Tongue and groove boards that interlock.

What is siding?

Exterior wood covering for walls.

What is a rafter?

Sloping beam supporting a roof.

What is a purlin?

Horizontal member supporting roofing sheets.

What is fascia board?

Board along roof edge for finishing.

What are studs?

Vertical framing members in walls.

What is a ceiling joist?

Horizontal member supporting ceiling loads.

What is a ceiling board?

Material used to cover ceiling framework.

What is a door frame?

Structure that supports and holds a door.

What is a window frame?

Structure that supports and encloses a window.

Why is proper lumber selection important?

To ensure strength, durability, and cost efficiency.

What affects lumber quality?

Moisture content, defects, and type of wood.