History and Basics
What makes wood a popular construction material?
It’s lightweight, strong, renewable, and easy to work with.
What are the three main categories of wood?
Hardwoods, engineered wood, and softwoods.
What framing method is most commonly used today?
Platform framing.
What are the vertical members of a wall called?
Studs.
What is a knot in wood?
A dark circular spot where a branch grew.
Why is wood considered sustainable?
Because it’s renewable and can be regrown, reducing environmental impact.
Which wood type can be refinished multiple times?
Solid hardwood.
What replaced balloon framing and why?
Platform framing—because it’s faster, safer, and reduces fire risk.
What are the horizontal members at the top and bottom of walls called?
Plates.
What causes “shakes” in wood?
Cracks along growth rings caused by internal stress.
Why isn’t wood used in skyscrapers?
It lacks the strength, fire resistance, and durability of steel or concrete.
Which type of wood is more moisture-resistant?
Engineered wood.
What’s one safety advantage of platform framing over balloon framing?
Each floor acts as a platform, lowering fall risk and improving fire resistance.
Which joint is known for strength and decorative appearance?
Dovetail or mortise and tenon joint.
What causes a “blue stain” defect?
Fungal attack during improper storage.
What are two benefits of wood frame construction?
It’s lightweight and energy efficient.
What is engineered wood made of?
A wood veneer on a core of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF).
What does truss framing mainly support?
Roof structures.
What do king and jack studs do?
They reinforce openings like doors and windows.
What is “reaction wood”?
Wood formed under stress—denser in hardwoods (tension wood) and brittle in softwoods (compression wood).
Name one modern environmental benefit of wood construction.
It stores carbon and has a smaller carbon footprint than concrete or steel.
What is one key difference between hardwood and engineered wood?
Hardwood is solid throughout; engineered wood has a layered core for stability.
Describe plank and beam construction.
Long beams spaced 8 feet apart with thick planks laid across for flooring or roofing.
What type of joint is hidden but strong, often used for easy assembly?
Pocket-hole joinery
Name one processing defect that weakens wood structure.
Torn grain, machine burns, or insect holes.