A Level Design and Technology Edexcel

Woods - Hardwoods, Softwoods

Hardwoods

• Originating from deciduous, angiosperm trees, hardwoods are a category of wood known for their density and durability.
• Common examples of hardwood include oak, beech, ash, and maple.
• Oak is popularly used in furniture and flooring due to its strong, durable nature and its attractive grain.
• Beech is often used for furniture, toys, and veneers because of its good bending properties and shock resistance.
• Hardwoods typically have a slow growth rate, contributing to their density and strength.
• The presence of vessels or pores often results in intricate grain patterns, making hardwood suitable for decorative furniture.
• The cost of hardwoods can be high due to their slow growth rate and the demand for certain popular types.

Softwoods

• Softwoods come from gymnosperm trees that are usually evergreen and coniferous, such as pine, cedar, and fir.
• These types of wood grow faster than hardwoods, making them more cost-effective and sustainable.
• Pine is a common softwood that is lightweight and easy to work with. It's often used in construction, paneling, and furniture pieces.
• Cedar is known for its distinct aroma and is commonly used in chest and closet linings, shingles, and outdoor furniture.
• Softwoods generally have straighter grain patterns and lighter colours compared to hardwoods.
• While not as dense or hard as hardwoods, softwoods are still durable and are suitable for many applications, including construction and paper production.
• Softwoods have fewer pores than hardwoods, which can make them less suitable for intricate decorative pieces.

Testing Properties of Wood

• Physical and mechanical properties of wood can be tested to determine suitability for specific purposes.
• Hardness can be tested by measuring the resistance of wood to indentation.
• Strength can often be gauged through bending tests, impact tests, and tension and compression tests.
• The durability of wood can be assessed through decay resistance tests, examining resistance to insects and other damaging factors.
• The moisture content of wood can affect its weight, strength, and other physical properties and can be tested using a moisture meter.

Working with Wood

• Both hardwoods and softwoods can be cut, shaped, and joined using a variety of hand and machine tools.
• Techniques like bending, veneering, lamination, and finishing can be used to enhance the appearance and lifespan of wooden products.
• Appropriate safety measures should always be taken when working with wood, including the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to safe handling procedures.

This revision content should aid your understanding and utilisation of different types of wood - both hardwoods and softwoods - their properties, common uses, tests to assess their characteristics, and overall relevance in design and technology applications.