Wood, derived from trees, is a versatile and widely used construction material. Trees feature a trunk surrounded by a protective layer of dead bark. Beneath this outer layer lies the living bark, followed by the cambium, and then the sapwood which transitions into heartwood as it matures. At the center of the trunk is the pith. The age of a tree can be discerned by examining its growth rings, which are concentric bands visible in the trunk's cross-section.
The structural integrity of the wood is influenced by its grain—elongated, tubular cells aligned with the trunk's length, allowing it to bear greater loads along the grain direction compared to perpendicular to the grains.
Wood is available in the form of large cylindrical logs and transported to mills where it is transformed into boards and slabs. Before being used in construction, wood is typically seasoned to reduce moisture content and enhance durability.
Wood is used as lumber or timber in construction and is integral to building various structural elements and fixtures including doors, windows, flooring, roofing, columns, beams, and stair railings. It is also used in making furniture and scaffolding. Beyond solid wood, it serves as a base material for manufacturing plywood, particleboard, and hardboard.
