WOOD

BUILDING TECHNIQUES
Janus de Guzman | Jeric Dela Cruz | Mary Angeli Hondo | Joyce Obre
Wood has been a most versatile and useful construction material for thousands of years and is still
used more than any other construction material.
Plywood
is made of three or more thin layers of wood
bonded together with an adhesive.
 - preparing the logs
Origin, processing
- making the veneer
and procurement
- forming the plywood sheets
Properties
- High strength and stability

- High impact resistance

- Flexibility

- Chemical Resistance

- Sound and Thermal Insulation

 - furnitures
Construction
- wood panelling
Application
- flooring
Maintenance

- dusting and cleaning

- avoid moisture

- avoid direct exposure to sunlight

Pros Cons

- very strong and light - edges are unattractive and can't be

covered
- good for wood panelling
- not suitable for many joints
- can be made from most timbers to
increase aesthetics - still may contain natural defects such
as knots due to the sheets of veneers
Material
Development

Thickness

- 0.25in - 0.75in / 6.4mm - 19.0mm

Standard size

- 4ft by 8ft / 1.2m by 2.4m

 is a wood based
panel, made of a
core of softwood
stripes that are
glued together.
Also called
Blockboard

Plyboard
 - preparing the veneers and softwood stripes
Origin, processing
and procurement - gluing and pressing
Properties

- Weight and Density

- Strength and Durability

- Resistance to Sagging
and Bending
Construction
Application

- Doors

- Tables

- Shelves

- Paneling

- Partition walls
Maintenance - dusting and cleaning

- avoid moisture

- avoid direct exposure to sunlight

Pros
- inexpensive

- good for screwing and

nailing

- lightweight

- High strength and

stability
 Cons
- lighter in weight so not much dependable hard material

- The unwanted gap between softwood strips make them difficult to work
Material
Development
Thickness

- 13mm to 60mm
Particle
Board
also known as
chipboard, was much
more readily accessible
at the time as it’s made
from a combination of
waste materials.
How it is made

● Chipping

● Drying

● Gluing

● Mat forming

● Pressing

● Trimming and sanding

Properties
● Weight and density
● Strength

● Resistance to moisture

● Durability

● Insulation

● Fire Resistance

● Eco friendly
Construction
application
● Flooring

● Partition

● Core material for doors

● Furniture
Maintenance
● Keep moisture away

● Ensure proper sealing

● Ensure support for cabinet

● Use nails and Fasteners

 Cons Pros

● Low strength ● Cost effective

● Expand and warps ● Smooth/flat surface

● Low durability ● Easily handled

● Can't support heavy ● Easy to assemble

loads
 Medium-density fibreboard
Wood based sheet material that has a huge range of applications furniture making and
interior design.
How MDF ● Chipping

made? ● Other materials

● Pulping

● Mat

● Compression

● Finishing

● Binder
Properties
● Smooth surface

● Guard against splitting

● Dedicates screws
 ● Doors and mouldings
Application
● Skirting boards

● Internal panelling/shelving
Maintenance
● Avoid dragging sharp object

● Use damp clothes

● Don't drive without drilling

● Used solvent based primer

● Avoid rough handling

Pros
● Cost

● Eco friendly

● Does not warp

● Smooth finish

● Easy to customize
Cons

● Heavy

● Contain Urea

● Doesn't hold screw very

well
 is a tough material that is made
by sticking together two or
more layers of a particular
substance.

are the most affordable materials

in the market and comes in
various colours and patterns
that gives furniture more fine and
attractive look.

Laminates
Properties

● It can resist water up

to a certain extent.

● It can resist water up

to a certain extent.

● It can resist water up

to a certain extent.

● It can resist water up

to a certain extent.
Laminates
uses Wall

Floor

Cabinets

Countertops

Table Tops
Wall
Floor

Cabinets
Countertops

Table tops
Maintenance

● Use a damp mop.

● Sweep often a
soft-bristle broom.

● No stiletto heels on
laminate.

● Use floor protectors or

felt covers on chair
legs, sofas, TV stands,
tables.
Pros

● Laminate can be installed in

semi-moist areas like powder
rooms, kitchens, and other
places where you encounter
"topical moisture.

● Laminate is almost
impervious to dents and
scratches.

● This gives the flooring a

slightly springy feeling,
making it easier to stand on
for long periods, such as
when standing at a stove or
sink.
Cons
● However, laminate will not
tolerate standing pools of
water--a condition that
describes kitchens and
bathrooms when there are
water leaks.

● The inability to sand and

refinish is one of the biggest
disadvantages of laminate. If
laminate is heavily worn, deep
scratched, or grooved, it cannot
be sanded.

● This gives the flooring a slightly

springy feeling, making it easier
to stand on for long periods,
such as when standing at a
stove or sink.
Process

It’s an amazing manufacturing

process by which four layers are
fused together in a single press operation
at high heat at over 300˚F using
direct-pressure laminate (DPL) construction.
DPL is the most typical fusing method used to manufacture
residential laminate flooring.
Layer D: Backer
paper
Laminate plank is a bottom balancing layer that keeps the board
straight. The backer seals the back of the laminate board so its
dimensional stability isn’t compromised in any way, for example by
moisture. Laminate planks have foam padding added, eliminating the
need for an underlayment; underlayment or padding enhances the
acoustical quality of the floors when you walk on it.
Layer C: HDF
core or board
The core layer of laminate is high-density fiberboard (HDF). There is also medium-density
fiberboard (MDF), which does not use in the production of its laminate flooring planks. Both HDF and
MDF are made from softwood fibers that are broken down, combined with a wax and resin binder, and
formed into panels using heat and pressure. However, HDF offers superior stability and strength
compared with MDF for the production of laminate flooring; it makes a better floor.

During the manufacturing process, the HDF core will be milled to absolute, micron-precise
tolerances. The edges of each plank will be cut to specific profiles to make them easily and
consistently fit together for a snug, reliable installation according to one of four locking systems. The
extreme micron-milling precision required for these locking systems panel profiles is only possible with
an HDF core.
Layer B:
Decorative paper
Next comes the decor or decorative-paper layer. The decorative paper is a
high quality printed design that gives the laminate plank its distinctive
appearance. That appearance can be a realistic reproduction of wood, stone or
marble in a multitude of colors and patterns, as well as such non-traditional
designs as leaves or grass, artwork or paint splatters.
Layer A: Wear or
overlay layer
The top laminate flooring layer is the wear or overlay layer. Aside from putting the finishing, lustrous
touch on every plank, it serves several important functions that enhance the floor’s durability:

● The wear layer seals and protects the surface of the laminate floor from everyday minor wear and
accidents such as scuffs, scrapes and scratches commonly caused by pet claws, shoes, kids toys,
furniture legs, vacuum cleaners and the like.

● It shields the decorative paper layer from harmful ultraviolet rays that could fade the color. Most
people like big open windows. Problem is that if those windows face south or southwest, prolonged
exposure from sunlight can subject the floor to a big dose of ultraviolet rays. UV rays can actually
create photo degradation (fading) that breaks the chemical bonds in color. In essence, the color gets
“bleached” over time from the sun without proper Wear Layer protection.
is a thinly sliced wood that is
utilized to create a
finished-wood look on interior
trim work.

Veneer
Properties
● It is susceptible to damage
in presence of water as
water is known to damage
the polish and eventually the
wood surface.

● Veneers have less resistant

to abrasion and scratches
as compared to laminates.

● It is resistant to warping and

fragmentation

● Veneer has high resistance

to clipping as compared to
laminates.
Construction
Application
● Floor

● Wall

● Ceiling

● Table

● Partitions

● And other Furniture's

Maintenance

● Use the barely damp cloth and

use a dry microfiber or cotton
cloth.

● Dust regularly between

cleanings.

● Mats and coasters offer the best

protection from scratches and
water marks.

● provide protection from direct

sun with blinds, curtains or UV
screens.

● Apply a good quality furniture

polish with a soft cloth.
Pros

● Aesthetics like Natural

Wood with Low Cost

● Flexibility in Designs

● Increased Strength and

Durability

● Eco-Friendly

● Better way of Wood

Utilization

● Non-toxic
Cons

● Susceptible to Water
Damage

● Installation Requires
Skilled Workers

● More Maintenance

● Cannot be Repaired

● Formation of Cracks
Difference between laminates and veneers
Materials:
Laminates Veneers

● Laminate is an ● Veneer is a very

artificial material thin slice of wood
made from which is obtained
decorative papers by peeling a tree
and plastic resins. log.
Uses:
Laminates Veneers
● It is the best choice for ● Used at places which are
areas which are prone to less prone to wear and
wear and tear. tear.

● Used where durability, ● Used where premium

impact and scratch finish, touch and feel is
resistance is important. important.

● Example: Tabletops, Office ● Example: Conference

Furniture, Cabinetries, rooms, Luxurious Home
Doors, etc. Interiors, Walls, etc.
Properties:

Laminates Veneers
Appearance: Appearance:
It is available in numerous Each sheet is unique and
designs, patterns, colors and exclusive and gives everlasting
textures. The patterns are value to furniture.
repetitive in nature.
Surface Finish:
Surface Finish: As the sheets are exclusive, once
Similar looking sheets can be the sheet is damaged a similar
manufactured if needed. replacement is never available.

Recyclability: Recyclability:
Once damaged, laminates cannot It can be recycled.
be recycled.
Material Cost:

Laminates Veneers
● The price of a laminate is ● The price of veneer sheets
always calculated per is always calculated per
sheet. square foot.

● Its price may vary ● Its price may vary

depending on the depending on the type of
properties as well as the wood species, type of cut
thickness of the sheet (0.8, and thickness of the sheet.
1, 1.25mm).
Process
Veneer is made by slicing one-eighth of an inch from logs of
wood using a rotary lathe. Imagine a deli worker slicing thin
slices of cheese off of a block -- the process is similar. The log is
set up between two blocks that suspend it, and the rotary lathe
then slowly takes off long, thin lengths of wood for the veneer.
This veneer will then be added to a substrate.
Solid Wood
is lumber that has Most commonly used
been milled directly to distinguish between
from trees. ordinary lumber and
engineered wood.
Plywood Engineered woods,
includes a range of
Plyboard derivative wood products
which are manufactured by
Particle board
binding or fixing the
Fibreboard strands, particles, fibres, or
veneers or boards of wood,
Veneer together with adhesives, or
other methods of fixation to
Laminates form composite material.

Oriented strand board

 Exterior Interior
Solid Wood
Deck Floor
uses
Exterior Wall Stair

Trellis Wall

Gates and Fences Ceiling

Benches Sport

Table Tops

Unedged
Exterior

Deck

Exterior Wall

Trellis

Gates and Fences

Benches
Interior

Floor | Stair | Wall | Ceiling | Sport | Table Tops |

Unedged
Interior

Floor | Stair | Wall | Ceiling | Sport | Table Tops |

Unedged
 Coating and dipping give a surface effect.
Wood: water
Pressure treatment is used primarily on pine.

Metals corrode faster than treated wood.

Avoid moisture traps.

https://www.swedishwood.com/about_wood/choosing-wood/wood-protection/
If it can’t dry, it’s going to die.

David Nicastro.
 Borate treatment; for termite.
Wood: termites,
decay and Use decay and rot-resistant woods. Hardwoods mostly.

rot-resistant For the Philippines, highly resistant types of wood

include narra, mahogany, molave, kamagong,
yakal, tanguile, and mangkono.

https://www.hunker.com/13424653/how-to-treat-wood-for-termites
https://topbest.ph/blogs/materials-protect-wood/
Hardwood Softwood
● Hardwoods shed their leaves over a ● Softwoods tend to keep their needles
period of time in autumn and winter. throughout the year.

● More fire resistance ● Poor fire resistance

● more expensive ● less expensive

● found in high-quality furniture, decks, ● found in building components (e.g.,

flooring, and construction that needs to windows, doors) and furnitures
last.
 Mahogany Maple
Hardwoods Walnut

strong, fine-texture fine-grained, finely textured.

wood. durable wood.
popular: flooring &
furniture, wall extremely well to furniture.
paneling and water.
moderate shrinkage
cabinetry.
expensive when exposed
resists shrinking
and warping very

https://www.hunker.com/12336790/the-effects-of-water-on-different-types-of-wood
 Cherry Oak Teak
Hardwoods
close-grained wood flexible, durable hard and durable
that ages well wood
shipbuilding, doors,
reddens when furniture, flooring flooring and general
exposed to sunlight construction
very resistant to
cabinet making and absorption and extremely well to
furniture warping moisture exposure
and resists warping,
resists warping and cracking, decay and
shrinking extremely rot.
well

https://www.hunker.com/12336790/the-effects-of-water-on-different-types-of-wood
 Pine Spruce Cedar
Softwood
works easily for strong yet soft wood reddish color
most projects and
finishes it's used mostly in uniform texture
millwork and aircraft
construction and construction. fence posts, dock
furniture making planks and furniture
great resistance to
stands up great to decay resists decay,
moisture and resists molding and rot
shrinkage, swelling experiences
moderate shrinkage experience
and warping
moderate shrinkage
and expansion.

https://www.hunker.com/12336790/the-effects-of-water-on-different-types-of-wood
Uses of Solid
Wood

Flooring
Doors
Furnitures
 n. A plank is timber that is flat, elongated, and
Wood Planks rectangular with parallel faces that are higher and longer
than wide.
From log to plank

Harvesting Sawmills Exports

The trunk is Sawmills use In specific sizes

usually cut into 3 different cutting and lengths, the
part. techniques. exported wood is
sold packaged.
-Block-sawing

-Pith catcher

https://www.swedishwood.com/about_wood/choosing-wood/from-log-to-plank/
Harvesting
Crown and branch wood can be
collected to be chipped and used
as forest fuel. For example, smaller
trees that are felled during thinning
are cut into pulpwood or small-saw
logs (top diameter 120–200 mm).
Sawmills
Planks vs. Boards
Planks are more than 1 1⁄2 in (38 mm) thick
and wider than 2 1⁄2 in (64 mm) thick.

Board if its width is less than 2 1⁄2 in (64 mm),

and its thickness is less than 1 1⁄2 in (38
mm).
Wood Planks length
Wood planks is most readily available in
random lengths of 1.8 to 6.1 m

(16’ = 4.9 meters)

Tongue & Groov
Method of fitting similar objects together, edge to edge, used mainly with
wood, in flooring, parquetry, panelling, and similar constructions.

Joints that allow two flat pieces to be joined strongly together to make
a single flat surface.
Uses of T&G:
T&G Wood Siding is the best for its
versatility. It can be used indoors or
outdoors, rough side or smooth
side

Tongue and groove ceiling planks,

with their authentic wood looks,
create a decorative focal point for
any room.
 Advantages Disadvantages
Uses of T&G:
1. Requiring a minimal 1. Can be difficult to fit
Flooring amount of nailing or the tongue into
gluing to hold grooves
together.
2. Tongues can easily
2. Provides microscopic break off
seams.
3. usually cannot be
3. With proper coating, disassembled without
can even be significant breakage.
water-tight.

https://www.thespruce.com/tongue-and-groove-flooring-1821750
 4 main T&G pattern
profiles
1. T&G Pattern: V2E - 2 Beveled
Edges (one face use)

2. V4E - 4 Beveled Edges

(reversible)

3. V2E Center V - 2 Beveled Edges

with Center V Groove

4. Flush Joint (cedar) / Butt Joint

(redwood) - Center Match

http://www.buffalo-lumber.com/tongue-and-groove-siding/
Tongue & Groove Flooring
vs. Plank Flooring

T&G Flooring Plank Flooring

Final product fits together “Handmade” look for your

snugly floor

Wood floor look seamless Reusability

Not develop small gaps as You should be familiar with

a result of foot traffic and the basics of hammering,
other stresses. nailing, cutting wood,

https://www.networx.com/article/tongue-and-groove-vs-plank-flooring
Oriented Strand
Board
OSB uses the wood Type of engineered
from trees that grow wood similar to
quickly and particle board, formed
sustainably, like aspen by adding adhesives
poplar, southern yellow and then compressing
pine and mixed layers of wood strands
hardwood species. (flakes) in specific
orientations.
Oriented Strand Board was invented by Armin Elmendorf in California in 1963 and
patented in 1965.
Oriented Strand Board

Flooring

Wall and roof sheathing

Sheathing ceiling/deck

Webs for wood I-joists

Mezzanine decks

Furniture

apawood.org/osb
Panel Sizes

4' x 8'

4' x 9'

4' x 10'

manufactured in 8' X 24'

can be custom-cut by most

manufacturers

apawood.org/osb
 A schematic illustrating strand orientation of
a typical OSB.

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

http://factsheets.okstate.edu/documents/fapc-145-oriented-strand-board-as-a-building-material/
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
http://factsheets.okstate.edu/documents/fapc-145-oriented-strand-board-as-a-building-material/
The End