What do you know about the tree? No, not about the trunks and shape of the leaves, but about the characteristics of the wood. What is stronger - oak or ash? Or maybe beech?

Basic knowledge of the properties of wood species is very important when choosing the door you buy. That's why we'll tell you a little about them.

How to determine the value of a tree?

Let's start with the fact that each type of wood has a set of basic indicators that determine its value and suitability for use in a particular area.

The first sign of wood is hardness. The service life of the tree depends on it, as well as on its resistance to various loads. The degree of oxidation is important - that is, how much wood will darken under the influence of sun rays, and stability - the compatibility of different types of wood depends on it, for example, in parquet and inlays. Visual perception is influenced by texture and its appearance: More expressive patterns are valued higher and look more impressive. It should be remembered that the properties of wood are individual. They depend not only on the species, but also on the area where the tree grew.

Wood species

The main types of wood used in the production of doors are oak, beech, ash, walnut, cherry and mahogany.

Oak - This is a very dense, hard and heavy wood. Depending on the growing conditions, oak wood can have stunning contrasting shades: from bluish-gray and almost white to bright yellow, which allows it to fit into any interior. Oak tolerates moisture very well and is also durable. Expensive, but very practical for interior doors material.

It even surpasses oak in terms of strength characteristics. This is a heavy, strong, durable wood of a light shade. It “does not like” only contact with the ground, and is also poorly saturated, so it is almost never used for exterior finishing or construction. But for doors, such wood is ideal - it does not swell, does not dry out and lasts a very long time.

Beech also very durable. Its wood is an exquisite red-brown shade. Beech does not withstand loads and temperature changes very well, so it is not used outdoors. But its texture is very beautiful, it has a pronounced pattern of tree growth rings. This door looks great in a classic interior.

Refers to tree species medium density. According to its characteristics, it is very good for making furniture: it is not too heavy, and does not swell from moisture. A door made of solid wood or cherry veneer is easy to process and polish, and is resistant to temperature changes indoors. And of course, the color of this wood is most valued - from light beige to deep dark red-brown.

It is for the shade that the wood of the so-called mahogany . Typically, this name refers to breeds that have a rich burgundy-brown color. These rocks are very easy to process, so they are often used in decoration and decoration.

It's durable and very beautiful tree. Its texture is coarser than that of other species, which is why walnut wood is often used in finishing and veneering. Thanks to the texture, walnut doors look very original.

But no matter what wonderful properties wood has, it is not enough to simply cut down the tree and shape the door. Poor processing can ruin all the outstanding characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully select a reliable door manufacturer.

Material provided manufacturer of interior doors

The main parameters by which industrial wood is selected for furniture production: strength, resistance to deformation, wear resistance. All these three qualities are combined into one indicator - wood density, that is, the ratio of the mass of the tree to its volume.

Types of wood depending on density:

A) Soft (up to 540 kg/m3) – spruce, pine, aspen, linden, fir, poplar, chestnut, alder, cedar;

B) Hard (550-740kg/m3) – larch, birch, oak, elm, beech, sycamore, walnut, maple, apple, ash;

C) Very hard (from 750 kg/m3) – iron birch, rowan, white acacia, hornbeam, dogwood, boxwood, pistachio tree.

Let's consider the breeds most in demand in furniture production:

1. Pine

Wood color– brown, beige-yellow, white with light pink streaks. The best material for making furniture is considered to be pine trees growing on hills with sandy soils or on dry hills. In such wood, the annual layers will be pronounced and narrow, close to each other. Pine grown in an area with high humidity will have a loose structure, and blanks from it will have to be dried for a long time before being put into production. Pine wood is soft, easily scratched and damaged.

Pros:

• flexibility in processing. Pine is easily planed along the grain, but difficult to plan in the transverse direction. When cutting, the opposite is true—a log cuts across easily, but poorly along lengths.
• easy to glue;
• depending on the color and structure of the wood, pine is used both for making furniture with subsequent varnishing, and for frames, and various designs with hardwood veneer veneer;
• like all conifers, it has a pleasant smell and releases phytocindes, which are considered medicinal.

2. Spruce

Spruce wood is softer than pine. In addition, the trunk contains large number knots that make it difficult to process wood for manufacturing furniture panels. Compared to pine, spruce absorbs moisture better and begins to rot faster. Due to its inexpressive texture and low strength, spruce is most often used for mosaic finishing or in structures that do not experience significant loads during operation.
Pros:

• spruce wood is practically not subject to warping;
• sticks well.

Along with spruce, Siberian fir is also used - these two trees have similar indicators.

3. Larch

The wood of this coniferous tree valued for its unusual reddish-brown hue and high performance. From disadvantages of larch– a large amount of resins, which quickly damages the tools and causes difficulties in processing. If improperly dried, internal cracks form on larch wood.

Pros:

• high moisture resistance;
• excellent strength indicators (the best among conifers);
• little subject to warping;
• used for making carved parts.

4. Cedar

Yellowish-white cedar wood is not very strong and dense, so it cannot withstand heavy loads.

Pros:

• resistance to rot and wormhole;
• suitable for carving;
• has a specific woody aroma.

5. Yew

Red-brown with light and dark veins, yew wood has high strength, but also a large number of knots.
Pros:

• not subject to wormhole,
• easy to plan and sand,
• insensitive to atmospheric changes.

6. Oak

On a radial section of an oak trunk, large pith rays and light sapwood are clearly visible. Oak is the most widely used hardwood in the manufacture of solid wood furniture, due to its excellent combination of strength and beautiful texture. If oak lies in water for a long time (several decades), its wood acquires a rare dark purple color with a green tint. Oak wood is difficult to polish and requires equipment with highly hardened cutters.

Pros:

• despite the high viscosity of wood, it is processed quite well;
• bends easily;
• resistant to rotting;
• lends itself well to artificial aging techniques.

7. Ash

Wood for many qualities looks like oak, but lighter and does not have pronounced medullary rays. Ash must be exposed antiseptic treatment, since in humid conditions the wood is quickly damaged by wormholes. Poorly polished.

Pros:

• bends well after steaming;
• cracks little when dried;
• When bleached, it acquires an unusual shade of gray hair.

8. Beech

Beech wood strength is not inferior to oak, but is highly hygroscopic, so it is not recommended for the manufacture of furniture that will be used in high humidity(bath, kitchen). Poorly polished.

Pros:

• high decorative qualities: beautiful texture both in radial and tangential cuts,
• quick to dry, does not crack;
• easy to process: pricks, saws, cuts, bends;
• bleaches perfectly and is painted using special solutions - practically does not change the beautiful natural shade when varnishing.

9. Hornbeam

It has hard, dense wood of a grayish-white color. It is often called white beech, but hornbeam has a less pronounced texture and often has a cross-ply structure, which makes the tree difficult to split.

Pros:

• after proper drying, the hornbeam becomes harder than oak;
• not subject to warping;
• lends itself well to etching and finishing.

10. Common birch

Birch wood, despite its high density, is not resistant to rotting, therefore it is used primarily for the manufacture of plywood, peeled veneer, and chipboard. It takes a long time and doesn’t dry well, is susceptible to wormholes, cracks a lot, and warps.

Pros:

• uniform structure and beautiful color of wood;
• bends well;
• in the production of solid wood furniture it is used as an imitation valuable species(stains well when etched).

Karelian birch is distinguished separately, which has higher performance indicators, is known for its unusual texture and pink wood. It is expensive, so it is used mainly for veneering solid wood furniture.

11. Maple

Despite the fact that it is dense Maple wood rarely cracks, He not resistant to dampness. Bird's eye and sugar maple are the most prized maples because of their characteristic beautiful structure.

Pros:

• easy to prick, well processed: cut, polished;
• has a homogeneous structure without pronounced fibers;
• when stained, it successfully imitates valuable species;
• Maple wood does not have a pronounced core, so it is easily painted, varnished, and stained.

12. Alder

Soft breed, without a pronounced structure. Alder wood quickly darkens in air, so it is used mainly in painted form (black or mahogany). Feature of alder: susceptible to wormhole in dry places, but resistant to rot in wet conditions.

Pros:

• dries quickly,
• easy to carpenter,
• polishes well
• warps slightly.

13. White acacia

The hardest hardwood, therefore it has high friction resistance and is elastic. In dry form it is difficult to process, so it is used mainly for facing soft rocks.

Pros:

• perfectly polished;
• When exposed to air, the wood darkens, causing the texture to acquire a bright yellow-brown color and expressive texture.

14. Walnut

The older the tree, the more valuable and darker its wood. The most expensive variety is American black walnut.

Pros:

• a wide variety of shades;
• dense but malleable wood;
• easy to paint, thanks to the high content of tannins (from tinting under ebony until smooth white).

15. Linden

It is used in production for the production of figured turned elements. It contains few tannins, so it practically does not stain, but it can be easily stained (with the correct concentration of the solution, linden wood can be given the appearance of more valuable wood species). Needs antiseptic impregnation, as it is highly susceptible to wormholes.

Pros:

• resists moisture well,
• wood is durable and plastic,
• has a beautiful white and creamy hue.

As you can see, each wood has its own advantages and disadvantages, based on which you can choose a certain type for making furniture from solid wood.

The staircase manufacturing process includes several stages, including the choice of material, which is decided at the design stage. What nuances should be taken into account when choosing the type of wood for stairs?

The most popular varieties for production wooden stairs include oak, pine, larch, beech and ash. They have an optimal balance of characteristics. Moreover, for each variety the ratio of these parameters is different:

• Material cost;
• Wood hardness, mechanical strength;
• Durability, ability to withstand negative environmental factors;
• Possibility to choose a shade.

Brief characteristics of rocks for the production of staircase structures

Pine. The advantage of the breed is its relatively low price. The material has a white tint turning into light yellow. Pine is a soft species and will require additional treatment to prevent rotting.

Larch. Medium-priced material with an interesting terracotta shade. Despite the average hardness, it has increased wear resistance and is almost not susceptible to rotting.

Beech. Relatively inexpensive wood of pink-yellow color. The dense fiber structure increases the level of mechanical strength and durability. To prevent putrefactive processes, it requires additional processing.

Ash. Belongs to the category of premium varieties. Color - gray-yellow, high hardness and wear resistance. Susceptibility to rotting is average.

Oak. A very popular variety in the manufacture of wooden stairs. It has a recognizable mustard-chocolate hue and one of the highest parameters of strength and hardness. Practically not subject to destructive processes.

What level of wood strength is needed to create a staircase?

Strength is a key parameter when choosing lumber on which reliability depends staircase design generally. On the other side, high density wood fibers makes it difficult to manufacture staircase parts, sanding, surface treatment, as well as carrying out installation work. Also, as hardness increases, the risk of cracks increases. The listed varieties can be divided into four categories:

• Soft wood (pine);
• Medium hardness (larch);
• Dense wood (oak, ash);
• Very high hardness (beech).

When choosing a material, it is recommended to maintain a balance between hardness and ease of processing. Although any of the varieties described are suitable for making stairs, working with some types of wood will require experience and knowledge of their processing technology.

How durable is this or that material?

The service life of the staircase is directly related to the wear resistance of the material. For the production of structural elements subject to constant mechanical stress, it is recommended to use hard wood. Soft woods are suitable for decoration and finishing details.

Combining materials with different properties will not only bring originality to the design of the staircase, but also reduce its final cost.

Prone to rot

Time has a detrimental effect on the condition of any wood - there is no material that can last forever. However, the intensity of internal decomposition processes differs among different varieties. Most stable in in this regard are oak and larch. Finished goods or individual finishing details based on them are recommended to be used for facade works and construction of stairs in rooms with high humidity.

Choice of shade and texture

This point relates more to customer preferences than to physical properties material. Choose a shade that matches the rest of the interior elements. To add variety to the decor of the staircase, various types of varnish are used to emphasize the texture of the material or increase the intensity of the color.

Price difference

Strong, durable, moisture-resistant types of wood can be several times more expensive than other analogues. If your budget is limited, we recommend using the method of combining several types of wood - each will have its own task.

Detailed characteristics of various types of lumber

Pine

Due to its availability, pine is the most popular variety used in the manufacture of stairs. The initial color is white, over time the shade changes to a darker one. The advantages of pine are its practicality, ease of processing and resistance to deformation. There were also some drawbacks:

• Low level of hardness;
• Heterogeneity of fibers;
• Presence of resinous deposits in the composition;
• Tendency to rot;
• Not resistant to mechanical stress.

Oak

Holding the record for strength and hardness, oak has established itself as a reliable material for the production of key parts of staircase construction. Also, the advantages of oak include the variety of available shades: from light yellow to rich brown. After some time, local darkening may form on the surface. However, they do not detract from the appearance; on the contrary, they add special beauty.

The excellent physical properties of oak with an almost complete absence of flaws are the reason for the high cost of the material. An oak staircase is, if not a luxury, then a rather expensive product. To save money you can use this type wood only for steps and supporting structures.

Beech

A durable and very attractive grade, ideal for making stairs. The dense arrangement of fibers increases resistance to mechanical stress. Over time, the beech structure will retain its original strength, its parts will not begin to dry out and become cracked.

There is only one drawback, but it must be taken into account. Being in conditions high humidity, beech is subject to accelerated decay. To prevent or slow down the process, additional measures will need to be taken during the green wood processing stage.

Larch

The main advantage of larch is its high resistance to decay processes. Larch stairs can be safely installed in rooms where a constant level of humidity is not maintained, due to which they benefit from in great demand For country houses intended for seasonal residence.

Wood is excellent for making stairs, but it is worth considering the low level of resistance to mechanical stress. The strength indicator is of course much higher than that of pine, however, the tendency to cause dents when a heavy object falls remains. If the room where you plan to install the stairs is intended for permanent residence- we recommend taking a closer look at harder types of wood, and choosing larch as auxiliary structural parts.

Ash

Another type of wood whose properties make it possible to produce structures of any complexity. Ash is distinguished by a neat texture of the fibers and a beautiful shade: from light yellow to brown. The material also has high strength and flexibility. Ash is easy to work with and can be easily sanded.

Exposure to moisture is a significant disadvantage that you have to deal with. If the processing technology is not followed, cracks may appear over time.

In terms of physical properties, ash is in many ways similar to oak. In terms of mechanical strength, it even exceeds it by 10%. Ash would certainly have gained the same popularity as oak wood, if not for the harmful effects of high humidity.

Conclusions

From the point of view of the durability of the staircase structure, the most suitable materials are ash or oak. They are strong enough to withstand constant mechanical stress on load-bearing elements, as well as steps. Since ash is cheaper than oak, there are additional opportunities for savings in production. Pine is the least suitable in this regard. Low strength, insufficient hardness, appearance deteriorating over time - pine has too many disadvantages that are not compensated by its affordable price.

Otherwise, there are no restrictions in the choice of material. Focus on the properties of a specific type of wood. Materials made from oak, beech or ash are considered optimal. They not only have excellent physical parameters, but are also attractive in appearance. A luxurious oak or beech staircase will last for many decades without requiring repairs or frequent maintenance.

An important element of any interior is the floor. Both the aesthetics and convenience, as well as the coziness and comfort of the room, depend on the type of flooring. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of flooring: linoleum, carpet, laminate, tiles, porcelain stoneware, parquet, solid or parquet boards. Parquet flooring, as the most prestigious and attractive, is widely popular due to its excellent aesthetic qualities and high performance characteristics. In addition, it is an indicator excellent taste, solidity and prosperity of the owner of the house. The most common flooring option is parquet board ash or oak. To give preference to one of them, you should study the qualities of the wood and compare them.

Oak or ash: growth features

Oak is a member of the beech family and has a wide growing area. Today there are about 600 various types this tree. The height of an oak tree can reach up to 50 meters, and its diameter can be up to 2 meters. The life expectancy of an oak tree with slow growth (about 20 cm per year) is up to 1000 years.

Ash is considered the second most popular tree. It belongs to the olive family and grows much faster than oak. The height of an ash tree can reach 40 meters, while the trunk remains slender. The maximum lifespan of an ash tree is 250-300 years.

Oak or ash: qualities of wood

These tree species are widely popular among manufacturers and are of high value in the production of parquet boards. Despite all the similarities, each species has a whole set of qualities that are taken into account in the process of wood processing and flooring production.

The high aesthetic and performance qualities of oak and ash have been valued since time immemorial. The wood of these species is considered the hardest and heaviest, has high strength, elasticity and viscosity. Oak wood wears out little and resists rot and microorganisms. It is highly resistant to moisture. On the contrary, when exposed to water, wood acquires characteristic dark shades. This type of oak is called bog oak. Oak wood occupies a leading position in hardness, which increases over the years.

Unlike oak wood, ash wood is relatively short-lived, which is due to the peculiarity of its structure. It also has increased resistance to fungi, mold and other microorganisms, and does not change its properties with temperature and humidity changes. However, ash wood wears out faster, so its surface needs additional processing when producing parquet.

Due to their dense structure, oak and ash wood lends itself well to processing. It is used in the manufacture of not only flooring, but also tools, sports equipment, furniture, doors, stairs, thresholds.

Oak parquet: beauty and durability

To create an interior in classic style An indispensable attribute is oak parquet board. Its surface is characterized by natural noble shades. Wealth color range from light yellow to dark brown, almost black, due to the growing conditions of the tree. Thanks to its excellent aesthetic qualities, heat and sound insulation properties, parquet boards will help create a discreet and exquisitely elegant interior, while providing an atmosphere home warmth and cozy tranquility.

Recommended for high-traffic areas, since its surface can withstand critically increased loads. It is also recommended for use in residential and office premises, since the surface has a varied texture that adds richness and nobility to any interior. Oak parquet boards harmoniously combine with any interior design, providing comfort and naturalness.

Ash parquet: sophistication and stability

It is the second most popular floor covering. This is due to the stability of the floor and aesthetic appeal. A properly processed board does not shrink, does not deform, and provides high resistance to abrasion. Therefore, it is recommended to use it in high-traffic areas, as well as at sports facilities.

The light color of the wood, and all its shades determine the character of the interior where it will be used. this material. In its finished form, ash flooring impresses with its lightness and discreet sophistication; its discreet beauty allows you to create spectacular and presentable interiors in classic, modern, retro and even country styles.

Ash or oak parquet: which is better?

To determine which is better: ash or oak parquet boards, you need to know that oak and ash wood acquires richness and depth over time. Both materials have a similar texture, however, ash has a more pronounced natural pattern than oak, whose grain pattern has a calm restraint. Oak wood is used to create classic flooring, and ash wood is used to make mosaic parquet.

It is unlikely that anyone would argue that an important part of any home is the floor. Coziness and comfort in our home directly depends on what type of flooring we choose: laminate, linoleum, carpet, parquet or solid wood. By the way, the last option is very tempting, because it is one of the most prestigious and attractive floor coverings. Wooden floors have always been an indicator of wealth, solidity and excellent taste of the home owner. Solid wood floors have fairly high performance properties. It is resistant to stress, environmentally friendly, durable, has an elegant appearance thanks to the pronounced wood texture and all the possibilities for creating a healthy microclimate in the house.

Oak floor boards - strength and durability

When choosing solid board, you should know that its wear resistance and long service life are determined by the type of wood used. Compared to parquet, solid floor boards are 1.5-2 times thicker, which significantly increases its service life. Since ancient times, oak and ash wood was used to create a reliable floor. , distinguished by its natural noble color, is indispensable when creating an interior in a classic style. High aesthetic qualities, durability, excellent thermal insulation properties will bring warmth and tranquility to your home, and will also emphasize your impeccable taste. ideal for floors that will be subject to increased loads; it’s not for nothing that oak is called “eternal long-liver.” The material goes well with interior solutions, gives comfort and a feeling of harmony and unity with nature.

In terms of hardness, this type of wood occupies a leading position. Over the years it only gets stronger, and its natural beauty only intensifies. The natural texture of solid floorboards will add richness to any interior. So it will not leave any connoisseur of natural beauty indifferent.

Solid ash field board - exquisite durability

However, not only oak floor board enjoys overwhelming success. Along with it, many are also attracted. It is often used at all kinds of sports facilities. Properly dried, there are almost no shrinkage dates, it is minimally subject to deformation and pleases its owner for a very long time. And the contrasting pattern with smooth patterns of annual rings makes ash stand out from other species. It looks quite elegant, it does not catch the eye, but at the same time it is very impressive and presentable. Interiors in country, modern, classic, and retro styles will surprisingly benefit from the proximity to a similar coating, which beautifully plays with reflections in daytime and evening lighting.

Unpretentious. Changes in temperature and importance do not affect its characteristics and dimensions. The elasticity and hardness of ash allow you to install floor boards quickly and without extra effort. Solid ash floor board - best choice for those who dream of admiring the beauty and unusualness of their interior for a long time.

So solid and ash is a promise bright decor, luxury and long term services. If a massive board is laid according to all the rules, it will look simply gorgeous.

Before you begin installing solid wood flooring, remove it from its packaging and stack it to allow it to absorb the humidity of the room before laying the floor. Work begins with screeding and waterproofing the floor. Laying is done on a dry and level base, designed to ensure the durability of the coating. The most best base- subfloor or plywood.

Several ways to lay solid floorboards

There are several methods for laying solid boards; before any of them, prepare the base for the flooring using self-leveling mixtures or cement-sand screeds. Most often, laying solid boards using a plywood base is used; this method is the simplest. When installing the floor, the solid board needs to be “pulled”. The board is laid on a prepared base made of moisture-resistant plywood along the screed and secured using two-component glue and self-tapping screws at the side ends.. Keep in mind that between the sheets of plywood themselves a gap of 3 mm must be left, and between the sheets and the walls of the room the gap must be about 10 mm. After laying, the massive board needs to be sanded. Before laying solid floorboards, do not forget to clean the base from dust.

A little effort and patience - and you will be able to show off to your guests a stunning floor that will give the entire interior a unique charm, and you will be in a great mood!