The process in which wood is used to build, carve, or make anything is what is known as woodworking. In its simplest sense, the term can also be used to refer to any process in which wood is utilized. There are many uses for wood, the most obvious of which is in the construction of houses and other structures, as well as the furniture inside the home such as tables and chairs. Wood is also used in creating tools, boats, and musical instruments, and it is also used in cooking either as firewood or to manufacture charcoal.
Wood has become an everyday resource for the early man, and this is because the raw material was readily available in many regions around the world. Its pliability is also a major factor as to why it has been chosen as the main ingredient for many construction projects, be it as the material or in the form of tools. Other raw materials available at that time were rocks or stones and mud, and all these material blended together well to provide man with shelter and food.
Trees are the very resource that gives us the gift of wood, and it seemed ideal at the beginning because trees are a natural resource that can be propagated for future use. However, the many applications of woodworking have caused a shortage of this natural material even before man could consider that new trees had to be planted in order to service man’s needs.
The initial response to this depletion of resources came with the development of transportation and trade innovations. Man had to and was able to import wood so as to service the various needs of a community. This scarcity also explains why some types of wood are more expensive than others, and it did not take long before people realized that something had to be done to avoid a heavy decrease in the availability of wood. This is one of the driving forces behind the development of what we now know as man-made or artificial wood.
Artificial wood such as plywood is widely used in many applications for which natural wood is required. This type of wood can be seen in the construction of houses as flooring, walls, columns, and even finishes and furniture. The use of artificial wood is considered a breakthrough in environmental conservation because although it is very similar to its natural counterpart, artificial wood does not easily rot and can actually be made from or turned into recycled material. Using artificial wood can help preserve the trees and moreover, this practice can help us decrease the amount of wastes that we acquire.
Another advantage of using artificial wood is its relatively cheaper price. These synthetic alternatives are more affordable even though they have the same or even better properties. Synthetic wood can be modified more easily than natural wood. It can be designed to take on different forms, sizes, and shapes, and are even easier to design with dyes and other finishes. Artificial wood as the main component of woodworking can definitely help develop the craft so that it can be used for innovative purposes.
Please Share This Article 🙂
