The Various Wood and Timber Types Used in Construction

Wood has been used in construction for thousands of years and remains to be seen as one of the most
important building materials available. Its malleability, strength, appearance and long life span means
that it has well and truly stood the test of time. But to get the best out of wood, the right type needs to
be chosen for the right job. This is because unlike other materials the characteristics of wood can vary
dramatically, meaning that a lot of factors will have accounted for. For example, the age, type, colour,
structure and water content of wood, are all factors that need to be considered before using it for
construction purposes. To make life easier all woods are divided into one of two categories; these
categories are “hardwoods” and “softwoods”. This article will go on to look at some of the woods that
make up these categories, whilst briefly assessing the role that they play in construction.

What is the difference between hardwoods and softwoods?

A question that is commonly asked is “what is the difference between “hardwoods” and “softwoods”?
Use the table below to find out the answer to this question.

Hardwood. Softwood.

Definition. Hardwoods derive from deciduous trees, meaning that they will lose their leaves
seasonally. Softwoods are conifer trees, meaning that they will keep their leaves all year round.

Use. Often used in furniture. Can be used in construction but usually nearer the latter stages. E.g.
doors and floors. Often used in construction. Typically used to build joists, rafters and the frame
of a building.

Cost. Usually more expensive than softwoods. Usually less expensive than hardwoods.

Density. A high density creates a hardwood, hence the term “hardwood”. Lower density
than hardwoods.

Areas Found. Found almost everywhere. Specific regions include the Americas and the Tropics.
Found in the northern hemisphere.

Growth Rate. Slow. Fast.

Properties. Typically harder (but there are some exceptions). Broad leaves and enclosed nuts. High
levels of density. Softer and less dense. Lower durability. More knotty.

Examples. Beech, Oak, Mahogany, Teak, Balsa, Maple, Elm, Walnut etc Pine, Fir, Cedar, Aspen,
Spruce etc.
As a general rule of thumb, hardwoods will be used in the latter stages of construction to provide high
quality finishes, whilst softwoods are used for more general duties. Now that you are aware of the
differences between hardwoods and softwoods, we can begin to analyse the specific qualities that some
of the more popular types of wood posses.

Wood can come in a variety of colours

Wood can come in a variety of colours

Hardwoods

Mahogany - Dark in colour and extremely durable. It has a distinctive grain which makes it appealing to
many, but unfortunately it’s prone to warping and may have problems interlocking with other pieces of
wood. Typically this is used to create high end furniture as its dark appearance is often seen as being
very attractive. However, it has a price tag to match and therefore is only really suitable for people with
big budgets.

Oak - One of the better known hardwoods, oak has a honey brown colour and an open grain. It’s strong,
durable, long lasting and tough, making it a highly sought after timber that is also extremely appealing.
Unfortunately, the acid present in the wood has been known to rust steel fittings, while it has always
been an expensive option. All drawbacks aside, it remains a beautiful wood.

Beech - Beech is one of cheaper hardwood options. It can be used to create wooden constructions as its
strong, durable and fairly inexpensive. However, drawbacks include warping and slightly lower weather
resistance when compared to other woods. Some may argue that it is difficult to work with, but it still
remains a good all-rounder.

Maple - Maple wood can vary in appearance from a fairly light colour, to a darker more yellowish
appearance. It is commonly used to create furniture and hardwood flooring which typically results in a
beautiful end product. However, it is notoriously hard to work with and remains in the mid to upper
range price tier.

Make sure you pick a type of wood that suits your home

Make sure you pick a type of wood that suits your home
Softwoods

Pine - Pine wood is cheap and easy to work with. It’s commonly used to create furniture, wall panelling
and flooring, while it’s generally seen as a good all rounder for construction purposes. Appearance wise
it is fairly light in colour and has a close grain. Unfortunately pine can be knotty and prone to warping.

Spruce - A fairly dense wood for“softwood”, spruce is hardwearing and durable and can be noted for its
resistance to decay. It is light in appearance with a tight grain, making it easy to use. As spruce tends to
be both strong and lightweight it is an ideal candidate for timber used in construction, but its best used
for internal purposes (e.g. drywall framing).

Cedar - Cedar wood is pale in appearance and produces very little resin. It is strong, dense, solid and
robust making it a great choice for structural applications. In addition to this, its fine texture can create
an almost seamless effect when joined, meaning that it is a highly sought after wood in the construction
industry. However, cedar wood needs to be properly maintained as it can crack and warp if not properly
looked after.

Fir - Fir woods are commonly used for construction purposes as they are easy to work with and can
create a decent finish. They are light in appearance and fairly soft, but this does not stop them from
being used on doors, windows and structural frames. Fir is a reasonably cheap wood that provides a
strong resistance to decay, while being extremely versatile. However, if left untreated fir wood can warp
and shrink.

Conclusion

The woods looked at in this brief guide are some of the most commonly used in construction.
Hardwoods are typically more expensive and less malleable, but at the same time more aesthetically
pleasing. Soft woods on the other hand tend to be cheaper and more versatile. For those people who
prefer the appearance of expensive hardwoods such as oak or mahogany, veneers can be purchased.
Wood veneers are usually made out of plywood, incorporating a thin slice of expensive hardwood to
coat the top of it. This gives the impression of high end timber, but it comes at a much cheaper price tag.

Wood is one of the most useful materials in building

Wood is one of the most useful materials in building

There are of course many more woods that are used in construction that haven’t been touched upon
here. Each of these will have their own properties and characteristics, making them suitable for some
roles and unsuitable for others. But the main thing to remember here is that all types of wood will fall
into either hardwood or softwood categories. By determining the category that the wood falls into, you
will be able to gain a brief idea regarding their qualities and attributes.