Some Basic Terminologies of Wood Knowledge

Wood Industry Knowledge

1.Density

Density is determined based on the wood being dried to the standard moisture content. At the same time, density is also related to hardness, strength, and the ease of application. 

The moisture content of wood is generally 60%. After drying, it is used. In the north, the moisture content is generally 12%, and in the south, it is about 15%. Experts usually measure the moisture content by touching it with their face, with an error margin of 2% at most.

2. Durability

The durability of wood is actually its resistance to corrosion, which is very important for whether it can be used outdoors. Some types of wood are particularly vulnerable to insect damage (while others are insect-resistant).

3. Patterns

Grain patterns are the distinct striped patterns of wood color, growth rings, textures, knots, flaws, and other natural details on the wood surface, which are equivalent to macroscopic textures.

4.Texture

Texture is used to describe the direction of wood fibers inside a tree. 

Straight grain, interlocked grain, spiral grain, wavy grain, and some woods form irregular grains.

5. Texture

The size of the cell lumens and rays in wood usually determines the texture. Coarse textures typically have larger cell lumens and require filling during surface treatment.

6. Heartwood

The non-functional wood in the middle of the trunk is called heartwood. It is darker in color than sapwood, more durable and resistant to insect damage.

7.Sapwood

The relatively soft outer part of the trunk. 

When the tree is still alive, these tissues can transport water, minerals and store food. The thickness of the sapwood varies greatly among different species. 

8.Wood rays

These cells are arranged in a 90-degree angle to the growth rings. They are clearly visible in some woods, such as oak, while almost invisible in others. 

9 .Yield Rate

The yield rate refers to the ratio of the volume of timber produced to the volume of standing timber harvested. 

It is an important indicator reflecting the utilization of forest resources. A high yield rate indicates good utilization of forest resources; conversely, it suggests poor utilization. The yield rate of wood refers to the percentage of usable wood volume after longitudinal and transverse cutting of peeled logs to obtain qualified square timbers in relation to the volume of the peeled logs. The yield rate of wood is related to the difference in diameter between the large and small ends of the logs, their degree of curvature, and the number of knots.