Wood is a substance made from the dead cells of a tree’s trunk, which are left behind when bark is stripped off. The material’s strength and hardness come from a substance called lignin, which is a brown phenolic polymer made up of benzene rings. Wood’s relative buoyancy is based on the number of air cavities found within the cell walls, thickness of cell walls, and the amount of lignin in the wood.
The heartwood of some trees is stronger than others. Ash, maple, and cherry are among the strongest, but they are not as dense as oak. The heartwood of a tree’s trunk is what is used to make furniture and other products. The sapwood of the heartwood is the softest part of the tree, whereas the hardwood is the hard part. Other trees used for making timber include pine, mahogany, and cedar.
Black walnut is a large tree that provides shade and an iconic look all year round. This tree can live for years, providing a rich habitat for wildlife and robust lumber. Ash, like oak, is another popular hardwood. Ash resembles oak but is hardier and provides a high level of shock resistance. Butcher blocks and workbenches are also made from walnut wood, while black ash is resistant to rot and insect attack. If you’re considering Oak Garages, go to www.timberpride.co.uk/oak-framed-garages
The toughest timber in the world comes from the Australian Buloke tree which is native to the continent and is most prevalent in southern and eastern Australia. Measuring the hardness of wood takes into account a number of considerations such as density, compression strength and bending strength. The strength of timber is defined by how many wood fibres are packed into a specific area.
When you’re building something out of wood, it’s important to know how the strength of the wood is measured. The Modulus of Elasticity, or MOE, is used to describe the stiffness of the wood. Typically, it’s measured in psi, which stands for pounds per square inch. Wood can be measured using two methods: bending and shear. Bending tests can measure the strength of a single piece of wood, or multiple pieces.
The first method is to calculate the density profile of the wood. The density of the clear wood between knots is a good indication of its inherent strength, while a localized density peak indicates that the knots have a structural effect. Knots and their associated structural effects will also influence the strength of wood. A combination of these methods can yield a good estimate of the stiffness of wood. Regardless of which method you use, be sure to test the wood you’re working with.
