des the cellular walls.SOFTWOODSoftwood in exposed situations offer very limited durability. Most species are very prone to decay, warping, splitting and this combined with their softness makes them not really suited to any outdoor application. This has been overcome in recent years by treating pine with Chromium Arsenate a timber preservative which is placed in the timber under high pressure. Treated pine is guaranteed to last in the weather approximately 40 years. This treatment however does leave the timber with a distinctive green colouring restricting the design aesthetic options.This report has investigated, safety aspects, structural types and availability, adhesive properties, environmental issues, and durability. The intent of the report is to clearly outline the best alternative when choosing timber of the manufacture of outdoor furniture. The comparative table below shows the strengths and weaknesses of the two timber types.COMPARATIVE TABLE - SELECTED HARDWOODS VERSES SELECTED SOFTWOODSTIMBER TYPESAFETY ASPECTSSTRUCTURAL STRENGTHAVAILABILITYADHESIVE PROPERTIESENVIRO. FRIENDLINESSDURABILITYHARDWOODMore hazardous than softwoodMuch strongerAll available at local hardware'sGlues poorly. Oily extractives provide low adhesion Less friendly than softwoods as it take much longer to replace and isn't readily grown in plantationsVery weather resistant and hard resisting denting and physical damageSOFTWOODLess hazardous then hardwoodGenerally offers half the strengthAll available at local hardware'sHigh - glues readily with very high strengthMore friendly than hardwood as it is grown in plantationsNot weather resistant. Soft, Prone to fungal attack and decay.It is clear from the comparative table that hardwood is far more superior for outdoor furniture manufacture. Although it is less environmentally friendly to use hardwood it does offer the durability and much superior strength required in this type of application. As fa...
