Wood is the fibrous structural tissue found in the stems and roots of trees and woody plants. Composed primarily of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and various extractives, it functions as nature’s composite material—light, strong, workable, and renewable.
Now you know which types of wood work best for which jobs. Whether you’re building a home or starting a renovation project, the right lumber makes all the difference.
Wood is broadly classified into hardwood (from deciduous trees like oak, maple, walnut) and softwood (from conifers like pine, spruce, cedar). Each species has distinct properties affecting strength, workability, appearance, and cost.
Wood is a structural tissue/material found as xylem in the stems and roots of trees and other woody plants. Being a natural material, it is characterized as an organic material – a natural composite of cellulosic fibers that are strong in tension and embedded in a matrix of lignin and hemicelluloses that resists compression. [1][2]
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Wood, the principal strengthening and nutrient-conducting tissue of trees and other plants and one of the most abundant and versatile natural materials. It is strong in relation to its weight, is insulating to heat and electricity, and has desirable acoustic properties.
Understanding the different kinds of wood—and how they’re best used—can make a world of difference when you’re planning a DIY project, shopping for new furniture, or even just appreciating the craftsmanship of a well-built piece.
It's wood —and it's quite possibly the most useful and versatile material on the planet, with many thousands of different uses. So what is it that makes wood so good? Let's take a closer look! Photo: Wood really does grow on—or rather in—trees.