Trees and Lumber

Where is the most productive forestland in the USA (North, South, East or West)?

The most productive forestland in the USA is found in the South.

What kinds of trees are hardwoods and softwoods? How do their wood uses differ?

From a botanical point of view, hard woods are angiosperms. This means that their seeds are enclosed in the flowers ovary. Hardwood is mostly used in the production of furniture. On the other hand, softwood is referred to as gymnosperms. This means that its seeds are not enclosed within the ovary. Their leaves are evergreen and needle shaped. They are commonly used in the construction industry and in building.

Name two common woods used in packaging.

For softwood, pine is best for making pallets and for the hardwood oak is usually recommended.

Which is most often used for reusable pallets: hardwood or softwood?

Hardwood is commonly used to make reusable pallets in packaging. Oak is considered the best option for this.

What is meant by nominal dimensions and what kind of wood does it refer to

Nominal dimensions in lumber refer to the initial measure measurements a log was cut. When the lumber is dried, the size reduces to smaller dimensions.

What is the difference between dimensional lumber and boards

The difference between dimensional lumber and boards is that the former when cut to its usable size is 2”-5” thick and less than 2” wide. Boards on the other hand when cut are less than 2” thick and more that 1” wide.

Wood less than how many inches thick is called veneer?

Veneer lumber is a type of wood that is produced using several layers of thinned wood. These layers are then assembled using adhesives. A veneer is less than a 3/8” thick.

Would 4” x 4” x 8’ piece of lumber be classified as timber, board or dimensional lumber?

Piece of lumber measuring 4” x 4” and is 8 feet is referred to as timber.

How is wood seasoned?

Seasoning of wood is drying of wood that is suitable for use. Drying wood should be controlled through checking, so that it does not take too long to dry and the same time not too quickly. If it dries too quickly, it shrinks and cracks.

What special treatment is required for wood used in export packaging? How hot for how long?

The wood to be used for exports has to be heated and treated for pest control. The timber has to be heated to a minimum of 56 degrees for no less than 30 minutes.

How many board feet are in a piece of wood with nominal dimensions 15” x 4” x 20’ ?

To arrive at board feet measurements, one has to get the product of the nominal measurements then divide it by 144 cubic centimeters.15” x 4” x 240”/ 144 = 100 board feet

If pine sells for $325/1000 board feet, how much will the woo cost to make a pine crate consisting of 4 pieces with nominal dimensions measuring 4” x 4” x 5’ and 12 pieces measuring 2” x 6” x 5’?

(4” x 4” x 60”/ 144) x 4 + (2” x 6” x 60”/ 144) x 12 = 86.6 board feet by 325/1000 equals to 28.145 dollars.

If oak sells for $1/board foot, what is the cost of wood to make an oak pallet consisting of the following materials:

Twelve deck boards that measure 1” x 4” x 40”
Three stringers measuring 1” x 4” x 48”

(1” x 4” x 40”/ 144) x 12 + (1” x 4” x 48”/ 144) x 3 = 16 board feet. The 16 board feet multiplied by 1 dollar per board foot, the materials will cost 16 dollars.

If 1” x 1” strips of wood are priced at $0.10/LF, what is the equivalent price per BF?

A board foot is equal to one lineal foot; therefore, strips measuring 1” x 1” selling at $0.10 per BF, does not affect the price in LF.

Which engineered wood products are used in packaging, and what are they used for?

Oriental strand board and plywood are used in packaging. This is because they are strong and are easy to assemble when making box walls.

Does plywood usually contain an odd or even number of layers? Why? Is the strength of a sheet of 4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood greater along the 4’ or the 8’ direction?

Plywood is usually assembled with odd numbers of layers to balance it against warping. This also enables the interior structures to appear symmetrical. Plywood is stronger on the 4’ length direction.

Why is oriented strand board superior to types of board made from wood particles?

Oriental Strand Boards are stronger than other types of particle boards because its strands have been intentionally aligned to ensure the panel is stiffer and much stronger.