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.