In recent years, wood has been receiving increasing attention in the construction industry, given concerns about sustainability and carbon footprint. This interest in wood stems in part from its regenerative capacity, although this advantage depends on sustainable logging and adequate forest management to allow natural renewal of forests. However, the versatility of wood is the primary reason for its wide application. From boards to beams and flooring, to thermal and acoustic insulation panels and insulators, wood can be used in different phases of a single project and with different levels of processing and finishing.
In the manufacture of furniture, wall coverings, ceilings and even floors, the use of panels is an economical and functional way to use wood in buildings. Below we present the most commonly used wood products and their properties and main areas of use:
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
MDF boards are made of wood fibers bound by a synthetic resin and compacted by pressure and heat, creating a solid and very uniform wood board with a good finish and durability. Because the fibers are randomly aligned, the press can cut them in any direction, making the surface very smooth to the touch. Of course, the wood board is not very waterproof, but there are alternatives on the wood market that are more resistant to moisture and sometimes even fire.
MDF is currently the most commonly used material for carpentry as it is compatible with a wide range of finishes, such as plain or lacquered paints, glued natural or melamine panels or even patterned printing. However, it can also be used for other purposes, such as wall and door panelling.
HDF (High Density Fiberboard) is very similar to MDF, although their manufacturing processes are different. Since these boards are pressed under higher pressure, they are more durable and can withstand pressure.
Chipboard and MDP (Medium Density Particleboard)
Particleboard is made by pressing wood waste such as sawdust and dust with resin and glue. Over time, this building material has given way to other materials such as MDF. It can be finished with paints and varnishes, but these rarely adhere because the wood surface is not smooth and homogeneous. The main advantage of this material is its low price. Its uses are similar to those of MDF.
Like particleboard, MDP boards are made of wood particles that are compressed with synthetic resin and pressed under heat, with the one difference that the small particles are deposited on the top of the board and the larger particles in the core.
Chipboard is often used to make simple furniture. See IKEA ;-)
plywood
Plywood is made from overlapping, right-angled and hot-pressed veneer panels. The panels running transversely to each other allow plywood to bear greater loads.
The possible uses of this plywood are very diverse. It can be used for furniture, floors, ceilings, doors and worktops, among other things.
OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
OSB boards have a very distinctive appearance that is increasingly being incorporated into building design. These wood chips are pressed together in vertical layers and bonded with resin under high pressure and heat. They have good mechanical strength and rigidity. In addition to their good sound insulation, they have no gaps, knots or cracks, so they are very homogeneous. They are also ecologically harmless and durable against weather influences such as rain, moisture, wind and heat. In addition, the boards are fully recyclable. However, because they have a rough surface structure, it is not possible to apply laminated products to them.
OSB boards are mainly used for walls and ceilings, flooring for carpets, wooden floors, bricks, cladding and building huts, packaging and furniture.
