Which is Better: Wood or Metal?

Introduction

The choice between wood and metal for construction and carpentry projects is a common question among consumers and professionals. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on use and environmental conditions. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of both materials, based on the wood species we offer at Pacific Forest, to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages of Wood

Wood is a traditionally valued material for its aesthetics, warmth, and versatility. At Pacific Forest, we work with various species such as teak, cumala, white cachimbo, marupa, eucalyptus regnans, cumaru, garapa, copaiba, radiata pine, and taeda pine, each with unique properties:

• Teak: Known for its durability and weather resistance, making it ideal for outdoor furniture and boat construction. Teak has an average lifespan of 75 to 100 years when properly maintained. Its density is approximately 650 kg/m³, with a compressive strength of 55 MPa.
• Cumala and White Cachimbo: Tropical woods highly valued for their strength and beauty. Cumala has a density of 580 kg/m³ and a compressive strength of 45 MPa, while white cachimbo has a density of 600 kg/m³.
• Eucalyptus Regnans: With a density of 550 kg/m³ and a compressive strength of 50 MPa, it is perfect for flooring and structures requiring strength.
• Cumaru and Garapa: Primarily used in the manufacture of decks and terraces due to their hardness and wear resistance. Cumaru has a density of 980 kg/m³ and a compressive strength of 85 MPa, while garapa has a density of 800 kg/m³.
• Copaiba: Known for its medicinal oil, this wood is also appreciated in furniture manufacturing and interior finishes, with a density of 700 kg/m³.

Advantages of Metal

Metal, on the other hand, is synonymous with extreme strength and durability. Metals like steel and aluminum are widely used in construction for their ability to support heavy loads and withstand extreme conditions.

• Durability: Metals do not easily deform or get damaged. They are resistant to fire, pests, and severe weather conditions. Steel, for example, has a tensile strength of approximately 400-550 MPa.
• Maintenance: Metal requires less maintenance compared to wood. Although it can corrode, treatments such as galvanization and the use of special paints can prolong its lifespan. A study by the American Galvanizers Association shows that galvanized steel can last over 70 years in rural environments without maintenance.
• Strength: Metal can withstand large weights and stresses, making it ideal for large and secure structures. Structural steel can support a load of 250 MPa before deforming.

Comparison in Specific Applications

• Interior Construction: Wood is preferred for its aesthetics and warmth. Species like teak and cumala provide an elegant and natural look that is hard to match with metal.
• Outdoor Furniture: Teak is the ideal choice due to its weather resistance, while metal can heat up too much under the sun and corrode over time. A study by Yale University indicated that teak has superior outdoor durability compared to most woods, with a lifespan of over 25 years without significant maintenance.
• Large Structures: Metal is preferable for constructions that need to support large weights, such as bridges and tall buildings.

Maintenance and Care

To keep wood in optimal condition, we recommend using specialized products from the Osmo line, available at Nuprotec. These products offer solutions for protection, maintenance, and enhancing the natural beauty of wood. Here are some examples:

• Osmo Polyx-Oil Original: Ideal for protecting and maintaining wood floors, it provides a protective layer that highlights the natural beauty of the wood while protecting against abrasion and wear. This product is especially useful for species like eucalyptus regnans and cumaru used in flooring.
• Osmo Decking Oil: Recommended for protecting wooden decks and terraces, especially of species like garapa and cumaru. This oil penetrates deeply into the wood, providing long-lasting protection against water and UV rays.
• Osmo UV-Protection Oil Extra: Perfect for outdoor furniture and wooden structures like teak and white cachimbo. This product protects the wood from the harmful effects of the sun, maintaining its natural appearance and prolonging its lifespan.

Conclusion

The choice between wood and metal depends on the specific use and environmental conditions. At Pacific Forest, we offer a variety of high-quality woods that can meet diverse construction and carpentry needs, combining aesthetics and functionality. For projects requiring extreme durability and load-bearing capacity, metal may be the more suitable option. However, for those seeking warmth and natural beauty, wood remains unparalleled.

For more information about our wood species and products, visit Pacific Forest and follow our updates on Instagram.