subject: The Wonders Of Wood Engineering [print this page] It is amazing how wood engineering turns logs into high grade lumber. Wood is one of the most versatile construction materials. It is visually appealing and equally sturdy.
What is engineered wood?
Another breakthrough in wood engineering is the engineered wood. It is made from scraps of wood and other materials which are then compressed and bound together with adhesives. It is commonly used as flooring, ceiling, structural supports and other components of structures and even in furniture.
The most classic example of this is the plywood. Some manufacturers even combine paper or plastic with their wood products. Some even use recycled plant materials such as rice stalks which provides another selling point for this diverse product.
Uses
This comes in commercial and residential properties since it is economical but equally efficient than original wood.
Engineered wood is best used as flooring. Wood engineering has produced the best finished wood and plywood for flooring usually made from oak and maple. This is far less expensive than the traditional hardwood, but still boasts of its good qualities such as:
* Durability of materials. Several layers of plywood are attacked on top of each other and carefully bonded, thus making each plank highly durable and even slightly moisture resistant.
* Easy to install. You can do it yourself without the help of professionals. You can simply nail or glue it down. There are also some flooring types that features a tongue-and-groove lock system that does not require glue or nails.
Another one is engineered lumber commonly used for decking. This can carry heavier load than traditional lumber and amazingly does not sag or bow even if used for longer periods of time.
The Advantages
* Strong and durable it can be relatively stronger than regular wood of same size. If you want to increase the strength of your structure without making it bulky or heavy, then engineered wood is best for you.
* Helps in reducing waste making engineered wood from the scraps (wood and plant) helps lessen the bulk of waste that gets dumped in landfills. Using this material makes you an advocate of environmental protection in this perspective.
* Can be modified unlike hardwood, engineered wood can be sanded for up to 2 times until you get the smoothness and thickness that you want. However, some products come pre-finished, so ask you dealer if your flooring will need sanding.
The Disadvantages
* Health and environmental concerns - Take note than some manufactured wood contains toxic materials such as the glues and binders which can be detrimental to human and environmental health. These treated woods should not be used for combustion in producing energy as ii will contribute to the ever-increasing amount of greenhouse gases.
* Appearance its appearance may be less appealing than the original wood. It may also be covered by laminate made from plastic or wood veneer. These cover may crack or peel with time.
Wood engineering continues to evolve over time and produce new products that outshine its previous creations. When buying, you should carefully wood grain, price, its durability and installation method.
