Question 1

Hardwoods differ from softwoods in that they
A) Are less expensive
B) Produce a finer grain pattern
C) Mostly come from coniferous trees
D) Contain resins
E) Are less durable

Accepted Answer

Hardwoods generally produce a finer grain pattern than softwoods.

Question 2

The purpose of sapwood is
A) To provide structural stability to the tree
B) To provide an outer protective layer to the tree
C) To manufacture cells for growth rings
D) To conduct and store foodstuffs
E) To manufacture chlorophyll

Accepted Answer

Sapwood is responsible for conducting water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and storing foodstuffs.

Question 3

Flat sawn timber is characterised by
A) The log being cut laterally
B) Even wear when used in flooring
C) Shrinkage having little effect
D) A large amount of waste when converted
E) The log being cut longitudinally

Accepted Answer

The log being cut longitudinally results in flat sawn timber.

Question 4

Seasoning of timber
A) Reduces the amount of sapwood
B) Increases the amount of sapwood
C) Reduces the moisture content
D) Equalises the moisture content
E) Reduces the cellulose content

Accepted Answer

Seasoning of timber involves the process of removing moisture from the timber. This reduces the moisture content, making the timber more stable and less prone to decay, insect attack, and warping. It does not affect the amount of sapwood or cellulose content.

Question 5

Air seasoning requires the timber to be
A) Stacked outdoors
B) Stacked indoors
C) Stacked in front of a fan
D) Stacked in front of a heater
E) Stacked close to a water tank

Accepted Answer

Air seasoning requires the timber to be stacked outdoors where it can be exposed to natural air circulation and temperature fluctuations, allowing the moisture inside the wood to evaporate over time.

Question 6

Knots are
A) Swellings of highly contorted grain
B) Surface wounds that have become enclosed in a tree
C) Flaws in the grain structure caused by stresses in the tree
D) Part of a branch that becomes enclosed in a tree
E) Splits that occur on the surface of the timber

Accepted Answer

Knots are parts of a branch or limb that have become enclosed within the tree as it grows. They represent the point at which a branch was once attached to the tree, and as the tree grows in diameter, these branches can become fully encapsulated by the growing layers of wood, leading to the formation of a knot in the lumber produced from that tree.

Question 7

Decay may be prevalent in timber that
A) Contains a high percentage of heartwood
B) Is used at or below DPC level
C) Has an equilibrium moisture content below 20%
D) Has narrow growth rings
E) Is coated with creosote

Accepted Answer

Decay is most prevalent in timber that is used at or below DPC (damp proof course) level, as it is constantly exposed to moisture and damp conditions. Timber that contains a high percentage of heartwood, has an equilibrium moisture content below 20%, has narrow growth rings, or is coated with creosote may be more resistant to decay, but it is not a guarantee.

Question 8

Water borne preservatives have the advantage of being
A) Cheap to transport
B) Non-leaching
C) Non-corrosive to metals
D) Resistant to swelling the timber on application
E) Superfluous to the timber being re-dried after treatment

Accepted Answer

Water borne preservatives are generally cheaper to transport because they can be shipped as concentrates and then diluted with water at the site of application, reducing shipping weight and costs.

Question 9

A disadvantage of the steeping method of applying preservatives to timber is
A) It takes a long time to undertake
B) It uses a lot of energy
C) It cannot be applied on site
D) It can only be used on hardwoods
E) It cannot be used with water borne preservatives

Accepted Answer

The steeping method of applying preservatives to timber takes a long time to complete. This is because the timber needs to be immersed in the preservative solution for a specified period to allow proper penetration and absorption of the preservative. This can result in a longer turnaround time for the treatment process.

Question 10

Cement bonded particleboard is used in areas where A) The humidity is below 15% B) The temperature is above 25⁰C C) There is a high likelihood of water spillage occurring D) Organic insulants are being used E) The sound level is above 90dBA

Accepted Answer

Cement bonded particleboard is commonly used in environments where there is a high likelihood of water spillage occurring, such as bathrooms and kitchens. It is moisture-resistant and can withstand exposure to water without swelling or warping.

Quiz 10: Timber

Hardwoods differ from softwoods in that they

The purpose of sapwood is

Flat sawn timber is characterised by

Seasoning of timber

Air seasoning requires the timber to be

Knots are

Decay may be prevalent in timber that

Water borne preservatives have the advantage of being

A disadvantage of the steeping method of applying preservatives to timber is

Cement bonded particleboard is used in areas where