GCSEDesign & TechnologyAQARevision Notes2. Specialist Technical PrinciplesUsing & Working With MaterialsProperties of Natural & Manufactured Timbers

Properties of Natural & Manufactured Timbers (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note

Exam code: 8552

Philip Holton

Written by: Philip Holton

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

Properties of natural and manufactured timbers in commercial products

  • Commercial products are made from natural and manufactured timbers because of the properties that these materials have

  • For each commercial product, the material used will have properties which benefit the use of that product

Commercial products made from natural and manufactured timbers

  • Furniture

  • Building construction

  • Children's toys

  • Garden fencing

Properties of natural timber products and their uses

  • There is a wide range of timber commercial products

  • The material that the manufacturer uses for each depends on the properties that the material has

Children's toys

Material

Beech

General properties

Hard and strong

Performance properties

Rigid and tough on impact

Mechanical properties

Good compressive and tensile strength

Physical properties

Very little natural oil

Flat pack furniture

Material

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)

General properties

Dense and heavy

Swells with water

Performance properties

Easy to cut to shape and finish

Mechanical properties

Good stiffness

Physical properties

Consistent thickness and dimensional stability

Building frames

Material

Larch

General properties

Medium hard surface

Performance properties

Good strength-to-weight ratio

Mechanical properties

Good compressive strength

Physical properties

Resistant to rotting and durable

Garden fencing

Material

Spruce

General properties

Straight grain and durable

Performance properties

Easy to cut to shape

Mechanical properties

Good strength-to-weight ratio

Physical properties

Generally stable

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Author
Reviewer
Philip Holton

Author: Philip Holton

Expertise: Design and Technology Content Creator

Phil is a Design and Technology specialist with over 22 years of experience across education, curriculum development, and assessment, working with major exam boards and organisations across the UK. He focuses on making GCSE D&T clear and accessible, helping students build the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in their exams.

Bridgette Barrett

Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Development Editor

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 30 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.