If you’re planning to build a furniture piece, a wooden board is an excellent choice. There are many kinds of boards you can use. Learn more about the types and characteristics of different types below. You’ll also learn about End-grain, Plywood, and OSB. Regardless of your intended use, you’re sure to find a board that suits your style. Whether it’s for a tabletop or shelf, planks are perfect for many different projects.
Hardwood
When buying hardwood wooden boards, consider what type you want. Standard hardwood boards come in four common thicknesses: 4/4, 6/4, and 8/4. Each size represents a different percentage of the total board thickness. Each is also available in various lengths and widths. Each is priced in a different range. Here are some differences between the four most common types:
End-grain
The End-grain cutting surface is the result of an advanced manufacturing process. A blade is placed on the end of the board, creating a cutting surface comprised of several individual pieces of hardwood. The blade strikes the wood’s grain and separates the fibers, which then close, providing an improved surface for cutting. This feature of the End-grain surface is responsible for the board’s inherent self-healing properties. This quality makes the board easier to clean and hygienic.
Plywood
If you’re building wooden boards, you’ll need to select the right kind of plywood. There are different types of plywood, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, some kinds of plywood are more durable than others. Luckily, the vast majority of plywood products are made from recycled materials. If you’re looking for eco-friendly materials, you can also try bamboo or larch. Bamboo is the most environmentally friendly material, and you can find many species in the local market.
OSB
OSB is a structural mat-formed panel product made of wood strands 8 to 15 centimetres long. These are obtained from small diameter roundwood logs or blocks and bonded together by applying pressure and heat to a specially formulated resin. The process of making OSB is similar to that of plywood, but the wood used is fast-growing and renewable. Its layers are pressed together and the top layer is made up of thin strands arranged in a way to maximize the bending strength of the panel.
Edge-grain
If you’re in the market for a new wooden cutting board, you’re probably wondering whether you should go with the edge-grain or the end-grain type. Using the end-grain style means the wood will expand and contract more than the edge-grain variety, making them more susceptible to damage. Depending on how you use them, either type of board can be beneficial, but they’re generally more expensive and bulkier than the edge-grain style.
End-split
The first thing to know about end-splits is what causes them. End splits are caused by a change in the moisture content of the wood. They happen when the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of wood falls below the moisture content of the wood. When the EMC drops, water moves faster through the end grain of a panel and tries to shrink. Since the rest of the panel restrains the end grain from shrinking, tension stresses develop in the end grain. These stresses can exceed the strength of the wood and gluelines.
Oiling
There are many reasons to oil your wooden boards. First, it keeps them from drying out, which can lead to cracking. Next, it helps prevent moisture from penetrating the wood pores and microbes from infesting the surface. It also helps keep the wood clean, as it saturates the wood fibers. Finally, oiling wooden boards gives them a shiny, protective finish. So, it’s worth the time and effort.