Timber Properties and Characteristics

Which of the following best describes the durability of most softwood timbers when used outdoors without treatment?

• Highly durable and resistant to decay

• Moderately durable, but prone to insect attack

• Not durable and susceptible to rot and decay

• Naturally resistant to all weather conditions

Which factor most affects the stability of timbers?

• The colour of the wood

• The grain pattern

• The moisture content

• The length of the timber

Which of the following timbers is generally heavier per cubic metre?

• Softwood

• Hardwood

• Both have the same weight

• Engineered timber panels

Which property makes softwood timbers generally easier to work with hand tools compared to hardwoods?

• Higher density

• Lower density

• Greater moisture content

• More knots

What is the typical effect of high moisture content in timber used for joinery?

• Increased stability

• Reduced risk of warping

• Increased risk of shrinkage and distortion

• Improved surface finish

Which of the following is a sustainable practice in timber production?

• Clear felling without replanting

• Using only old-growth forests

• Sourcing timber from FSC-certified forests

• Burning waste timber

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using hardwoods in joinery compared to softwoods?

• Lower cost

• Greater ease of machining

• Higher weight and density

• Less attractive grain