Category: Timber

Outdoor decks are common in most of the modern houses in America and other developed countries around the world. Decking is generally made using solid wood or plywood, depending on the preferences and budget. The type of wood that is used to make an outdoor deck will have an impact on how the decking looks as well as on how durable and stone it is, which is why choosing the best wood for outdoor decks and porches is essential.

Why Use Wood for Outdoor Decking

Solid wood decking made from high-quality timber will naturally have more durability, will look superior and last longer than anything else.

In many cases and depending on the type, you can get natural solid wood for decking at a lesser price than what you’d have to pay for alternatives such as composite decking.

While a wood deck is easy to customise, colour and stain to meet the changing styles, the same is not true for composite and other wood deckings, which are not easy and may cost a lot to change their appearance.

Another benefit of using wood for decks is that being a biodegradable material wood is friendly to the environment. Also, wood decks absorb carbon and thus have a much lower carbon footprint.

Factors to Consider When Selecting The Best wood for Outdoor Deck

Here are some of the things to consider before choosing the best outdoor wood especially when buying a decking wood.

Appearance

The appearance of wood for decking is of course a priority for many property owners, but make sure that this is not your first priority. More than how the material looks you should pay attention to how strong and durable the wood is. It is possible to find a balance between appearance and durability.

Cost

Before starting to search for the right wood for your decking, set a budget. Try and keep in line with your budget when exploring your options. If you are getting a good deal for a better quality timber, which is slightly above your budget but you can afford it, go for it. If you think wood decks are costly, there are cheaper options available such as pressure-treated pine that would still work better than composite and is resistant to rot and pests.

Durability

Durability and quality of wood should be your number one priority for decking material. Because the decking would be used outside, it is likely to be in constant exposure to sun, rain and other kinds of weather conditions, which is why wood for decking must be absolutely durable and strong.

Resistance

Outdoor wood decking must be resistant to moisture, insects and rot. Unless you are willing to replace your deck frequently, you must invest in a good quality deck material that will accompany you for at least a few years or decades.

Maintenance

High maintenance is another problem with some wooden decks. However, solid wood decks require lesser maintenance as compared to composite decks and durable wood can easily survive for decades without needing a lot of care.

Even in solid wood, there are many options when it comes to selecting the right wood for decking. Here we talk about some of the best wood species for outdoor decks.

Best Wood for Outdoor Decks & Porches

1. Cedar

Despite being softwood, cedar is very durable and resistant to moisture, which makes it one of the best woods for decking. The wood is also resistant to rot and needs very little maintenance when used for outdoor applications. Cedar is so compatible with moisture changes that it won’t easily warp or crack even in areas with hard freezing conditions.

Cedar decks have a naturally beautiful look and can be easily stained to try many options in terms of appearance. They need little maintenance and would easily last 15-20 years with good care. Cedar wood is moderately priced and available in many locations around the world. For the best price for wholesale cedar timber, contact CameroonTimberExportSarl.

2. Ipe

Ipe is one of the hardest and strongest woods in the world and has extremely high durability along with resistance to a variety of bugs and rot. It is ideal for wood decking because of its dense structure and high durability and will easily last for decades with basic care. It is very strong and resistant to termites, decay and fire. As a rainforest wood, Ipe is not easily available in all locations.

3. Redwood

Redwood is one of the most popular alternatives to cedar for building outdoor decks. It has properties similar to cedar. For example, the wood is very durable and strong and the natural oils of redwood make it resistant to moisture, rot, and insects. Redwood looks beautiful and is one of the best options for those looking for natural wood decking. Redwood decks need basic care. Pressure washing once a year and staining every couple of years would keep your decks looking attractive and make them last for years. Contact CameroonTimberExportSarl to enquire about the latest price for redwood timber.

4. Pressure Treated Wood

Pressure treated wood, as the name suggests, is natural wood treated with high pressure and/or chemicals to increase its durability and resistance to rot, insects, moisture, etc. Pressure treated pine and douglas fir are the two most popular options used for decking. This type of decking wood is both affordable and very good in terms of durability. Depending on the type, they can easily last for years and need less maintenance.

5. Mahogany

Mahogany is one of the tropical hardwoods that are popular for decking. This is a tight-grained hardwood with high durability and good resistance to pests and rot. Mahogany can be easily stained or oiled to give it whatever look you want. Even the natural appearance is beautiful and the wood ages nicely to a silvery hue. Mahogany is one of the best options for decks because it is inexpensive and widely available.

6. Composite Wood

Composite is a growingly popular option for building outdoor decks. Composite wood is an artificial product created by combining a variety of products such as wood fibre/wood flour and thermoplastic. It is made to look like wood. One of the reasons for the growing popularity of composite wood decking is its easy availability. Because natural, sustainable wood options are limited, people have to go for artificial alternatives like composite. But, that does not mean that it’s a bad option. In fact, composite decks can be created to look as good or even better than wood decks. Also, they need less maintenance. However, you should not expect your composite deck to look as appealing or premium as a real wood deck.

Need help choosing the best wood for outdoor decks or ready to buy top quality wood for decking? Contact CameroonTimberExportSarl to buy timber at the best price in the market with doorstep delivery anywhere in the world.

Plywoods are nowadays the most common material used for roofing. This is because plywood is strong and provides good durability to the roof, and it costs less than many other alternatives such as slate, metal, rubber slate, solar, plastic polymer, etc.

If you are looking to know more about the best plywood for roofing or need help choosing the right plywood for your roofing project, you’re at the right place. Let’s start with the basics.

Things To Consider When Choosing a Roofing Material

Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing the right material for roof construction:

1. Cost – how much the material costs and whether it fits your budget. Because plywood is available in different varieties, you can easily find one in your budget.
2. Material type & weight – Roofing material should not be very dense or heavy otherwise the roof won’t be able to hold its weight.
3. Weather – Depending on where you live, local weather conditions must also be considered, as roofing material must be resistant to moisture
4. Appearance – Another thing to consider in roofing material is its appearance, including color, design, etc. It must match with your property.
5. Maintenance requirements – last but not least, how much maintenance does the roofing need and what is the expected life?

Why Plywood is Preferred For Roofing

Plywood is not only cheaper than solid wood and a range of other construction materials but also very strong, offers structural stability and is also water-resistant. These are the most common reasons why builders use plywood as their material of choice for external projects such as roofing.

A roofing system relies heavily upon the strength of the base material for support. Because plywood is strong and durable, it makes a perfect option for roofing material.

Because of how plywood is built, the material is not only very strong but has its strength evenly distributed across the wood, making it strong across all sides and in the corners. Also, plywood doesn’t split when nailed into or shrinks or expands with temperature changes.

Another reason why plywood is preferred for exterior applications such as roofing is that this type of manufactured wood is resistant to moisture and will continue to perform well even with constant exposure to moisture.

Plywood Vs OSB

Besides plywood, OSB or oriented strand board is another popular material used for roofing.

OSB is also a manufactured wood. It is made by combining and pressing small pieces of wood together using glue.

For roofing, both OSB and plywood are good choices. OSB is generally less expensive than plywood but it is not resistant to moisture. OSB is easily available in large panels and has a greater shear strength than plywood.

How to Choose The Best Plywood For Roofing

When it comes to plywood for roofing, there are many options available in the market. Based on your particular requirements and budget, you can choose from the following types of plywood for roofing:

For roofing, the plywood used most commonly is called exterior plywood. It is one of the best grades of plywood in terms of strength and durability. It is both very strong and resistant to moisture.

1. Constructional Structural Plywood
2. Shuttering Plywood
3. General Plywood
4. CDX Plywood

Constructional structural plywood is created specifically for the purpose of exterior use. This type of plywood is very strong, durable and high performing. It is ideal for all types of building and construction applications. Marine Grade Plywood is one of the most popular examples of construction plywoods.

Shuttering plywood is a structural plywood used primarily to hold concrete. It’s strong and built through multiple tests to check its strength and structural integrity.

General plywood is the most common type of plywood and is used for general applications such as furniture, doors and other interior use. This type of plywood may not always be suitable for exterior applications such as roofing and may need more maintenance than others.

CDX Plywood is one of the strongest types of plywood. It is made by combining different grades of plywood sheets together to achieve a strong material. ‘C’ in CDX refers to the grade of the plywood sheet used at the front, while ‘D’ refers to the grease of the sheet used on the back. X is the type of glue used to combine the wood layers together. CDX plywood also commonly refers to construction grade wood for exterior (C) purposes. As for the size, plywoods are available in different sizes, with 4×8 feet being the standard size for commercial plywood sheets. Depending on the size of your roof and required coverage area, the roofer can calculate the size and number of plywood sheets required for the job.

Other than the type of plywood, plywood thickness, size, etc. are some other factors to consider when purchasing plywood for roofing. Normally the plywood for roofing must be about ½ inch thick and the standard thickness is ⅜ inch. In areas where weather conditions are bad or heavy load is expected, thicker plywoods are generally used.

Need help?

If you are having a difficult time finding the right plywood for your roofing project, feel free to contact CameroonTimberExportSarl to discuss your project. We are a leading supplier of construction-grade plywood for both interior and exterior applications. Call us to buy top quality roofing plywood at the best price in the market with doorstep delivery.

Beech is a hardwood species that comes in multiple varieties, such as European Beech, American Beech, and others. Beech is generally non-durable and not very strong. Common uses of beech wood include flooring, lumber, veneer, furniture, plywood, boatbuilding, musical instruments, and others.

Whether you are looking to buy Beech wood or are just curious about the various properties and uses of this wood, here’s everything you need to know about Beech wood.

About Beech Wood

Beech is a hardwood that is available in different species in different locations. Almost all beech species share similar properties, which include high density, average strength and hardness, a pale cream colour, straight grain, low durability, and easy availability.

Because beech wood is easily available at a low price and has good hardness and density, it is widely used as an alternative to other expensive hardwoods such as hard maple. Common uses include furniture, flooring, plywood, boat buildings, etc.

Beech Wood Properties

Almost all species of Beech share similar properties, like all are non-durable and have a straight grain with a uniform texture.

Here’s a brief overview of the Beech wood properties:

• Common Name(s): Beech
• Scientific Name: Fagus sylvatica (European beech), Fagus grandifolia (American beech)
• Distribution: Europe, Eastern US
• Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter
• Janka Hardness: 1,300-1,450 lbf (6,460 N)
• Colour: pale cream
• Grain: Straight
• Texture: Uniform, fine to medium
• Strength: Average
• Density: High
• Durability: Non durable
• Resistance: Not resistant to rot and insect attacks
• Workability: Easy to work with; glues, machines, turns and finishes well
• Price: Low for domestic regions

Beech Timber Characteristics

Beech is a popular hardwood and is used in a large variety of applications. Its characteristics and properties are as follows:

Appearance: Beech is pale cream in colour with an occasional pink or brown hue. When steamed, it turns into a beautiful golden wood. It has a straight and fine grain with a uniform texture.

Strength and durability: Beech is hard, strong and dense, which makes it suitable for a range of applications including furniture making and flooring. However, it is practically non-durable. The wood is susceptible to insect attacks, rot and moisture. It needs to be treated before any commercial use.

European beech has a Janka rating of 1,450 lbf, while American beech has a 1,300 lbf Janka rating. Both species are hard and dense.

Though beech is not naturally durable, it can be made resistant to rot through chemical steaming.

Workability: Beech wood is easy to work with. It cuts, finishes, glues, and turns well. Also, it can be bent easily using steam bending methods and is therefore suitable to make turned objects.

Distribution: European Beech is easily found in all parts of Europe, and American Beech distribution is limited to Eastern U.S.. The wood is sustainably produced.

Beech Wood Types/Species

Beech wood has the following five species:

1. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
2. European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
3. Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’)
4. Japanese Beech (Fagus Crenata)
5. Tri-color Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Tricolor’)

Beech wood availability and price

Both European beech and American beech are easily available in their respective regions and are economically priced.

If you live in any other country and are finding it difficult to get the best quality Beech timber at the right price, contact CameroonTimberExportSarl to import beech wood in bulk at the lowest price in the market. We provide worldwide shipping.

Beech wood uses: What is beech timber good for?

Because beech is hard and strong, it is practically useful for every type of interior application, ranging from furniture to flooring, construction timber, veneering, boatbuilding, cabinetry, turned objects, plywood, and musical instruments.

However, beech is not recommendable for exterior use because the wood is non durable and cannot withstand moisture. Also because beech is non durable, it needs high and constant maintenance, which may increase its cost to own in the long term.

Why Beech is a great but underrated hardwood

Beech wood has outstanding strength properties that make it suitable for a large variety of applications. However, the wood is often underrated, primarily because it is easily and widely available and also because it is not durable. Here are some other interesting qualities of Beech wood that you might not know already.

In Celtic mythology, Beech was considered the queen of British trees and oak the king. The species name Fagus was allegedly based on the Celtic god Fagus. The word book is also said to be derived from Buche, the German word for beech tree.

Beechnut, the fruit of beech trees, is edible. It has a nutty taste that can be bitter. Beech nuts have high fat content and can be used to produce oil.

Beech trees are said to have medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties. In older times, these leaves were used to make medicines for many diseases. Beech flowers have homoeopathic properties.

Beech is probably the only hardwood that has quite hard timber that can be bent and has a very delicate bark that can be carved easily. Because beechwood wears well, it makes an excellent option for structural work. However, it’s not durable at all.

Beechwood chips are used in some methods of beer production.

Almost all over the world, beechwood is used as an outstanding source of fuel. Beech is delicate and burns very well. In some parts of the world, it is even used to cook food.

Beech has so many uses that it can be classified as one of the most used hardwoods on the planet. Yet, we do not very often see beech wood in use. This is because beech wood is generally used in areas not directly visible to the eyes, such as joiners, drawer bottoms, chair legs, back of cabinets, etc. It is often used as a cheaper alternative to hard maple.

One of the biggest benefits of Beech wood is its great value for money. Because the wood is inexpensive and has versatile applications, it is one of the best cheap hardwoods you can buy for your project. Contact us to know more about beechwood or to buy the best quality wood from Cameroon’s top timber supplier.

Engineered wood is increasingly becoming the best alternative to solid wood for those who either prefer a more attractive, customisable option or want a cheaper option for wooden flooring in their homes and offices. There are many engineered wood flooring advantages and disadvantages while using. We’ll discuss them in detail here. But, first things first.

What is Engineered wood?

Engineered wood is an artificial wood that is manufactured using solid wood and other products. It can also be understood as a layered wood product that contains solid wood along with a highly durable plywood core.

In some cases, engineered wood is ever stronger and more durable than some solid woods. There are different types of engineered wood, including plywood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), low density fiberboard, oriented strand board (OSB), etc. Plywood is among the most durable and popular types of engineered wood.

Engineered Wood for Flooring

The use of wood for flooring is not new. For many decades, even centuries, people have been using wooden flooring in their homes and workplaces. Wooden floorings are not only attractive but also they can give your place a natural, scenic feel. Also, many people find wooden flooring amazing to walk on.

Engineered wood flooring can be of many types, based on the type and quality of materials used. The layers in a manufactured wood are glued together at a 90° angle and under specific heating and pressure conditions to achieve the desired product.

For whatever reason you are planning to use engineered wood flooring, here’s a detailed discussion on engineered wood flooring advantages and disadvantages for you to know before installing the floor.

Like any other type of flooring, engineered wood floors have some pros and cons of their own. Of course, it is not as good as real solid wood, but it’s the second-best.

Advantages of Engineered Wood Flooring

1. Looks Like Wood

The biggest advantage of using engineered wood for flooring is that your floors will give the appearance of real, solid wood at a much lower cost. Besides that, the engineered wood flooring is also more durable.

2. No Expansion or Shrinkage like Wood

While real wood might shrink and expand under certain temperature conditions, engineered wood has no such problem; it always maintains its size and shape.

3. Easy, Quick & Cheap Installation

Engineered wood flooring is easy to install and take care of. Also, the installation will cost much less as compared to traditional flooring because of the reduced labour needs. Homeowners with basic woodworking knowledge can install their own wood flooring.

4. Save Money

One of the biggest advantage of using engineered wood in place of solid wood is, of course, the price. Because many of the popular wood species are high in demand and limited in supply, they can be very costly to buy. Some of the rare wood species like African Blackwood, Brazilian Walnut, Ebony, etc. are really pricey and simply not affordable for everyone. (Contact Cameroontimberexportsarl for wholesale prices of popular hardwoods).

Engineered wood, though not as good as solid wood, can be equally great in appearance and properties. The thing to note is that engineered wood flooring costs much less than solid wood flooring.

5. Can be Polished and Re-Finished

It is easy to refinish or polish engineered wood flooring as and when needed. And because it is easy, you can do it yourself without needing an expert. This is why engineered wood is easy and inexpensive to maintain.

6. Strong and Durable

Engineered wood can be strong and very durable, depending on the type. Plywoods, for example, are available in many grades based on strength and durability. Some of them are even resistant to fire and a variety of natural and commercial environments. Some engineered wood flooring will easily last for 20-30 years.

Other benefits of engineered wood flooring include easy availability, low price, safe and non-toxic, among others.

Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring

There are some limitations as well of using engineered wood for flooring in homes and offices, such as:

1. Lower Quality Than Real Wood

Of course, manufactured wood is not always as good as real wood, which is why one should only buy engineered wood from a trusted supplier like CameroonTimberExportSarl.

2. Too Thin Top Layer

The top layer of engineered wood flooring is made of solid wood. The thicker and stronger the top layer, the better the wood flooring. However, some low-quality flooring will have a very thin top layer with limited opportunities for refinishing and sanding.

3. Fading in Exterior Use

Another disadvantage of engineered wood flooring is when used outside will eventually start fading in constant exposure to sun, heat and weather conditions.

4. Prone to Termite Attack

Low-quality engineered wood can be easily infected by termites, especially if it is not pre-treated. If the core wood has excess moisture, the probability of termite attack is even higher.

5. Not Water Resistant

Not all engineered woods are water-resistant. In fact, many of them will be instantly affected by water and can have significant damage in no time. That’s why it’s important to choose high-quality engineered wood flooring that is also water-resistant.

Conclusion

In the end, after a detailed discussion on engineered wood flooring advantages and disadvantages, we discovered that a engineered wood makes the best alternative to solid wood for flooring. It is cheaper, easier to use and maintain and can have equally great strength and durability as real wood. However, one must choose engineered wood carefully because there are so many varieties and grades available in the market.

Need help choosing the right wood for your flooring project? Contact CameroonTimberExportSarl to explore our high-quality timber and engineered wood options and get the best price in the market with doorstep delivery anywhere in the world. Call us today +237 671 77 6559 to know more.

 

Poplar and pine wood are two of the most common types of wood used for furniture and other standard wood projects. The reasons why these two timber species are famous include their overall above average characteristics, easy availability and low cost.

If you are confused between pine and poplar timber for your upcoming project, here’s everything you need to know about these two wood species in order to determine the best timber option for your project.

What is Pine Wood?

Pine is a softwood in the genus Pinus of the family Pinaceae. There are many species of pine, with red pine, white pine, yellow pine, longleaf pine, shortleaf pine, etc. being the most popular ones. Pine is a softwood but can be considerably hard and durable and therefore suitable for many projects ranging from furniture making to construction, boat making, interior furnishing and others.

Despite being a softwood, pine is strong. It’s not very heavy and has average durability. Pine wood is a pale yellow to light brown in color (darker species are also available). It’s generally easy to work with and is timber of choice for woodworkers around the world.

What is Poplar Wood?

Poplar or Populus is a deciduous flowering plant in the family Salicaceae. These plants have about 25-30 species, most of them are found in the Northern Hemisphere. Though poplar is hardwood, it is rather soft and light in weight. Poplar trees grow very fast and have a higher average height than pine trees. They can easily last for up to 100 years or more.

Poplar wood is a pale yellow to yellowish-brown. Because it is very light and has no durability, it is primarily used for making paper, matchboxes and cheap furniture items.

Pine Vs Poplar: A Brief Comparison

Let’s now compare pine and poplar wood in terms of uses, characteristics, strength, durability, and other properties.

1.Uses

Poplar is primarily used for making paper. A lot of wood is required to make paper and because poplar grows very fast and is easily available, it is the best wood for the purpose. Other uses of poplar include cheap hardwood timber, cheap plywood, electric guitars, drums and decorative items. Poplar tree bark is sometimes used to tan leather because of its high tannic acid content.

Pinewood is one of the most commonly used timbers around the world. It is used for everything from making furniture to panelling, flooring, roofing, window frames, structures, and more. Some species of pine are used to make decorative items. Living pine nuts obtained from certain species are used for cooking. Because pine has low durability and insect resistance, it is often treated before use for exterior applications.

2.Color & Appearance

Poplar is lighter in color. Its color can be white to yellowish cream or brown with occasional grey streaks, depending on the species. The sapwood of poplar is lighter than the heartwood but not always clearly distinguishable. The wood has a straight grain with a uniform, medium texture.

Pinewood is most commonly available in white to reddish-brown color. The heartwood is generally darker than the sapwood and easy to identify. Pinewood color will darken with age. The wood has a straight grain with a medium texture.

3.Strength & Durability

Poplar is not very durable. In fact, it will damage easily and can be dented and scratched. This is one of the reasons why poplar is not very suitable for commercial applications. Poplar is not strong.

Pine, in general, is more durable than poplar. It is also stronger and therefore suitable for a range of applications where poplar is not recommended. However, pine is not as strong as many hardwoods. For example, oak is a more preferred (but costlier) option for making strong furniture that will last decades.

4.Workability

Because poplar is soft and less dense, it is easy to work with hands and tools. Also, it cuts, glues and finishes well. Prior drilling is not required for screwing and nailing. Also, the poplar wood is easy to carve and turn. Because it has plenty of moisture in it, the wood will shrink when drying.

Pinewood is soft. It is denser and heavier than poplar, but it is easy to work with. It cuts, glues and finishes well and is easy to nail and screw with or without drilling.

5.Hardness: Pine vs Poplar Wood

The best way to determine the hardness of wood is the Janka rating, which refers to the “force required to embed an 11.28-millimeter-diameter steel ball halfway into a sample of wood.”

In the case of poplar species, yellow poplar has the highest Janka rating of 540 lbf (2,400 N). White poplar with a Janka rating of 410 lbf (1,820 N) is less hard. Balsam poplar with 300 lbf Janka rating is softer than both.

Pinewood species are generally harder than poplar. Longleaf Pine with an 870 lbf (4,120) Janka rating is the hardest pinewood of all species. Radiata Pine with a 710 lbf Janka rating is the next best.

Pine Vs Poplar: Which to Buy?

In terms of characteristics like hardness, strength, durability, etc., Pine is the clear winner. However, if you are looking for a more affordable and easily available option than pinewood, you can consider poplar as well. Ultimately, which wood you should choose will depend on what you are going to use it for.

Buy the best timber online at competitive prices with doorstep delivery anywhere in the world

Need help selecting the right timber for your project? Contact us today to talk to our experts. If you are looking to buy the best quality timber at wholesale price for your project, call CameroonTimberExportSarl for the best quote. We ship to all major countries and cities.

Though softwoods are generally considered soft and less durable, this isn’t always the case. Many softwood species, including pine, cedar and redwood, are widely used in a variety of projects ranging from furniture making to construction, card boxes, boats, and more.

If you are looking to know more about softwoods or need help choosing the right softwood species for your next project, you’re at the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about the properties of softwood.

Choosing the right type of softwood is important for many reasons. It is good to have at least the basic idea of how certain wood will behave under different conditions, which largely depends on the specific properties of the wood.

Because spruce and pine are two of the most commonly used types of softwood, we will discuss the properties of these two softwood species in detail here.

What Affects The Properties of Softwood

The properties of wood depend on many things, including the species, of course. But, the woods coming from different trees of the same species may also differ in properties if they have been grown in different locations. In fact, the wood produced from the different parts of the same trees can also have different properties. For example, wood extracted from close to the pith will have different properties than the wood taken out from the bark.

Other things that affect the properties of softwood include the growth rings, wood knots, fibre distortions, height of the tree, springwood, summerwood, etc.

Common Properties of Softwood

There are some properties that are common to all softwood timbers. For example, all softwoods are extracted from confers, i.e. trees that have cones. Normally, their leaves are needle-shaped and remain on the trees all year round. Softwoods generally have lower densities and are softer as compared to hardwoods, but not always. They are often light in colour.

Also, softwoods normally have a shorter growth period, i.e. they grow quicker than hardwoods and are easily and widely available at a cheaper price. Because they have low density, softwoods are easier to work with.

Properties of Softwood: Spruce Timber

Spruce is primarily used in construction. Other uses include flooring, packaging, stringed instruments, paper pulp, crates, and millwork.

The spruce heartwood colour is yellowish white or brown. It has a fine, even texture. The grain is straight. It is generally non-resistant to decay and is non-durable. Spruce timber is easy to work with and cuts, glues and finishes well. In terms of strength, the wood is medium hard with elastic characteristics.

Technical Properties of Spruce:

Moisture content (%) – 12
Basic density (kg/m3) – 380
Density (kg/m3) – 440
Tensile strength (MPa) – 90
Bending strength (MPa) – 75
Shear strength(MPa) – 9
Impact strength (KJ/m2) – 50
Hardness(Brinell) – 3,2
Modulus of elasticity (MPa) – 11 000
Thermal conductivity (W/m ̊ C) – 0,24
Heat capacity (J/kg ̊ C) – 1 650

Properties of Softwood: Pine Timber

Pine softwood is used in different applications, including joinery, mouldings, furniture, internal cladding, flooring, veneering, boats, and others.

Pine wood is medium hard and is widely used as a cheaper alternative to many hardwoods for construction and furniture making. Because pine colour will go darker over time, it is specially treated to retain its colour. Also, treated pine is more durable and resistant to insects, termites and moisture.

Technical properties of Pine:

Moisture content (%) – 12
Basic density (kg/m3) – 420
Density (kg/m3) – 470
Tensile strength (MPa) – 104
Bending strength (MPa) – 87
Shear strength(MPa) – 10
Impact strength (KJ/m2)– 70
Hardness(Brinell)– 4
Modulus of elasticity (MPa) – 12 000
Thermal conductivity (W/m ̊ C) – 0,26
Heat capacity (J/kg ̊ C) – 1 650

Spruce Vs. Pine

Though both spruce and pine are softwoods, their properties differ in many terms. Not only do the woods look different from each other, but they also have different physical properties. Pine, for instance, has a more reddish colour, while the colour of the Spruce timber is light yellowish brown. The growth rings in pine are stronger and denser than spruce. Also, pine is easier to work with and does not tear out even with the knots. Pine is harder and more durable when compared to spruce.

Conclusion

Not all softwoods have the same properties, which is why it is crucial to compare different wood timbers in order to find the right fit for your particular project. Pine and Spruce are just two of the many softwoods available in the market. So, always explore all your options and do your research before selecting the right wood.

Need help? We at CameroonTimberExportSarl have more than three decades of experience in timber harvesting, woodworking and consulting. We are a leading supplier and importer of softwood and hardwood timber in 30+ countries across Latin America, Asia, Europe, Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world. Whether you need help selecting the right softwood timber for your project or are looking for the best place to buy quality timber at the lowest price, feel free to contact CameroonTimberExportSarl.

Balsa, commonly known as Ochroma, is a hardwood native to the tropical forests of the Americas. Balsa trees are also grown on plantations in many countries including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Thailand, etc. Despite being hardwood, Balsa is rather soft and light and these properties of balsa wood makes it suitable for a large variety of applications ranging from model building to construction of boats and aircrafts, furniture making, insulation, sports parts construction, musical instruments, carving and more.

Whether you are looking to purchase Balsa wood or are just curious about this harwood’s properties and uses, here you can read everything you need to know about Balsa wood.

Balsa Wood Properties

Balsa trees grow fast and will usually reach a height of 18-28 m. They have a trunk diameter of around 1-1.2 meter. A typical Balsa tree takes about 10-15 years to fully grow. They start flowering in the third year. Though these trees are native to America’s tropical regions, they can also be found in many other countries.

Strength, density and durability: Balsa has a Janka rating of 67 lbf, which is typically low for a hardwood. The average dried weight is 9 lbs/ft3. Balsa is lightweight and not very hard. It is prone to insect attacks and has low durability.

Color: Balsa heartwood is easily distinguishable from the sapwood. While the heartwood is pale reddish brown, the sapwood is white or off-white with a pink yellowish hue.

Because Balsa is soft, it’s use in commercial lumber is not very common.

Grain & Texture: Balsa wood features a straight grain and may have a medium or coarse texture. The wood is diffuse-porous and will generally have large pores.

Workability: Balsa is generally easy to work with. Because it is soft, it cuts easily and causes no blunting or dulling effect on cutters. It does not hold nails easily, which is why glue is used for joining. The wood stains well but can take a huge amount of paint to finish because of its liquid absorbing nature.

Availability & price: Balsa is easily available and moderately priced. However, high-quality Balsa wood can be difficult to find in typica hardwood stores and can cost more at specialty stores.

Common Uses of Balsa Wood

Though Balsa is very soft and light, it is reasonably strong, which makes it suitable for a range of works. Low density Balsa is high in demand. It is primarily used in model building, i.e. to build models and proptypes for bridges, aircrafts and other projects where high strength and bending abilities are needed. It is also sometimes used in building full-sized wooden airplanes because of its light weight and high strength.

Balsa was first used in aircraft building in the second world war, as it was a component of the de Havilland Mosquito aircraft created by Britain during the war. Other than aircraft building, Balsa wood is also largely used in building boats that are light in weight.

Balsa is also commonly used for building plywoods that are both stronger and lighter than regular woods.

Other than that, Balsa timber wood is used for making wooden crankbaits, for insulation in houses with damp walls and sometimes in refrigerators, to make breakable furniture (for use in films and karate), and to build sports parts including badminton rackets and musical instruments such as violin. Balsa is also used for carving. Because the wood is soft, it carves easily.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Balsa Wood

When choosing wood for your project, make sure to also check the various advantages and disadvantages of that wood to know whether it is perfect for your particular needs. Here are the different pros and cons of Balsa wood.

Pros (Why use Ochroma wood)

• It is a light wood and ideal for model making.
• It is light and therefore perfect for making boats.
• Balsa trees grow fast, which is why they are a common choice for plantation.
• It is affordable and easily available.
• It is fairly strong for its density and weight.
• Balsa stains, cuts, glues and finishes well.

Cons

• Balsa is not a very durable wood. It is not suitable for making heavy-use and outdoor furniture.
• The wood burns quickly if exposed to fire.
• It is susceptible to insect attacks.

Balsa wood comes in different grades. The properties of the wood also depend on how it is cut. For example, A-grain Balsa has the best bending properties, while C-grain wood offers better stiffness.

Need help choosing the right wood for your project? Contact us today for a free on-call consultation. If you are looking to buy Balsa wood, contact CameroonTimberExportSarl for the best price. We ship to all countries and cities around the world.

>MDF vs  plywood, here are two of the most popular types of engineered wood. Both types of wood are engineered, i.e. synthetically manufactured using wood and other materials. Both are suitable to be used for a variety of projects and have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you are finding it difficult to choose the best engineered wood for your project, here’s a detailed guide about MDF and plywood along with the difference between the two to help you make the right selection.

When you are ready to buy, contact us at CameroonTimberExportSarl to enquire about the best price for MDF and plywood. We are a leading supplier and exporter of top quality engineered wood and solid wood in 20+ countries around the world.

MDF or plywood is a less expensive alternative to solid wood, which is considered the best option for woodworking. However, because of the lack of availability and high price of natural wood, people opt for options like engineered wood which can be as good for a variety of projects ranging from furniture to flooring and more.

Before we start talking about the difference between MDF and plywood, let’s first get to know the basics of these two types of engineered wood.

What is MDF?

MDF or medium-density fiberboard is an engineered wood board made up of small softwood and hardwood fibres. Since there is no real wood involved, the MDF boards have no visible grain or knots. Wood fibres along with glue or wax are joined under specific pressure and heating conditions to achieve a strong and somewhat durable board that is cheaper than both plywood and solid wood but stronger than particleboard.

MDF board is smooth, looks beautiful and is easy to cut and carve. However, it can easily soak moisture, especially when not treated and sealed well. It is dense, and therefore heavy. It is not easy to screw and may get damaged easily without proper care.

What is Plywood?

Plywood is a type of engineered wood that is made by combining thin layers of wood, called veneers, using high-quality glue or other adhesives. Plywood is strong, hard and durable to moisture. It does not soak water and is somewhat resistant to insect attacks. Depending on the type of wood sheets used, plywood can be available in different grades. Plywoods are suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects, including flooring, high-quality furniture, and others.

Unlike MDF, plywood does not absorb water and is less prone to damage. It is easier to work with and glues and stains well. Also, it holds screws tightly and can be seamlessly customised in different designs and thicknesses.

Plywood can be expensive, with some premium grade plywoods being as expensive as solid wood. They must be finished well to hire the visible layers and grain on the surface. Also, plywood cannot be used to carve designs because it doesn’t have a smooth surface.

MDF vs Plywood

Though we have already discussed the basic difference between MDF and plywood above, here’s a quick look at some other things to help you make the right selection.

	MDF	Plywood
Strength	High	High
Durability	Moderate>	High
Moisture resistance	Low	Moderate
What is it made of?	Wood fibres	Wood sheets/plies
Cost	Low	Higher
Ease of use	Easy	Easy
Screwing	Bad	Good
Surface	Smooth with no grain	Less smooth with visible grain and layers

 

Common uses of MDF include bookshelves, cabinets, doors, door frames and other indoor projects.

Popular uses of plywood include furniture (bed frames, sofa, tabletop, chairs, etc.), flooring, roofing, and a variety of outdoor projects.

While MDF is made primarily of hardwood and softwood fibres, plywood is made of very thin layers of wood obtained from logs. It is generally cheaper than plywood. It weighs more than plywood, which can be an issue when working with it. Plywood is stronger than MDF and doesn’t sag, split, expand, contract or warp. Because MDF is made up of wood fibres, it creates more dust when cut, but it’s easier to cut than plywood, which doesn’t cut well in fancy curves. It looks great when painted, while plywood is generally stained to achieve the desired finish. Because plywood is more durable, it is perfect for outdoor projects.

These are the basic differences or comparison ( MDF vs Plywood ) and if you are looking to buy top-quality plywood at the best price in the market, contact CameroonTimberExportSarl.

How To Buy Best Quality Plywood & MDF

Choose from diffrent types of plywood such as 3-ply, 5-ply or multi-ply and various types of wood boards according to your requirement at affordable prices. At CameroonTimberExportSarl, We can provide plywood and other types of engineered wood in your desired grade with both standard and custom dimensions as required for your project. You can order plywood and medium density wood board in bulk quantity at the best price with free shipping facility worldwide. Contact us to know more, on our official mail or you can directly reach us at +237671776559 for all your wood related needs.