1. Recognition of timber and timber-based manufactured boards
2010

2. Recognition of timber and timber-based manufactured boards
There are many different types of timber and timber-based manufactured board material available, each having their own specific qualities, properties and uses.
As a carpenter or joiner, you will have to identify the required material and select from stock the most suitable pieces with regards to finish and defects.
2010

3. What are the three common parts of all trees?
Parts of a tree
What are the three common parts of all trees?
The crown comprises the branches and leaves of a tree, often termed the canopy.
The trunk is the main stem of the tree from which timber sections are cut and timber-based board materials are manufactured.
The roots act as an anchor to secure the tree in the ground.
2010

4. Hardwoods and softwoods
What do the terms hardwoods and softwoods refer to?
Hardwoods and softwoods are the terms used to refer to a tree’s botanical classification. They do not refer to the hardness or strength of the timber.
2010

5. Hardwoods and softwoods
Hardwood trees are also known as broadleaf trees, as they have broad leaves. Their seeds are covered in fruit, nuts or berries and they are normally deciduous (they shed their leaves in winter).
Softwood trees are also known as conifers. They have narrow needle leaves, their seeds are borne in cones and they are evergreen (they keep their leaves all year).
2010

6. Identification of common timbers
Timber is identified by its colour and grain. Can you describe these?
Douglas fir is a light reddish-brown softwood, with a distinct grain pattern.
Redwood is also known as Scots pine and yellow deal. It is a pale yellow-brown to red-brown softwood with a fairly straight grain showing with distinct lighter and darker stripes. It may appear as flame figuring.
Whitewood is also known as Norway spruce and white deal. It is a white to light yellow softwood. It is similar in appearance to redwood but lighter and less decorative.
2010

7. Identification of common timbers
Can you describe these?
Ash is a white-creamy grey to light brown hardwood. It is generally straight grained but with a coarse feel or texture and occasional wavy dark streaks.
Oak is a pale yellowish-brown hardwood. English oak is generally recognised as the most durable, having a medium to coarse texture, straight grain and may show distinct silver grained figuring.
Mahogany is a reddish-brown hardwood. It has a medium texture with interlocking grain and may show a distinct striped ribbon-like figuring.
2010

8. Identification of timber-based manufactured boards
Boards can be identified by their construction and method of manufacture. Can you identify these?
Plywood is a laminated board material made from thin sheets of wood, termed construction veneers or plies.
Laminboard, blockboard and battenboard are also laminated boards. However, their core is made from strips of solid timber with plywood veneers bonded to both faces. These strips are typically 8 mm (laminboard), 25 mm (blockboard) and 75 mm wide (battenboard).
2010

9. Identification of timber-based manufactured boards
Can you identify these?
Chipboard, also known as wood particle board, is manufactured using small wood chips or flakes impregnated with a synthetic resin and bonded together under pressure.
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is manufactured from pulped wood and other vegetable fibres, with synthetic resin adhesive added to bond the fibres together and pressed into boards.
Oriented strand board (OSB) is manufactured from large softwood strands bonded with resin and wax in three layers.
2010