Man Made Boards And Finishes

Polyurethane varnish-(Spray) used to seal and protect the surface of wood to give it a smoother finish. There is clear or coloured, in gloss, silk or matt finish.

Wood stain- applied to enhance apperance of wood grains. Natural colours or in some brighter colours such as red or blue etc. It doesnt usually protect the wood but varnish may be applied afterwards to protect.

Oils can be used to maintain the natural apperance. Some oil- based finishes also offer protection used outdoors.

Preservatives are generally applied to timber that is used outdoors. Enhances the apperance of the timber but will extend the useful life of timber, as much as 3 or 4 times.

Paint can be used on any wood but it has to be primed first. Paint has something to adhere to. Oil base paints are used.

Man made wood- No moisture content. Will not bow or bend. Will not moved.

MDF- (Medium density fibre board) Cheap. Wood chippings and glue then pressed to make a block of wood. Glue is stronger than normal wood so the tools used to cut it would blunt more quickly.

Plywood- Alternating grain at 90 degrees to eachother to improve strength.

Veneered- Thin slie of wood.

Chipboard- Chipping glued together. Blunts toold quickly. If you buy it in the shop you can get it as thick as you like. Strongerthan MDF. Kitchen work surfaces are made out of this with a thick layer of laminate on the top.

Hard board- Not hard at all. Fibreous- takes on water. Breaks easily. Very cheap.

Block board- Veneered around the top and bottom with a block of wood in the middle.

Man made wood-
3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 mm- Width
2440- Length
1120- Height

Flexi MDF- Groves on one side of the wood. Bends and curves into the shape wanted easily without snapping.

Flexi ply- Groves on one side of the wood. Bends and curves into the shape wanted easily without snapping.

Aeroply- Posh plywood. Used for the outer skin of an aircraft- basically a thin section. A very high grade plywood stuck to a timber frame.

maplex- New type of MDF that is used for the furniture industry. This composite is a higher grade and easier to machine. This is expensive.