Houses, furniture, boxes, decor, cutting boards, skewers, popsicle sticks, and so many other items are made of wood. Durable and reliable, wood is a go-to material in a number of industries. However, different applications call for different types of wood, and the first big decision is whether to use solid wood or manufactured wood.
Solid Wood
Solid wood is wood that comes directly from the tree. It’s divided into two primary categories: hardwood, like oak, walnut, and maple, and softwood, like pine and cedar. Each has its advantages and disadvantages in certain applications.
While solid wood is more expensive than manufactured wood, many people prefer it for its natural beauty, density, and strength. Because every tree is different, every item made of solid wood features unique grain and coloring. It’s incredibly durable—many pieces of solid wood furniture can be passed down for generations—and is commonly used for flooring, construction, fine cabinetry, and more.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is a composite made of wood fibers held together with adhesives. These manufactured woods include plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard. While it’s not as strong or durable as solid wood, it offers its own advantages.
Manufactured wood is much less expensive than solid wood. It’s as versatile as solid wood, with the added advantage of being easier to work with and install, and it’s available in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit your aesthetic preferences. When used for flooring, for example, it’s more affordable than a solid hardwood floor, but it can be made to look like real wood with better resistance to scratches and stains. Manufactured wood is not as susceptible to water damage.
Engineered wood is also more sustainable than solid wood. A home made of manufactured wood, for example, demands fewer trees than a home made of solid wood. Some types of engineered wood are made of waste products like sawdust and wood chips, and they may also incorporate the use of bamboo or hemp, both of which are rapidly renewable.
E.W. Hannas Manufacturing Wooden Products
Manufactured wood is a great choice for packaging, affordable furniture and cabinets, interior doors, cost-effective construction, and products that aren’t subject to a lot of wear and tear or aren’t meant to last for decades. From crates and advertising novelties to handles, drink stirrers, and more, manufactured wood is often a practical choice.
E.W. Hannas is a fourth-generation family company specializing in custom wood products. For more than 100 years, we’ve been your go-to source for high-quality wooden crates, handles, food-safe products, dowels, crafts, and more. We uphold the highest industry standards, as evidenced by our certifications, including ISO 9001:2008, FSC, and C-TPA, and our involvement with industry associations like the National Association of Home Builders, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the Wood Products Manufacturers Association, and the Global Food Safety Initiative. Contact us to learn more about our standard and custom wood products and our range of services, including private labeling, shipping and warehousing, and more, or to request a quote for your project.