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ScotlandDesign and ManufactureQuick questions
Materials and Manufacture
Quick questions on Timbers and their properties - SQA Higher Design and Manufacture
6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are hardwoods?Show answer
From broadleaved trees such as oak, beech, ash, mahogany and balsa. Most are dense, strong, hard-wearing and durable with attractive grain, which suits quality furniture and flooring; but they grow slowly, so they cost more and can be harder to cut and shape. (Balsa is the exception - a very light, soft hardwood used for models.)
What are softwoods?Show answer
From coniferous trees such as pine (Scots pine, redwood), spruce (whitewood) and cedar. They grow quickly, so they are cheaper and more widely available, and they are lighter and easier to work. They suit construction, framing and general joinery, though many are less durable outdoors unless treated.
What are manufactured boards?Show answer
Made from wood waste or veneers bonded with adhesive. They have no grain direction and come in large, flat, dimensionally stable sheets, so they do not warp or split like a wide natural board:
What is q1?Show answer
Explain why a softwood such as pine is commonly used for the frame of a stud wall or a simple shelf unit. [3 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain two advantages of plywood over solid timber for a curved or load-bearing panel. [4 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain why a designer must consider durability when choosing a timber for an outdoor bench. [3 marks]
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