Timber wood: What is it, types and uses

Timber wood is widely used in the construction and furniture industries. There are many different types of timber wood widely available for use in India.

Many people get confused between timber and wood. But these two are quite different from each other. Wood is a major part of the stem of a tree and is further processed to create timber, which is the raw material used in a variety of construction work and  manufacturing of furniture, beams, etc.

Wood has a lot of functions, like sustaining the height of the tree or maintaining the growth of the tree. When the wood gets seasoned and processed, it gets converted into timber, which is then used in numerous industries. Though the overall concept of timber is the same, there are many different types of timber wood. Read on to learn more about these types of timber wood and their uses.

 

What is timber wood and which are the best types?

Source: Pinterest

See also: What are the most common Timber trees?

 

Types of wood

Wood comes in two different varieties, depending on its physical structure.

Softwood

Softwood is part of gymnosperm trees. These trees have needles and cones. Usually, 80% of timber comes from softwood. Softwood has a massive array of applications. Also, softwood can be used in various construction works. This kind of tree has a higher rate of growth. Some examples of softwood trees are cedar, pine, redwood, spruce, etc.

Hardwood

Hardwood comes from angiosperm trees. Hardwood is usually used for high-quality furniture or flooring purposes. Hardwood trees have a lower rate of growth. Some examples of hardwood trees are beech, maple, oak, walnut, mahogany, etc.

 

What is timber wood and which are the best types?

Source: Pinterest

 

Which are the best types of timber wood?

Some of the best types of timber wood used in day-to-day applications include:

Teak wood

Teak is one of India’s most commonly found hardwoods, widely used for furniture. Apart from locally available teak, Burma teak is also widely known. Teak wood is widely used because it is resistant to decay. The wood is also known for its heat-resistant qualities. In India, major teak variants are Nilambur teak, Adilabad teak, Nagpur teak, etc.

 

What is timber wood and which are the best types?

Source: Pinterest

 

Sal wood

Sal is another commonly used timber wood known for its use in the furniture industry. Sal wood has an excellent natural layer which gives a polish-like finish. Sal wood is water resistant, which is why it is used in places with higher moisture. Sal wood is widely used in door frames, window frames, etc. In India, sal wood is commonly found in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, etc.

 

What is timber wood and which are the best types?

Source: Pinterest

 

Cedar wood

The Cedar tree is another prominent tree used for its strong timber wood. Cedar is usually engaged in landscape design, gardening structures, etc. This wood is weather resistant and relatively light in weight. Apart from this, cedar is durable and resistant to insects or pests.

 

What is timber wood and which are the best types?

Source: Pinterest

 

Bamboo

Bamboo is a ubiquitous tree available in every corner of India. It is a subtropical tree that is used for its promising benefits. It is known as tropical hardwood. The tree can be found in mass, being one of the fastest-growing trees. Bamboo is a renewable wood option that is resistant to water and insects. Bamboo wood is also known for its higher tensile strength.

 

What is timber wood and which are the best types?

Source: Pinterest

 

Birch wood

Birch is one of the most common craft woods. It is hardwood timber. Birch is an economical wood that is long-lasting as well as waterproof. Birch is widely used for manufacturing strong plywood and furniture. Birch has a fine texture which helps get a good furniture finish naturally.

 

What is timber wood and which are the best types?

Source: Pinterest

 

Indian rosewood

Indian rosewood, also known as Sheesham, is a hardwood that can be used with various polishes and finishes. Though this wood is expensive in India, it is known and widely used for its durability and resistance to insects. Indian rosewood is also used for manufacturing musical instruments.

 

What is timber wood and which are the best types?

Source: Pinterest

 

Mahogany

Mahogany is one of India’s most commonly found trees, providing high-quality timber for various purposes. Mahogany is used widely in the furniture and construction sector. Mahogany is a very stable wood that is resistant to termites and water. This wood is very malleable; hence it can bend without shattering.

 

What is timber wood and which are the best types?

Source: Pinterest

 

Oak wood

Oak is another typical hardwood that is used for its good quality timber. Various light construction work can be done with the help of oak wood. Oak trees are durable and resistant to multiple fungi. Though the wood is light in weight, it can be used with machines or various machinery tools. Oak wood is also resistant to preservative treatment.

 

What is timber wood and which are the best types?

Source: Pinterest

 

FAQs

Which timber wood is famous in India?

In India, prominent timber wood types are sal, satin, Indian rosewood, teak, mahogany, etc.

Which is the costliest timber wood in India?

Teak and Indian rosewood are the expensive types of timber wood in India.

Does India import timber from other countries?

Yes, India imports timber wood from countries like the USA, Dubai, Myanmar, China, etc.

What is timber?

Timber is the wood that is seasoned and processed for work; timber is also known as lumber.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you.

Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected]

 

Was this article useful?
  • 😃 (1)
  • 😐 (0)
  • 😔 (0)

Recent Podcasts

  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 45Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 45
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 44Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 44
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 43Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 43
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 42Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 42
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 41Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 41
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 40Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 40