What is manufactured wood?

Manufactured wood, also known as engineered wood, is a range of wood products created by binding or fixing strands, particles, fibers, or veneers of wood together with adhesives to form composite materials. These materials are designed to offer consistent performance and often have superior strength, stability, and dimensional characteristics compared to solid wood.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

• Types: There are various types of manufactured wood, each with different properties and applications. Common examples include:

  • Plywood: Made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another.
  • Oriented Strand Board (OSB): Formed from strands of wood oriented in layers, bonded together with resins.
  • Particleboard: Composed of wood chips or sawdust bonded together with resin.
  • Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF): Made from fine wood fibers combined with resin, creating a smooth, dense surface.
  • Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL): An engineered wood product that uses multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesives.

• Advantages: Manufactured wood offers several advantages:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Often more affordable than solid wood.
  • Dimensional Stability: Less prone to warping, twisting, or shrinking compared to solid wood.
  • Strength and Uniformity: Consistent strength and properties throughout the material.
  • Efficient Use of Resources: Utilizes wood waste and smaller pieces of timber.
  • Customization: Can be manufactured in various sizes, shapes, and thicknesses.

• Applications: Manufactured wood is used extensively in construction, furniture making, and other industries. Common applications include:

  • Flooring
  • Walls and roofing
  • Cabinets and furniture
  • Structural components

• Considerations: While advantageous, manufactured wood also has some considerations:

  • Moisture Resistance: Some types are susceptible to water damage, requiring proper sealing or treatment.
  • Formaldehyde Emissions: Some products may contain formaldehyde-based adhesives, although low-emission options are available.
  • Fastener Holding: Certain types may not hold screws or nails as well as solid wood.