If you are planning to buy a wooden board for your kitchen, you must know some essential tips and considerations. Here are a few tips to ensure you buy the right kind. Keep reading to learn more about the construction process, wood types, preservatives, and cost of wooden boards. By the end of this article, you will know everything you need to know. Besides, you will have an idea about the benefits of wooden boards.
Construction
The construction of wooden board elements is one of the oldest techniques of joinery. Due to its high resistance to high temperatures, wood is an excellent building material for multi-story buildings. Unlike steel, which expands in high heat, wood remains stable. Its low heat conductivity also makes it ideal for a variety of construction applications. Here are some advantages of construction of wooden board elements:
Lumber prices are rising and wood products are difficult to find. By using tips and tricks, you can save money and time on this project. Check the trends in construction. Apparently, lumber prices have increased by 430 percent since March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These spikes are largely due to the lowered demand of construction materials. But don’t let the costs deter you! It’s possible to build a wooden board yourself and save a bundle of money.
Types of wood
There are several different types of wood used for wooden boards. The main differences between them are their grain. End grain boards are thicker and more resilient than their face-grain counterparts. End grain boards are more expensive than their face-grain counterparts, but their grain pattern may not be aesthetically pleasing to some consumers. Fortunately, there are many types of wood to choose from to suit your kitchen needs. Listed below are the main differences between these types of wood.
There are two basic grades of wood available for wooden boards. First and second grades of hardwood lumber are called FAS. FAS lumber is usually six inches by eight inches and is at least 83 percent defect-free on the best side. No. 1 Common lumber, on the other hand, is three inches by four inches and 50 percent defect-free. There are also several softwood grades, such as Poplar, which are cheaper and more readily available, but aren’t as durable as hardwoods.
Preservatives
Several types of preservatives are available for wooden boards. A copper-based preservative, called Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ), provides long-term protection against decay and termite attack. Copper has been used for centuries to fight fungi, and a 2×6 board treated with ACQ contains the equivalent of 24 copper pennies. Other types of preservatives are called DDAC, quaternary biocides similar to those used in kitchen disinfectants. These preservatives are governed by international and national standards, and specify the appropriate quantity of preservative for a specific timber’s end use.
Pressure treatment is a controlled process that forces a preservative deep into the wood’s cell walls, forming a chemical bond that resists decay and insect attack. Pressure treatment also prevents leaching, as the preservative is locked into the wood’s cell walls. Preservatives are usually labelled on the outside, as a way to ensure they are effective. However, the application process itself is a complicated process.
Cost
When purchasing hardwood board, one should consider the board’s length and width. If a rectangular board is eight feet long and ten inches wide, the cost would be about $1 per square foot. If the board is one inch thick, it would cost around thirty cents per square foot. The cost of one board will depend on how long the piece is and how many people will be working on it. Depending on the project, it may be possible to cut the wood yourself at home to save money.
When buying lumber, look for discounts. Many sawmills sell directly to consumers. Independent sawmills often sell lumber for 20 to 25 percent less than retail prices. This option is great for large orders. However, you may not always be able to save this much on each board. If the lumber you are buying is in good condition, you can cut down on its price even further by purchasing it directly from a sawmill. In addition, you can get it at a lower price if you buy in bulk.
Durability
Wooden boards’ durability is directly related to their rot-resistance. This characteristic can be measured and expressed in a single number, but it is more complicated than this. A wood with a high durability rating is one that resists UV rays from the sun and has above-average resistance to seasonal changes. For example, a wood with a high durability rating will not rot when exposed to direct sunlight for several years.
Another benefit of wood cutting boards is that they contain natural antimicrobial agents, which make them self-healing. The type of timber used to make the boards affects their durability. Choose a wood with a tight grain and few pores, such as teak, maple, or beech. Hard Rock Maple is a good choice for durability, as it is highly resistant to warping, fungus, moisture, and microbes. Unlike other woods, hardwood boards do not dull knives.
Feet
How to determine the feet on a wooden board? Using a board foot calculator is an easy way to get an idea of how much a piece of hardwood will cost. To get a general estimate, determine the length, width and thickness of the board. For example, a piece of hardwood may be eight feet long, ten inches wide and one and a half inches thick. Then multiply these numbers by two and divide by the central angle in radians. Then divide by two again. To determine the arc length, multiply the result by the square root of the angle. Once you’ve determined the distance, multiply the result by the square root of the arc’s central angle.
Adding feet to a wooden board is a nice touch, and it raises the cutting board off the countertop. It also allows for more air circulation around the board, which prevents the board from slipping and damaging the countertop. A wooden board also provides the best antimicrobial properties, so it’s a good idea to use one with feet for best results. You won’t have to worry about bacteria spreading when you’re cutting raw meats or vegetables on it!