Wood: Facts and Myths | Hardwood Floors | Charlotte NC

WOOD: FACTS AND MYTHS

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WOOD Any construction project that involves the use of wood is a fascinating task. We often hear that wood is weaker than concrete or steel; however, this material has stood the passage of time in many old houses and buildings. When builders started using reinforced concrete, perhaps they thought they found an indestructible material.

However, the truth is that these structures are not eternal: iron elements can rust, and concrete can naturally degrade by carbonation.

HARDWOODS ARE HARD, AND SOFTWOODS ARE SOFT When we classify wood into hardwood and softwood, people typically think that softwoods are more fragile than hardwoods. However, the former come from gymnosperm trees (evergreen conifers like pine or spruce) and the latter from trees with leaves (maple, ash, and cherry). Although hardwoods can be denser than softwoods, some woods such as balsa timber are softer than softwoods.

WOOD HAS POOR DIMENSIONAL STABILITY

Wood is a hygroscopic material that reacts to humidity changes. However, you can use lumber with higher dimensional stability (for example, wood transformed into laminated materials) by applying adequate moisture content and adapting it to local climatic conditions.

Therefore, if you need to protect wooden structures such as floors from the elements, provide them with adequate ventilation.

ALL TYPES OF WOOD ARE VULNERABLE TO INSECTS

Most wood species are susceptible to termite attack, but it varies according to the type of wood. For example, teak and ironwood are highly resistant to termite damage. Other woods have tannin, a common substance in many hardwood species that can serve as a repellent against insects.

WOOD IS OLD FASHIONED

The belief that wood is an outdated material is another myth because it has been adapted to each stage of human history and architecture. Hence, many woodderived materials have been developed beyond “traditional� wood, adapting them to all imaginable architectural styles.

WOOD INDUSTRY IS NOT ECOFRIENDLY Although we need to cut down trees for wood, the supply comes from responsibly managed plantations.

Nowadays, almost all wood sources are well controlled, and there are mechanisms of certification that guarantee this process.

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