Your Ultimate Guide to Composite Wood
Learn more about composite wood - Image Source: Rotor DB at the English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
Composite wood is made of a combination of materials such as plastic, glues, chemicals, additives, and wood fibers such as wood scraps, veneers, and sawdust. Click on each section to learn more.
Composite Wood
1. What is composite wood and how is it made?
Composite wood refers to wood materials that are made by mixing or coating pieces of wood or wood fibres with an adhesive, special glue, heated thermoplastic resin, or other methods of fixation and forming them into sheets or boards.
Composite wood can also be referred to as the following:
engineered wood
mass timber
man-made wood
manufactured board
Unlike the production of paper and pulp products, the process for making composite wood does not involve reducing the original solid wood into individual cellulose or hemicellulose fibers. The particles of wood used in composites are usually scraps from sawmills and wood waste. However, whole logs are usually used to produce veneers like plywood, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), or particle board.
Engineered Bamboo and Other Cellulosic Products
Flooring made from bamboo is extremely durable - Image Source: PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
Engineered bamboo and other cellulosic products can be made by using fibers such as:
bamboo
rye straw
wheat straw
rice straw
hemp stalks
kenaf stalks
sugar cane residue
These boards are similar in appearance to engineered wood but they don't contain any wood. These types of wood alternatives can have many great advantages. For example, flooring made from bamboo is extremely durable and it can be sanded down and refinished if it develops scratches of dents.
2. Types of Composite Wood
There are many different types of composite wood. These include:
Plywood:
Plywood is a combination of resin and wood fibers. - Image Source: Bystander, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Plywood is probably the most common and well-known type of composite wood. It is sold in panels and is a combination of resin and wood fibres that are bound together.
Plywood is made up of multiple layers of softwood veneers fastened together with a waterproof adhesive and that are cured under heat and pressure.
Oriented strand board (OSB):
OSB panels are water resistant. - Image Source: Lionel Allorge, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Oriented strand board is similar to plywood. It is made from wood strands that are 8-15cm in length and mixed with waterproof resin.
The material is then interleaved together in thick mats and bound together with heat and pressure. OSB building panels are solid, uniform, strong, and water resistant.
Particle board:
Particle board is inexpensive and is usually covered by a wood veneer. - Image Source: en:User:Rotor DB, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
Particle board is an inexpensive engineered wood panel made out of small wood particles, sawdust and other waste materials created when making other wood products. These particles are glued together with a non-water-resistant glue, so it isn't suitable for high-humidity areas or outdoor applications.
It's cheaper, denser and more uniform than plywood. It is usually hidden from sight and covered with a decorative cover like a wood veneer.
Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF):
Medium-density fibreboard has a smoother surface than particle board. - Image source: Андрей Перцев 1967, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Medium-density fibreboard is made of wood fibres that are made by treating wood chips with steam and breaking them down to fibres by grinding them using ridged steel plates.
The fibres are then bonded together with special resins and formed into moulded or flat, straight-edged panels that you can cut like solid wood. The cuts produce a tight edge and smooth surface unlike particle board.
Structural composite lumber (SCL):
Structural composite lumber includes a number of different engineered wood products including:
Oriented strand lumber (OSL)
Laminated strand lumber (LSL)
Parallel strand lumber (PSL)
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL)
SCL is made from dried and graded wood veneers, strands, or flakes.
They are layered and bonded together with a moisture-resistant adhesive into large blocks called billets.
The billets can be re-sawn into different dimensions and lengths and the grains of the veneers run in the same direction.
SCL can be manufactured using small, fast-grow and underutilized trees.
This makes is an efficient and environmentally friendly use of forest resources. It is a structural lumber that is both strong and stiff.
I-joists:
The shape of an I-joist gives them a higher strength to weight ratio than sawn lumber. - Image Source: A woodperson, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
I-joists are prefabricated wood that are made up of finger joined solid sawn lumber or laminated veneer lumber flanges that have been attached with adhesive to a plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).
They are constructed in the shape of the capital letter "I" with the flanges forming the top and bottom crosses on the "I". Their structure gives them a higher strength to weight ratio than traditional sawn lumber.
Mass timber:
Because of its incredible strength, mass timber can sometimes be used instead of steel.
Mass timber is also called engineered timber. Mass timber is produced by using state-of-the-art technology to glue, nail or dowel wood products together into layers that are formed into large structural panels, beams, or posts.
Mass timber is a class of large structural wood components that are used in building construction. Mass timber is so strong that it can actually replace steel and concrete in large buildings. In addition, it is greener and faster to build with. Watch the above video to learn more.
3. The history of composite wood
Mesopotamians:
Composite wood has been around for centuries. The Mesopotamians glued strips of wood at different angles to form the first type of composite woods as early as 3,400 B.C.
Ancient Egypt:
Ancient Egyptians used a form of composite wood made from sawdust and other organic materials mixed with mud and water to make furniture, sarcophagi, and other objects.
1800's:
Near the end of the 1800s, the first type of modern wood composites were developed. These were a form of wet-processed fiberboard.
1924:
The first hardboard composite product was developed in 1924 by Schniewind. In the early 20th century, the development of synthetic adhesives and advances in wood processing technology led to the creation of new composite wood products, including particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Particleboard is made by compressing sawdust and other wood waste with a synthetic resin, while MDF is made by breaking down wood fibers and reconstituting them with a binder and resin.
1970’s:
In the 1970s, a new type of composite wood product called oriented strand board (OSB) was invented. OSB is made by compressing and gluing together long, thin strands of wood, creating a strong and durable material that is commonly used in construction.
2021:
Mass timber is competitive with steel and concrete with regards to its structural properties. It also has a natural fire resistance properties. Because of this, in 2021, the International Building Code made new provisions that will allow mass timber to be used in high-rise construction up to 18 storeys.
4. Are there different qualities of composite wood?
There are different qualities of composite wood - Image Source: Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Composite wood is a blanket term that refers to man-made products that are a blend of wood fibers and inorganic materials such as plastic. As such, there is also a wide range of different qualities of composite wood.
There are different factors that can affect the quality of composite wood. These factors can impact its strength, durability, and overall performance.
Type of wood particles used:
One of the main factors that can impact the quality of composite wood is the type of wood particles used. Some manufacturers use low-quality wood particles or waste wood products, such as sawdust and wood chips, to make their composite wood. This can result in a weaker and less durable product.
Other manufacturers use high-quality wood particles, such as hardwood fibers or oriented strand board (OSB), to make their composite wood. These wood particles are typically stronger and more durable, which can result in a higher quality product.
Type of adhesive:
Another factor that can impact the quality of composite wood is the type and amount of adhesive resins used. Some manufacturers use lower-quality resins, which can result in a weaker and less durable product. Other manufacturers use high-quality resins, such as phenolic resins, which can result in a stronger and more durable product.
Manufacturing process:
Watch how particle board is made.
In addition to the type of wood particles and adhesive resins used, the manufacturing process can also impact the quality of composite wood. Some manufacturers use a lower-quality manufacturing process, which can result in a product that is more prone to warping, splitting, and other types of damage.
Other manufacturers use a higher-quality manufacturing process, which can result in a product that is stronger, more durable, and more resistant to damage.
Additional outer coating:
Some composite manufacturers bond a hard plastic shell to the exterior of their boards making them more durable. This coating https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/outdoor-projects/how-to/a10260/what-to-know-about-working-with-composite-decking-16592960/ makes the boards less likely to stain, fade, get scratched, or mold, so it is a good idea to check to see that the composite material you are getting has this type of protective coating.
Type of composite wood:
It's also important to note that there are different types of composite wood, each with their own unique qualities and performance characteristics. Some common types of composite wood include particleboard, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and plywood. Each of these materials has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the quality can vary depending on the specific type and manufacturer.
Manufacturer:
When shopping for composite wood products, it's important to do your research and choose a reputable manufacturer that uses high-quality materials and manufacturing processes. Look for products that are certified by industry standards organizations, such as the Composite Panel Association (CPA), to ensure that you're getting a quality product.
5. What can you use composite wood for?
You can use composite wood for many different things - Image by La Belle Galerie from Pixabay
Composite wood, also known as engineered wood, is a versatile and affordable material that can be used in a variety of applications. Here are some common uses for composite wood:
Furniture:
Composite wood is commonly used in the production of furniture, such as bookcases, desks, and cabinets. It is a durable and cost-effective alternative to solid wood and can be finished in a variety of colors and styles to match any decor.
Flooring:
Composite wood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a more affordable and durable alternative to traditional hardwood floors. It can be made to look like a variety of wood species and is available in a range of finishes and textures.
Decking:
Composite wood can be used instead of solid wood in making decks.
Composite wood decking is a low-maintenance and durable alternative to traditional wood decking. It is resistant to moisture and decay and is available in a variety of colors and styles to match any home exterior.
Siding:
Composite wood siding is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance and durable alternative to traditional wood siding. It is resistant to moisture and insects and is available in a variety of colors and styles.
Fencing:
Composite wood fencing is a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood fencing. It is resistant to moisture, insects, and rot, and is available in a range of colors and styles.
Paneling:
Composite wood paneling is a popular choice for interior walls and ceilings. It is available in a range of finishes and textures and is an affordable alternative to solid wood paneling.
6. How does composite wood compare to real wood? Pros and cons
There are both pros and cons to using real wood and composite wood - Image by Jeon Sang-O from Pixabay
While there are pros and cons to both composite wood and real wood, understanding how they compare can help you make an informed decision about which material is best for your project.
Pros of Composite Wood
Affordability:
Composite wood is generally less expensive than real wood. This makes it a great option for those on a tight budget. However, for some types of projects such as decking and fencing, composite wood can be a bit more expensive than real wood. This is because a higher quality of composite wood is needed in these types of projects.
Durability:
Composite wood is highly durable and resistant to moisture, insects, and rot. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications like decking and fencing.
Low Maintenance:
Composite wood requires little to no maintenance, which can save you time and money in the long run.
Sustainability:
Composite wood is a sustainable option - Image by New Trend Fencing
Composite wood is often made from recycled materials, which makes it a more sustainable option than real wood.
Cons of Composite Wood
Appearance:
While composite wood can be made to look like real wood, it often lacks the natural beauty and character of real wood. This can be a drawback for those who value the unique and natural appearance of real wood.
Heat retention:
Composite wood can retain more heat than real wood, which can make it uncomfortable to walk on barefoot in the summer.
Limited finishing options:
While composite wood can be finished to look like a variety of wood species, it may not have the same level of customization options as real wood.
Pros of Real Wood
Appearance:
Real wood has a natural beauty and character that cannot be replicated by composite wood. It can add warmth and richness to any space.
Customization:
Real wood can be customized in a variety of ways, including staining, painting, and sanding. This allows for a high level of customization to match any design aesthetic.
Longevity:
With proper care and maintenance, real wood can last for generations.
Cons of Real Wood
Cost:
Depending on what you are using it for, real wood is often more expensive than composite wood, which can make it a less attractive option for those on a tight budget. Composite wood does tend to cost more though for constructing decks and fences because a higher quality of material is needed.
Maintenance:
Real wood requires regular maintenance, including staining and sealing, to keep it looking its best. This can be time-consuming and costly.
Vulnerability to moisture:
Real wood is vulnerable to moisture, which can cause it to warp and rot over time.
When deciding which material to use for your project, consider factors such as your budget, desired appearance, maintenance requirements, and durability needs. Ultimately, the choice between composite wood and real wood will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
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