Manufactured wood is rising in popularity because of the increasing demand for eco-friendly and resource-efficient materials. It has emerged as an innovative and popular option thanks to its enhanced characteristics and numerous aesthetic and functional advantages.
E.W. Hannas has been a trusted name in crafting custom wood-based products for over a century. We blend traditional woodworking values with state-of-the-art equipment to offer cutting-edge solutions across various industries.
What Is Manufactured Wood?
Manufactured wood — such as engineered or composite wood — is a versatile material created by binding wood fibers, strands, or veneers with adhesives and other additives. Unlike traditional solid wood that comes directly from trees, manufactured wood undergoes specialized processes to enhance its properties and tailor it for specific applications. The development of this material has significantly expanded the possibilities in woodworking and construction, offering custom solutions for various industries.
The Different Types of Manufactured Wood
Here are the most common types of manufactured wood available:
1. Plywood
Plywood comprises thin layers or sheets of wood veneer that are glued together. These layers are typically arranged with their grain direction perpendicular to each other. The veneers are securely bonded with adhesive by applying high pressure and heat treatment. This significantly enhances the strength and stability of the final product, making it resistant to warping and cracking.
2. Medium-Density Fiberboard
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is crafted by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers and then combining them with wax and resin. Panels are formed through high temperature and pressure, resulting in a smooth surface and uniform density. Its homogeneous structure provides an ideal substrate for painted finishes, contributing to its popularity in projects requiring a flawless aesthetic.
3. Particleboard
Particleboard or chipboard is made from wood particles — such as wood chips, sawmill shavings, or sawdust — mixed with synthetic resin or other suitable binders. The mixture is compressed and heated to create a dense, solid panel. The resulting board is smooth on one or both sides, depending on its intended use. It is known for its cost-effectiveness but has lower strength than other types of engineered wood.
4. Oriented Strand Board
Oriented strand board (OSB) is composed of wood strands arranged in cross-oriented layers, which are then compressed and bonded with a waterproof adhesive. The resulting panel has a distinctive appearance with visible strands or flakes on the surface. This type of manufactured wood is known for its strength, moisture resistance, dimensional stability, and cost-effectiveness.
5. Laminated Veneer Lumber
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) belongs to the family of structural composite lumber. It is created by bonding thin layers of wood veneers with adhesive under high pressure and heat. This results in a material with high strength and dimensional stability.
Advantages of Manufactured Woods
Manufactured wood presents numerous advantages over solid wood, making it an increasingly popular choice in various industries. Here are some of its benefits:
Cost Effectiveness
Using engineered wood promotes efficient resource utilization. This helps reduce waste and makes it a budget-friendly option for both large-scale construction projects and smaller woodworking endeavors.
Dimensional Stability
Unlike solid wood — which may warp, shrink, or expand with changes in moisture and temperature — manufactured wood is engineered for dimensional stability. This guarantees that products maintain their shape and structural integrity over time.
Sustainability
Engineered wood manufacturing often involves using wood particles, fibers, or veneers derived from by-products and smaller or fast-growing trees. This contributes to sustainable forestry practices and reduces the environmental impact of harvesting large, mature trees for solid wood.
Additionally, the efficient use of resources contributes to reducing overall timber waste. The manufacturing process also typically involves using adhesives that are designed to be environmentally friendly, making manufactured wood a more eco-conscious choice.
Quality Consistency
Manufactured wood features consistent quality across its entire surface. They lack knots, grain irregularities, or other natural variations that may be present in solid wood. Therefore, they are generally easier to work with while also ensuring a reliable and uniform material for construction and woodworking projects.
Customizability
Engineered wood is well-suited for intricate designs and specific project requirements. This flexibility in design — combined with the stability of manufactured wood — opens up creative possibilities for architects, designers, and artisans.
Versatility in Panel Sizes
Engineered wood products often come in larger panel sizes than solid wood, reducing the need to join multiple smaller pieces. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in construction applications, providing efficiency in installation and enhancing the overall structural integrity.
Uses of Manufactured Woods
The diverse types and favorable characteristics of engineered wood make it suitable for diverse applications across various industries. Here are some of its uses:
- Construction: Engineered wood plays a crucial role in building, serving as sheathing for walls and roofs. Plywood and OSB offer structural support, while LVL finds application in crafting large beams and columns for added strength.
- Furniture: MDF and particleboard are commonly chosen materials for crafting cabinets due to their smooth surfaces and consistent density. Meanwhile, plywood is a preferred material for tabletops and shelves, offering stability and a refined finish.
- Flooring: Engineered wood flooring provides the aesthetic appeal of hardwood with enhanced stability. It is extensively used in both residential and commercial spaces.
- Doors and windows: Particleboard and MDF find applications as cores for doors, ensuring stability and minimizing the risk of warping. Plywood is commonly used in the construction of window frames due to its durability and resistance to environmental changes.
- Decorative applications: MDF and plywood are favored for decorative wall paneling, adding texture and style to interior spaces. Meanwhile, engineered woods like finger-jointed wood and MDF are popular choices for creating moldings and trim due to their uniformity and ease of customization.
- Packaging: OSB and plywood take center stage in crate construction for packaging. These materials provide the necessary strength and stability required for transporting goods securely.
E.W. Hannas’ Wood Products
E.W. Hannas is a trusted partner for all your wood product needs. Here are our key offerings:
Buttons, Plugs, and Biscuits
We accommodate high-volume production for tree plugs, biscuits, buttons and plugs, bungs, and spiral groove dowel pins. We can provide these in standard and custom sizing options and packaging.
Wood Handles
Our wood handles are available in various shapes, sizes, finishes, and imprints. They can be used for fan handles, ferruled handles, finished handles, flat handles, pole handles, and turned handles.
Crates and Boxes
E.W. Hannas’ wood crates and boxes find applications in storage and marketing — from candy and ring boxes to food crates and wine bottle containers. We also provide customized solutions for unique and personalized projects.
Food-Safe Products
We provide a wide range of food-safe products, including corn dog sticks, drink stirrers, ice cream sticks, kitchenware, ornamental picks, and skewers. Each item is crafted to adhere to strict regulations for the food and beverage industry, ensuring safety and quality.
Custom Wood Products
E.W. Hannas excels in creating custom wood products, working closely with customers from development to production. Our customization capabilities include custom veneer and finishing options, custom moldings, custom turning, and custom boxes — providing unique solutions tailored to specific requirements.
E.W. Hannas: Your Premier Source for Exceptional Wood Solutions
For four generations, E.W. Hannas proudly delivered high-value wood products to clients across the globe. With ISO, C-TPAT, and FSC certifications, we monitor every step from harvest to production, ensuring consistent quality and sustainability. Beyond exceptional wood craftsmanship, we also provide additional services, including private labeling, supply chain management, shipping, and warehousing of wood products.
Contact us today to learn more about craftsmanship and quality wood products!