Properties of wood in construction projects

Properties of wood in construction projects

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Timber and wood have been an integral part in the development and evolution of building construction and design. It has also played an important part in the field of art and craftsmanship. 

If we went back through time, most of the basic cave man utilities and tools were made from wood.  Hunting and agricultural tools were first made from timber, even the first spoon and plate were also made from wood. 

On a regional level, Jordanian architectural language hasn’t been exposed to much of wood or timber as construction of design element. This is due to the availability of the material and cost effectiveness of it. 

But that is not the only reason behind the lack of utilization of wood by the Jordanian designers, there are also climatic reasons behind it. Yet, that doesn’t mean that wood wasn’t used in other design elements. 

To begin with, wood is a hard-fibrous material forming the trunk and branches of trees or shrubs. There are many structural and non-structural applications of the wood used in construction. As wood is a general term, it is important to understand its application in construction.

Properties of Wood

There are several benefits for wood in the world of construction. Wood is a natural material that’s easy to work upon, widely available in huge quantities, and has several varieties. Each type of wood can be used for specific purposes.

Wood retains its thermal properties. Thus, it is highly resistant to high temperatures. It can absorb sound and echo, making it a favorite material for the construction of offices and residential structures.

Wooden houses are inexpensive to build and extend and enjoy low running and maintenance costs over a long period of time. However, this also depends on the availability of wood in the local area.

Wood paneling is particularly popular for ceilings, covering irregularities, minimizing maintenance, and simplifying the fitting of lighting and the ventilation system.

Types of Wood

To discuss the various and many different varieties of wood, we must first discuss the main two types of wood, which are soft and hard wood. Under these two umbrellas fall a huge number of wood classifications.

Softwood comes from the coniferous trees.  Softwood usually grows in regions having a cold climate. Coniferous trees grow fast; hence, they are less expensive as compared to hardwood. They are more sustainable as they can be easily grown.

Most common softwood types are; pine wood, cedar wood, fir wood, spruce wood and hemlock wood.

Hard wood on the other hand comes from deciduous trees that have broad leaves, produce fruits or nuts, and are generally inactive in the winter. Hardwoods have a denser structure in comparison to softwoods.

Most common hardwood types are; teak wood, rose wood, oak wood, maple wood, ash wood, mango wood, mahogany wood, beech wood, cherry wood and walnut wood.

You can find all these types with their characteristics and applications through this link.

From a structural element to a finishing material, wood can be utilized for almost any application. The team of Phi Contracting Co. understands the delicacy and class this special material can bring to a space. And we are well acknowledged with its market. So feel free to consult us about it. 

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