KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF ART AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

COURSE: SP 261

MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION FOR PLANNERS

ASSIGNMENT 2:

1.List ten(10) examples of structural timber and ten(10) examples of decorative timber and provide three

(3)uses of each of the examples.

2.Differentiate between air seasoning of timber and kiln seasoning of timber and provide seven(7) merits

and seven(7)demerits of each seasoning process.

NAME: WINNIFRED EUGENIA QUARTEY

INDEX NUMBER: 1627422

28TH MARCH, 2024

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1.List ten(10) examples of structural timber and ten(10) examples of decorative timber and provide three

(3)uses of each of the examples

STRUCTURAL TIMBER:

1. Douglas Fir: Used in building frames, beams, and columns for its strength and stiffness.

2. Southern Yellow Pine: Utilized in structural framing, such as floor joists and roof trusses.

3. Spruce: Commonly used in wall framing, roof trusses, and sheathing due to its strength-to-weight

ratio.

4. Oak: Employed in heavy construction, such as bridges and railway sleepers, for its durability.

5. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL): Used in beams and headers for its consistent strength and

dimensional stability.

6. Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber): Used in long-span structures like bridges and arches due to

its strength and flexibility.

7. Hemlock: Utilized in roof structures, decks, and heavy framing due to its strength and stiffness.

8. Cedar: Used in outdoor structures like fences and decks due to its natural resistance to decay and

insects.

9. Redwood: Employed in structural applications such as posts and beams, particularly in outdoor

environments.

10. Pine: Commonly used in house framing, flooring, and sheathing due to its availability and

affordability.

DECORATIVE TIMBER:

1. Mahogany: Used in high-end furniture making, paneling, and decorative moldings due to its rich

color and grain.

2. Cherry: Utilized in cabinetry, fine furniture, and interior trim for its deep, reddish-brown color.

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3. Maple: Employed in flooring, kitchen cabinets, and musical instruments for its light color and

durability.

4. Walnut: Used in fine woodworking and furniture making for its dark, rich color and attractive

grain.

5. Ash: Utilized in tool handles, baseball bats, and decorative veneers for its light color and strength.

6. Birch: Employed in plywood, veneers, and furniture for its light color and smooth texture.

7. Teak: Used in boat building, outdoor furniture, and decking for its natural resistance to water and

decay.

8. Rosewood: Utilized in high-end furniture making and musical instruments for its unique color

and grain patterns.

9. Sapele: Employed in decorative paneling, veneers, and fine furniture for its reddish-brown color

and stability.

10. Cypress: Used in exterior siding, decking, and outdoor furniture for its natural resistance to decay

and insects.

2. Differentiate between air seasoning of timber and kiln seasoning of timber and provide seven(7)

merits and seven(7)demerits of each seasoning process.

Now, onto the differentiation between air seasoning and kiln seasoning of timber:

AIR SEASONING OF TIMBER:

Merits:

1. Cost-effective: Requires minimal equipment and energy, making it economical.

2. Natural: Utilizes natural air circulation and moisture evaporation.

3. Preserves natural properties: Helps retain the wood's natural color, texture, and strength.

4. Reduced cracking: Gradual drying minimizes the risk of surface and internal cracks.

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5. Environmentally friendly: Doesn't require energy-intensive processes, reducing carbon footprint.

6. Suitable for large timber: Works well for larger pieces where kiln drying might be less effective.

7. Low risk of over-drying: Less chance of over-drying compared to kiln drying, which can lead to

brittleness.

Demerits:

1. Time-consuming: Air seasoning can be slow, taking several months to years depending on the

type of wood and environmental conditions.

2. Weather Dependency: It heavily relies on weather conditions, making it unpredictable and

potentially extending the drying time.

3. Risk of Defects: Uneven drying can lead to defects like wrapping, checking, cracking, reducing

the quality and value of the timber.

4. Limited Control: Unlike kiln drying, there is limited control over the drying process, which result

in inconsistent moisture content throughout the timber.

5. Space Requirements: Large areas of open space are required for air seasoning, making it

impractical for urban areas with limited space.

6. Vulnerability to Mold and Decay: Extended exposure to moisture during air seasoning increases

the risk of mold growth and decay, especially in humid climates.

7. Higher Risk of Insect Infestation: Timber left exposed during air seasoning is more susceptible to

insect infestation, which can compromise its structural integrity and market value.

KILN SEASONING OF TIMBER:

Merits:

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1. Faster drying: Speeds up the drying process, reducing project lead times.

2. Controlled environment: Allows precise control of temperature and humidity, leading to uniform

drying.

3. Pest control: Kills insects and larvae present in the wood through high-temperature treatment.

4. Moisture content control: Enables adjustment of moisture content to specific levels, ensuring

stability.

5. Space-efficient: Suitable for urban areas where space for air seasoning might be limited.

6. Improved quality: Reduces the risk of warping, twisting, and checking compared to air seasoning.

7. Suitable for all climates: Works efficiently regardless of weather conditions, providing consistent

results.

Demerits:

1. Energy-intensive: Requires significant energy input for heating and maintaining kiln conditions.

2. Costlier: Initial setup and operating costs can be higher compared to air seasoning.

3. Potential for over-drying: If not monitored carefully, wood can become overly dry, leading to

brittleness.

4. Environmental impact: Energy consumption contributes to carbon emissions and environmental

concerns.

5. Loss of natural properties: May alter the wood's color, texture, and strength compared to air

seasoning.

6. Equipment maintenance: Requires regular maintenance and upkeep of kiln machinery.

7. Limited size: Large timber pieces may require special kilns or multiple drying cycles, increasing

costs and complexity.