Difference Between Wood And Timber

When it comes to talking about wood, the terms “wood” and “timber” are often mixed up. Let’s unravel the mystery behind these terms and explore their distinctions.

Wood: Nature’s Building Block

Wood is the essential material that makes up a tree. It’s the strong, fibrous stuff found in the trunk and roots, helping the tree grow tall and absorb sunlight. Think of it as the tree’s skeleton and plumbing system combined.

Uses of Wood

  • Construction material for buildings
  • Everyday items like toothpicks, pencils, sticks, tables, and chairs

Timber: More Than Just Wood

Timber is a term derived from “timebrain” and refers to wood suitable for construction and engineering. It encompasses both raw material (rough timber) and processed material.

Modern Uses of Timber:

  • Beams
  • Columns
  • Piles
  • Bridges
  • Doors
  • Trusses
  • Windows

Distinguishing Wood from Timber

Now, let’s break down the differences between wood and timber in a straightforward manner.

S.No. Wood Timber
1 Forms the tree; transports nutrients and water One form of wood used after a tree falls or is crushed
2 Can be sticks, pencils, twigs, toothpicks Refers to larger wooden substances or firewood
3 Used for various plant substances Any position in the forest after a tree is felled
4 Rubber or fibrous substance Refined and transformed wood for beams, rafters, boards
5 Describes material in its natural state Applies to wood after being transformed or modified
6 Just the name of the material All timber is made of wood
7 Classified into engineered, hardwood, softwood Classified into softwood and hardwood
8 Refers to trees and the substance used Refers to a period after a tree is cut, used in various applications
9 Dense forest or wooded area used for building Heavy, stiff beam used for support in construction
10 Wrapped around or placed with trees Set with timbers
11 Raw wood of any size Finished wood of sufficient size
12 Untreated wood Treated wood
13 Used for fencing, gardening, instruments, etc. Used in building construction, floors, doors, windows, etc.