Types of Engineered Wood and Their Uses

Abstract

Engineering wood, also known as composite wood or manufactured wood, is a versatile and sustainable material that has gained significant popularity in various engineering applications. Engineering wood is created by combining natural wood fibers or particles with adhesives and other additives to enhance its strength, durability, and dimensional stability. The resulting material exhibits improved properties compared to traditional solid wood, such as a higher strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to moisture and pests, and reduced warping or shrinking. One of the primary applications of engineering wood is in the construction industry. Another significant application of engineering wood is in the furniture industry. It can be molded into various shapes and sizes, allowing for intricate designs while maintaining structural integrity. Engineered wood products like plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are commonly used for manufacturing cabinets, tables, chairs, and other furniture pieces. Engineering wood also finds application in the automotive sector. The versatility of engineering wood extends beyond the construction, furniture, and automotive industries. In conclusion, engineering wood offers a wide range of applications across various industries due to its enhanced properties compared to solid wood. Its use in construction provides durable structural elements while reducing environmental impact.

1. Introduction

Wood has been used by humans in various fields since ancient times, but in recent years, environmental problems have made governments and global health officials think of a solution to minimize ecological pollutants Above all, he thought about preserving the forests. Wood has living and dead cells, which has caused its properties to be strongly affected by factors such as time, humidity, heat, etc. Wood has relatively good properties against pressure, bending, and stretching. Also, wood has relatively good heat and sound insulation properties. Unlike steel and many other metals, wood is reversible. In addition, wood has a natural and impressive beauty that has caused it to be used in various industries, including furniture production, interior and exterior decoration of buildings, etc. [1].

Wood is one of the most important construction and industrial materials obtained from trees. Wood has unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties that make it suitable for use in various industries, including construction, furniture production, paper production, etc. Wood is one of the most important natural resources used in various industries such as construction, furniture, and vehicles.

The decrease in the level of forests and natural resources is reaching more acute and worrying stages day by day; So that nowadays the efforts of all countries are toward the optimal use of wood raw material. Wood is one of the oldest building materials and has many advantages as a building material. Therefore, by using natural and recyclable wood products, environmental degradation can be controlled to some extent. Also, reducing energy consumption and costs is very important [2].

However, improper use of forests and neglecting issues related to environmental protection can lead to air pollution, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and climate change. To preserve the environment and sustainable use of wood, new approaches have been developed, such as planting sustainable forests, recycling wood, using engineered wood, and using alternative materials such as polymers and metals. Also, new technologies such as wooden buildings with minimal energy consumption and the production of recycled paper help to preserve the environment. The decrease in the level of forests and natural resources is reaching more acute and worrying stages day by day; So today the efforts of all countries have led to the optimal use of wood raw material [3]. However, due to improper harvesting of forests, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change, wood use may harm the environment [4]. To preserve the environment and sustainable use of wood resources, new approaches such as planting sustainable forests, wood recycling, using engineered wood, and using substitute materials for natural wood such as polymers and metals have been developed [5].

The use of wood waste as raw materials in the production of products is very important, due to the reduction of harvesting from forests and the preservation of the environment. Also, by recycling wood waste, you can save natural resources and reduce production costs [6].

Engineered wood is wood that has been improved using chemical, physical, and mechanical processes. This type of wood can be used as a substitute for natural wood in many applications such as the construction industry, furniture industry, art industry, etc., by increasing its strength, hardness, dimensional stability, and other mechanical properties [7]. Figure 1 shows the use of wood from ancient times to today.

Figure 1.

The use of wood from the past to the present [8].

Engineering wood, also known as composite wood or manufactured wood, has gained significant recognition and usage in various industries due to its versatility and enhanced properties compared to traditional solid wood. This engineered material is created by bonding together multiple layers of wood veneers or fibers with adhesives, resulting in a strong and stable composite product [9]. The development of engineering wood has revolutionized the construction, furniture, and interior design industries, offering an array of benefits and applications.

This introduction aims to provide an overview of engineering wood and explore its wide-ranging applications in different sectors. One of the primary advantages of engineering wood is its improved strength and stability compared to solid wood [10]. By combining different layers of wood, this composite material achieves enhanced structural integrity, making it suitable for demanding applications in construction. Additionally, engineering wood exhibits superior dimensional stability, reducing the risk of warping, twisting, or splitting that can occur with solid wood. Another significant advantage of engineering wood is its environmental sustainability. Many engineered wood products are manufactured using wood fibers sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring responsible and eco-friendly production [11].

Additionally, the utilization of engineered wood reduces the demand for solid wood, contributing to the conservation of natural resources. The versatility of engineering wood is evident in its wide range of applications. In the construction industry, it is commonly used for structural components such as beams, columns, and floor systems, where its strength, stability, and durability are key factors. Engineering wood can also be found in furniture manufacturing, enabling the creation of esthetically pleasing and long-lasting pieces. Its consistent quality and resistance to warping make it an ideal choice for cabinetry, tables, chairs, and other furniture items. Furthermore, engineering wood finds its place in interior design, where it is utilized for wall paneling, decorative elements, and various architectural features [12].

By understanding the characteristics and applications of engineering wood, professionals and enthusiasts can make informed decisions when selecting materials for their projects. This knowledge allows for the utilization of engineering wood’s unique properties to achieve desired outcomes in terms of strength, durability, sustainability, and esthetics. In the following sections of this article, we will delve deeper into the different types of engineering wood, their specific applications, and the advantages they offer. By exploring these aspects, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of engineering wood and its potential to transform various industries.

2. What is the application of wood?

2.1 Woods

The main uses of wood are fuel consumption, however, we must remember that wood was the main source of energy and fuel before the year 1850. Currently, wood is seen as a fuel mostly in developing countries, which can be mentioned in African and South American countries.

People who live in industrialized countries and their main source of energy supply is oil should know that their energy supply sources (coal, gas, oil) were created from decomposed forests thousands of years ago. Once consumed, it takes millions of years to be replenished. Some scientists believe that the current forests, with careful management, can be a source of inexhaustible production of firewood and charcoal, which are very cheap [13].

Today, wood is used a lot. Wood is an excellent material for use as fuel. On the other hand, in the construction industry, wood is used to make materials or the body of the building. The use of wood for building construction dates back more than 6000 years ago, and this material is still widely used in the construction industry. On the other hand, some people use wood as a material to decorate the building. Wood is used to make all kinds of tables and furniture, decorative and consumables, and it is considered one of the most widely used and common materials for making partitions, flooring, doors, and windows [14].

In fact, more than 5000 different wooden products are continuously produced. Products of this category have been known for a long time, some of which are: cellulose, wood varnish, and artificial silk [15].

Another increasing use of wood is in the production of compact boards such as plywood, chipboard, and fiberboard. Even the complex systems that made space travel possible require the major use of wood and its products, which can be referred to as a type of cork from oak bark as thermal insulation.

The following are the most common uses of wood:

• Construction of wooden doors and windows

• Making wooden decorative accessories

• Use as fuel

• Making furniture

• Use in building construction

• Create a partition

• Construction of wooden flooring and wall covering

• Use in shipping and boat-building industries

• Making paper and packaging industries

2.2 Wood properties

Wood is a unique and attractive living texture that cannot be compared with any other material. Wood has great resistance and strength and is very flexible. The weight of wood is lighter than other materials and it can be made into different shapes. Another feature of wood is that it has different properties in different ways. You should know that wood is extremely durable. Many wooden items from hundreds or even thousands of years ago are still intact. Although one of the most important negative characteristics of wood is its inability to tolerate moisture. So that the exposure of wood to moisture can cause rotting of the wood texture as well as the growth of insects and fungi in it.

The most attractive feature of wood that makes it very distinctive is its amazing design and color. Woods have different colors and designs, and therefore they can be used to make different materials or different designs [16].

Converting wood into fibers and smaller components (chips) and then recombining these components into a variety of composite products makes the manufactured products have a more uniform resistance in different directions.

In addition to the mentioned cases, the environmental effects brought to the region due to mining often require more time than a human’s lifetime to restore. While many trees can be produced during this time [17].

3. Types of engineering wood and their use

Engineered wood, which is also known as industrial wood and composite wood. It is a wood product derived from wood waste and by-products such as sawdust. In fact, these waste woods undergo changes and transformations using heat, glue, and pressure to obtain a suitable and usable replacement for natural wood.

Engineered wood is considered a very prominent development in the production of building materials. Which has many advantages compared to natural wood. Since wood waste is used in the construction of engineered wood. (As a result, there is no need to cut more trees). From the point of view of the environment, they are not only harmful, but they are also friendly and preserve the environment.

The thickness and density of this type of wood can be ordered based on the needs and goals of the project. In addition, engineered wood has high strength. This type of wood can be easily manipulated and cut with simple tools and skills [18].

Wood is one of the most efficient and useful materials that has been available to man since ancient times. Since the beginning of creation, man has used stone and wood as the first building materials. In total, three types of wood are used to make wooden accessories. These three types include soft wood-hard wood-engineering wood. If you take a quick look around you, you will see that most of your things are made of wood, and most of this type of wood is made up of engineered wood. If you do not know what type of engineered wood your bed, desk, chair, and any of these home appliances are, then stay with us. What kind of wood is called engineering wood? The reason for the engineering name of this type of wood is that the production process of such wood is designed precisely. This type of wood is the result of using waste and can be said to be a by-product of wood. The collected wastes are connected utilizing heat and glue. Of course, engineering wood is also known by names such as composite and industrial wood. Due to its very interesting and appropriate structure, engineered wood created a huge change in the construction of wooden materials and decoration [19].

3.1 Types of engineered wood

3.1.1 Laminated board

Several thin layers of wood are placed on top of each other and these thin layers are connected at different angles using glue. As mentioned before, this wood board is formed by stacking thin sheets on top of each other. It is recommended to use an angle of 45 degrees to overlap the thin layers in the construction of these boards; Because the angle of 90 degrees cannot provide enough resistance for multi-layer boards. Therefore, we connect the thin layers at an angle of 45 degrees. This prevents easy bending and twisting of the wood [20]. This type of wood is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2.

Laminated wood [21].

3.1.1.1 Different types of laminated board

• Multi-layer softwood board (made from wood such as beech, mahogany, and birch)

• Multi-layer hardwood board (made from pine, fir, and cedar wood)

• Tropical multilayer board

• Decorative multi-layer board (suitable for construction and decoration design)

3.1.1.2 Applications of laminated board

Laminated boards have a wide range of applications in various industries and sectors. Some common applications include [22, 23]:

1. Furniture: laminated boards are extensively used in the furniture industry for making tables, cabinets, shelves, and other types of furniture. The laminated surface provides durability, resistance to scratches and stains, and an attractive finish.

2. Interior design: laminated boards are popularly used for wall paneling, flooring, and decorative purposes in interior design projects. They offer a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures to enhance the esthetics of residential and commercial spaces.

3. Construction: laminated boards find applications in construction projects for making doors, windows, partitions, and false ceilings. They provide structural strength while offering an appealing appearance.

4. Packaging: laminated boards are used in packaging industries for making boxes, cartons, displays, and other packaging materials. The lamination protects against moisture, dust, and damage during transportation.

5. Signage and advertising: laminated boards are commonly used for creating signage boards, billboards, display stands, and advertising materials due to their durability and ability to withstand outdoor conditions.

6. Automotive industry: laminated boards are utilized in the automotive industry for making interior components such as dashboards, door panels, trims, and headliners. They offer resistance to heat, moisture, and wear while providing a visually appealing finish.

7. Educational materials: laminated boards are often used in educational settings for making whiteboards or blackboards that can be written on with markers or chalk. They provide a smooth writing surface that can be easily cleaned.

8. Exhibition booths: laminated boards are commonly used in exhibition booths or trade show displays as they can be easily customized with graphics or branding elements while being lightweight for easy transportation.

9. Retail displays: laminated boards find applications in retail environments for creating displays, shelves, and fixtures. They offer a clean and professional appearance to showcase products effectively.

3.1.1.3 What are the most important advantages of laminated wood boards?

The main and very important benefits,

1. Strength and endurance: one of the main and very important advantages, the multilayer board has a lot of resistance due to its composition of several layers. It makes optimal use of the large and larger surface of wood by consumers who can easily do many works on the surface of the laminated. Of course, this resistance is distributed throughout its surface.

2. Size and criteria: the boards are very suitable for making wooden items due to the texture of the wood and the way the layers are placed on top of each other in addition to their high strength. Usually, the size of these wooden boards is 180 cm long and 120 cm wide.

3.1.1.4 What are the disadvantages of using multi-layer wood boards?

1. Considering their strength, their price is not very suitable for the consumer.

2. Due to the multi-layered nature of this wood board, it is more difficult to cut. This makes it difficult to cut these wood boards.

3. Dangerous gasses that may be released when cutting this wood board can be harmful to people.

3.1.1.5 What are the most important applications of multi-layer wood boards?

1. Furniture industry

2. Seats and table types

3. Types of wooden shelving

4. Stalling and display of exhibitions

5. Making all kinds of wooden doors

3.1.2 Chipboard (particle board)

Like other types of engineered wood, chipboard is obtained from waste wood such as sawdust and wood chips. These wood wastes are converted into wood chips during a special process, and these wood chips are well mixed with resin or glue during the thermal compression process. The final product is called a chipboard.

Chipboard is a type of engineered wood product that is made from compressed wood chips. It is one of the most widely used types of engineering wood, which is also known as chipboard. If you pay attention to the structure of this wood, you will see wood waste, such as wood chips, in its structure. These wood wastes, which are mostly wood chips, are compressed by heat and pressure and connected by glue or resin. In addition, note that to improve some characteristics of this wood, such as resistance to moisture, fire, or the production of soundproof panels, he made changes and corrections in the boards [24]. An example of chipboard wood is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3.

Chipboard wood [25].

3.1.2.1 Applications of chipboard (chipboard)

Chipboard, also known as particleboard, is a versatile and commonly used engineered wood product. It consists of wood particles or chips bonded together with an adhesive under heat and pressure. Chipboard has a range of applications across various industries, including construction, furniture manufacturing, packaging, and interior design. Here are some common applications of chipboard [26, 27]:

1. Furniture manufacturing: chipboard is extensively used in the production of furniture, including cabinets, shelves, desks, tables, and wardrobes. It serves as a cost-effective alternative to solid wood and can be laminated or veneered to enhance its esthetic appearance.

2. Interior design: chipboard panels are widely employed in interior design applications. They are used as wall paneling, decorative panels, room dividers, and ceiling tiles. Chipboards can be painted, laminated, or covered with decorative veneers or laminates to achieve the desired design esthetic.

3. Flooring: chipboard is used as a substrate for laminate flooring. It provides a stable and durable base for the laminate layer and helps to create a budget-friendly flooring option.

4. Packaging: chipboard is commonly used across various packaging applications. It is used in the production of cardboard boxes, carton packaging, and other types of packaging materials. Its strength and durability make it suitable for protecting and shipping various products.

5. Construction: chipboard finds application in the construction industry as well. It is used for sheathing, subflooring, roof decking, and wall partitions. Its structural strength and affordability make it a preferred choice for these applications.

6. Soundproofing and insulation: the structural properties of chipboard make it useful for soundproofing and insulation purposes. It can be used as an underlayment material to reduce sound transmission or as an insulation material in walls, floors, or roofs.

These are just a few examples of the many applications of chipboard. Its affordability, versatility, and ease of use make it a popular choice across multiple industries where cost-effective and robust wood-based materials are required.

3.1.2.2 Advantages and disadvantages of chipboard

1. Weight: due to the conditions of preparation and compression, this wood has lightweight. If we want to compare this wood with the multi-layer type of engineering wood these wood have a much lower weight. This issue has made it more comfortable in terms of transportation and handling compared to other types of this category of wood.

2. Price: if we want to mention the most important advantage of using this wood, it is undoubtedly its affordability. Big companies like IKEA (is the name of a popular Scandinavian-founded, worldwide furniture store) use chipboard and MDF to make high-quality and low-cost furniture. These woods are mostly used in large pieces such as dining tables, desks, TV tables, and bookshelves.

3. Insulating: it is used in making furniture and internal uses; Because these standard woods are not suitable for parts that are prone to getting wet or in high humidity. This wood is cheaper than miso wood.

4. Nail maintenance: one of the main needs that wood must have is the maintenance of nails and screws. During the investigation and comparisons that have been made, these woods are more maintainable than MDF. Chipboard has a great ability to accept glue and paint.

5. Malleability: the structure of this wood model is such that you can easily change its size using a cutting machine and a drill. Buy chipboard raw or coated with thin sheets of veneer or plastic.

Some of the most important disadvantages of chipboard.

1. It has low moisture resistance. If it is exposed to moisture, its surface will swell and become scaly and its color will change.

2. In general, it can be said that chipboard does not have a very beautiful appearance and is mostly used in cases where the appearance of the work is not of great importance.

3. It has little strength. In general, it can be said that the strength and resistance of the chipboard are low and it does not have a high tolerance against heavy load and pressure.

4. It is not suitable for heavy loads because it cannot bear them.

5. More destructibility than other types of wood

3.1.3 MDF

Medium-density fiberboard, commonly known as MDF, is made by combining sawdust, wood chips, or even organic fiber and pressing them with high pressure. MDF, as a multi-layer board, is widely used as a building material in residential and commercial projects. Perhaps the only disadvantage of MDF is that it is very dense and therefore weighs significantly compared to plywood and chipboard.

Undoubtedly, MDF is one of the most widely used woods used in making construction materials and wooden items. They use MDF to make cabinets, furniture, wall panels, decorative items, and doors; Because MDF is heat and sound insulation. MDF is also used in acoustic enclosures such as speakers or bass speakers. For people who work with MDF, the only problem they get from it is its high weight. Usually, the use of MDF in floor products, such as laminate and parquet floors, is not practical and its use is completely wrong. In the following, we will discuss some points about the use, advantages, and disadvantages of MDF [28]. An example of MDF wood is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4.

MDF wood [29].

3.1.3.1 What are the most important advantages of MDF?

1. Insulation: one of the key points of this type of engineered wood is sound insulation. This point has caused the use of this wood in the music industry as well. to prevent excessive vibration. As well as insulation against moisture and dryness.

2. Price: this type of wood allows you to use high quality at a low price.

3. Resistance: MDF is resistant to termites and other pests due to the use of special chemical processes in its manufacture.

3.1.3.2 What are the disadvantages of using MDF?

1. MDF wood requires a lot of maintenance. If the MDF fills or cracks, repairing it is not an easy task at all.

2. Sometimes it may absorb moisture earlier than natural wood and swell.

3. The chemicals used in the structure of MDF are not very suitable for children.

4. The type of glue used in MDF makes it a little difficult to use some connections such as screws in this material.

5. Although suitable for nail storage, problems may arise at first and the wood is prone to cracking.

6. For People who work with MDF, the sawdust produced from it can cause respiratory problems in them.

3.1.3.3 Applications of MDF

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a versatile material that finds applications in various industries and sectors. Some common applications of MDF include [30, 31]:

1. Furniture and wooden items. Doors and door components: MDF is utilized indoor construction, both as a core material and as a surfacing material for panel doors. It provides stability, durability, and a consistent appearance, making it suitable for interior doors.

2. Cabinet making and interior decoration

3. Flooring: MDF can be used as an underlayment for laminate or engineered wood flooring. Its high density provides stability and helps to reduce noise transmission.

4. Speaker enclosures: the acoustic properties of MDF make it an ideal material for constructing speaker enclosures. Its density helps reduce unwanted vibrations and resonances that can affect sound quality.

5. Art and crafts: MDF is a popular choice for artists and crafters due to its smooth surface, which allows for easy painting, carving, or engraving. It can be used as a canvas or as a base material for creating sculptures, signs, or decorative items.

6. Display fixtures: MDF is frequently used in retail environments to create display fixtures such as shelves, racks, and stands. It can be easily customized to fit specific product requirements and offers a cost-effective alternative to solid wood.

3.1.4 HDF

If you are looking for an economical and reliable alternative to wood and plywood, boards made of wood fiber such as (high-density fiberboard) HDF and MDF are the best choice. Like MDF, HDF (high-density fiberboard) is a composite sheet made of pressed wood particles. HDF is a very thin sheet whose thickness generally varies between 3 and 8 mm. HDF is a man-made wooden product that is produced from the combination of wood chips impregnated with synthetic resins and adhesives. The mixture of these wood and resin particles is subjected to high temperature and pressure and becomes thin sheets with a thickness of less than 1 cm. The wood chips used in HDF are much more homogeneous than MDF and chipboard, which is why it has a higher density than them, around 900 kg/m³ [32]. HDF has a higher density compared to other types of fiberboard, such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF). This increased density gives HDF superior strength, durability, and resistance to moisture and impact. Due to its high density and strength properties, HDF provides excellent stability and structural integrity. It also has good screw-holding capacity and can be machined with sprecision. Additionally, HDF has low formaldehyde emissions compared to some other wood products. An example of HDF wood is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5.

HDF wood [33].

3.1.4.1 Advantages and disadvantages of using HDF wood

1. HDF is a high-priority substrate for multi-layer wood flooring; Because it is hard and solid.

2. Another advantage of HDF wood is its completely smooth surface, and this smooth surface makes it suitable for the production of flooring.

3. This type of engineering wood has very high color acceptability.

4. HDF is also a good choice for use in frames, boxes, shutters, and internal shelves of fitted wardrobes.

5. In addition to the price, it looks beautiful and is similar to natural wood, which makes this type of wood more popular than natural wood.

6. One of the disadvantages that distinguishes HDF from other types of engineered wood such as chipboard is its high resistance to pests such as termites. The reason for this is the materials and chemical compounds used in the production process of this type of wood.

3.1.4.2 Disadvantages of HDF

1. Like chipboard, this wood is not highly resistant to moisture and water.

2. This wood cannot be used in open spaces due to the high absorption of moisture.

3.1.4.3 Applications of HDF

High-density fiberboard (HDF) is a durable and versatile engineered wood product with several applications across various industries. Here are some common applications of high-density fiberboard (HDF) [34, 35]:

1. Wood furniture industry and door making: HDF is widely used for making doors and furniture due to its resemblance to natural wood. In addition, with the help of HDF, they make very beautiful wooden items.

2. Flooring and wallpaper: the natural and beautiful appearance of this type of wood has made it a suitable choice for people who want to floor and wallpaper their homes.

3. Wall paneling: HDF panels are employed for decorative wall paneling, wainscoting, or other interior wall applications. The smooth and uniform surface of HDF allows for easy installation and finishing, such as painting or applying surface treatments.

4. Interior design and architectural millwork: HDF is a popular choice for interior design applications, such as wall paneling, wainscoting, moldings, and trim. Its dense composition ensures stability and resistance to warping, making it suitable for installations in various environments.

5. Soundproofing and acoustic panels: the dense structure of HDF makes it an excellent material for soundproofing applications. It is commonly used in the construction of acoustic panels and sound barriers to reduce noise transmission and improve acoustics in commercial spaces, studios, theaters, and home theaters.

6. Crafts and DIY projects: HDF’s versatility and ease of working make it a popular choice for crafts and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. It can be easily cut, routed, and shaped to create custom designs for home décor, signage, model making, and other creative applications.

7. Automotive industry: HDF is utilized in the automotive industry for making interior components such as door panels, dashboards, and trim pieces due to its durability and ability to withstand vibrations.

It’s important to note that HDF comes in different grades and thicknesses, allowing for a wide range of applications. The specific characteristics of HDF, such as its density, strength, and moisture resistance, can be tailored to meet the requirements of different applications. Overall, high-density fiberboard offers a cost-effective, versatile, and durable solution for various industries. Its applications span from furniture manufacturing to interior design, flooring, packaging, soundproofing, and beyond, making it a valuable material in numerous sectors.

3.2 What are the disadvantages of engineered wood?

Some of the disadvantages of engineered wood include:

1. Very low reparability: engineered wood has a very thin shell that cracks easily. If this happens, engineered wood will be very difficult to repair.

2. Unsuitable for humid and hot environments: against humidity and heat, engineered wood may shrink or expand and lose its beautiful appearance.

3. Artificial look: the pattern on engineered wood is usually overprinted, which is why it feels artificial.

4. Cost: engineered wood is usually more expensive than traditional wood.

5. Lack of natural attractiveness: engineered wood cannot have the natural attractiveness of traditional wood due to its uniform appearance.

3.3 Which engineered wood is better?

However, on the other hand, engineered wood also has advantages as a cost-effective alternative to traditional wood. For example:

1. The most efficient: engineered wood is made from woods that provide the most efficiency, for example, beech wood and soybean wood.

2. Greater resistance to changes in temperature and humidity: engineered wood can withstand more changes in temperature and humidity.

3. Reducing losses: engineered wood reduces losses due to biological effects, fighting insects and reducing the size and weight of wood.

4. Providing side cover: engineered wood can provide a side cover that protects the wood structure against vandalism factors.

5. Improving base construction: engineered wood can be useful for improving base construction for tall buildings.

In general, engineered wood appears to be preferred in environments seeking to reduce losses.

3.4 Is engineered wood a natural material? Is it environmentally friendly?

Therefore, engineered wood is not a material that is born naturally, but because the base material of the tree is used for its production, it can be considered environmentally friendly. However, it should be said that as a raw material, using traditional wood is better, and using engineered wood should only be done if the project requirements support it. Also, for the long-term sustainability of the environment, it is necessary to ensure the restorative materials used for engineered wood, which usually consist of chemical resins [36].

3.5 Why is engineered wood expensive?

In addition, the production of engineered wood costs more than traditional wood products due to more complex processes and advanced technologies. Also, some types of wood used in the construction of engineered wood are of high quality, which requires additional costs for their extraction. In general, engineered wood can be used due to its advantages such as less wood consumption, lower maintenance and installation costs, greater yield from the tree, and more sustainable applications.

3.6 How long does engineered wood last?

The life of engineered wood generally depends on the quality of construction, the type of trees used, environmental conditions, and how to maintain and use it. However, for high-quality engineered wood, it has a lifespan of at least 30–50 years. Considering that engineered wood is more resistant than traditional wood, it is usually used in domestic and industrial applications to make walls, doors, windows, parquet, and furniture [10].

3.7 How do you protect engineered wood?

You can use the following methods to preserve engineered wood and increase its life: Regular care and maintenance: to prevent damage to engineered wood, it should be cleaned regularly and dust and dirt removed from it. Use cleaners made of engineered wood. You can also use wood conditioners to keep moisture inside the wood. Use of protective coating: using protective coating can prevent wrinkling and scratching. You can use a water, soil, and corrosion protection coating to protect engineered wood from water, weather, insects, and scratches. Coating with paint or wood oil: by coating engineered wood with paint or wood oil, you protect it from moisture, wind, and sunlight. People who want to use engineered wood outdoors can use wood paint to cover the wood to prevent corrosion and scratches.

Installing in the right place: installing engineered wood in environments with moderate temperature and humidity is one of the solutions that can help preserve it. Avoid installing engineered wood in areas that are exposed to water, sunlight, and direct wind. In short, to maintain engineered wood, it should be cleaned regularly, use a protective coating, and cover It is important to choose the right place to install it with paint or wood oil [37].

4. Conclusion

Although engineered wood protects the environment and prevents indiscriminate cutting of trees, it should be kept in mind that this type of wood can cause serious harm to human health. Because in its production process, a type of glue is used that contains a harmful substance called formaldehyde; Therefore, and both carpenters and manufacturers are exposed to damage caused by engineered wood; Therefore, these people should look for solutions such as the use of masks and the size of safety equipment to minimize the possible risks of working with engineered wood.

Conflict of interest

“The authors declare no conflict of interest.”