Properties of Timber
Properties of good timbers are following:
Color: color should be uniform.
Odour: Odour should be pleasant when cut freshly.
Soundness: A clear ringing sound will be produced when struck indicates the timber.
Texture: Texture of good timber is even and fine
Grains: In good timber grains are near.
Density: Higher the density stronger is the timber.
Hardness: Harder timbers are durable and strong
Warping: Good timber does not warp due to changing environmental conditions.
Toughness: Timber should be able of resisting shock loads.
Abrasion: due to wear Good timber do not deteriorate. This property should be looked into, if timber is to be utilized for flooring.
Strength: Timber should have high strength in shear, bending and direct compression. Modulus of Elasticity: Timber having higher modulus of elasticity is preferred in construction. Fire resistance: A good timber will have high resistance to fire.
Permeability: Good timber should have low water permeability.
Workability: Timber should be simply workable. It will not clog the saw.
Durability: Good timber is one which is able of resisting the action of fungi and insects attack
Defects: Good timber is free from defects like shakes , dead knots and cracks.