Topic outline

  • Characteristics and Availability of Commercially Important Wood

    Credits: 5 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Throughout history, the unique characteristics, versatility, sustainability, and abundance of wood has made it a natural material for use in homebuilding, as structural members, furniture, tools, etc. To most effectively use wood to its optimal advantage in engineering applications, specific characteristics or physical properties must be considered.

    This course will provide the student with an overview of the specific characteristics and physical properties for the various commercially viable species of wood material, which are available in the US and abroad.

    Topics:

    • Timber resources and uses
    • Species descriptions of US hardwoods and softwoods
    • Species descriptions of Imported hardwoods and softwoods
    • Commercial sources of wood products
    • Use classes and trends
    • Scientific name index of wood species

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Structural, Civil, Materials, Construction, Transportation, and other engineers whose job description may require a comprehensive knowledge of wood as an engineering material.
    Publication Source: US Forestry Service, Wood Handbook, Chapter 2, April 2010 Edition

    D. Allen Hughes, PE

    • Topic 1