What are the properties of hardwood and softwood?

Characteristics of Hardwood

They usually have a higher density than softwood.
They are usually more expensive than softwood.
They grow at a slower rate than softwood.
Hardwood trees shed their leaves in certain times of the year.
Hardwood are more fire resistant than softwood.
The leaves of hardwood trees are evergreen.

What are the five properties of hardwood?

The hardwoods have a specific gravity ranging between 0.7 to 0.9 whereas in most of the softwoods it lies below 0.7….Most important properties of wood and timber may be discussed under the following general headings.

Color and Odor.
Specific Gravity.
Moisture Content.
Grain.
Shrinkage and Swelling.
Strength.

What are 3 characteristics of hardwood?

Different species of hardwood lend themselves to different end uses or construction processes. This is due to the variety of characteristics apparent in different timbers, including density, grain, pore size, growth and fibre pattern, flexibility and ability to be steam bent.

What are two properties of hardwood?

Hardwood properties: Sourced from broad-leaved trees, hardwoods tend to be slower growing and are usually more dense than softwoods. As a result of their condensed and more complex structure, hardwoods generally offer a superior level of strength and durability.

Does hardwood last longer than softwood?

Though hardwoods are often more expensive and sometimes more difficult to work with, the benefit is that most (though not all) are denser, meaning they will last longer than softwoods. For this reason, hardwoods are often found in high-quality furniture, decks, flooring and construction that is designed to last.

What are the 12 properties of wood?

The main physical properties of wood include: color, luster, texture, macro-structure, odor, moisture, shrinkage, internal stresses, swelling, cracking, warping, density, sound – electro – thermal conductivity.

What classifies a hardwood?

A wood will be classified as a hardwood if the seeds that the tree produces have a coating. These coatings can either take the shape of a fruit or a shell. A wood will be classified as a softwood if the seeds don’t have any type of coating and are instead dropped to the ground and left to the elements.

Which is more sustainable hardwood or softwood?

Softwoods take less time to grow, which means that it’s easier to replenish those that are cut down. They are therefore generally a more sustainable option of timber than hardwoods. If given the right treatment and maintained correctly, softwood can last up to 60 years.

What are the chemical properties of wood?

The chemical composition of wood varies from species to species, but is approximately 50% carbon, 42% oxygen, 6% hydrogen, 1% nitrogen, and 1% other elements (mainly calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and manganese) by weight.

What are some of the properties of wood?

Some woods (for example, black locust, honey locust, and several tropical species) are fluorescent. Natural lustre is characteristic of some species (for example, spruce, ash, basswood, and poplar) and more prominent on radial surfaces. Odour and taste are due to volatile substances contained in wood.

What makes hardwood wood harder than other wood?

The properties of the wood are caused by its structure. Hardwoods have a denser structure, which is the reason they are usually harder and heavier. Hardwood has xylem vessels which are used to transport water.

What are the mechanical properties of clear wood?

Clear wood specimens are usually considered “homogeneous” in wood mechanics. Many of the mechanical properties of wood tabulated in this chapter were derived from extensive sampling and analysis procedures. These properties are represented as the average mechanical properties of the species.

How does moisture affect the strength of wood?

The moisture content of wood also is an important parameter influencing almost all mechanical properties. Strength properties of wood increase with its decreasing moisture content. For example, air-dried wood with average moisture content of 12-13 percent will have higher strength properties than that of wood with 20 percent moisture content.