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Use of timber in shipping
Author:Mariusz Dasiewicz
The use of timber in shipping has always accompanied man, being a key element of his development for millennia. Imagine Vikings on their solid wooden boats traversing the icy waters of Scandinavia, or brave sailors of an age of great discoveries, embarking on unknown oceans in search of new worlds.
In the article
Wood, thanks to its durability and availability, allowed the construction of boats capable of overcoming the most difficult conditions. Despite technological development and the emergence of new materials, wood remains a symbol of tradition and luxury in the construction of vessels. Experts from JAF Poland share their insights on the advantages of this extraordinary raw material and its modern use in the boating industry, which combines tradition with modernity.
Shipping and boating have almost as long a history as humanity itself. The conquests of the Vikings, expeditions in search of the sea road to India and China, the first expedition around the world Ferdinand Magellan – these are only some of the adventures of the man on the water. Although the technology of shipbuilding has changed considerably, wood is still associated with shipping. Its durability, availability and aesthetics make it still the first choice material in many marine applications.
History of boatingshipping
The history of boating begins with a tree. A man wanted to swim on water without immersing in it. The first step was to pick the trunk, creating primitive hull boats that were not stable. In time, rafts began to be built, which was then equipped with sails, roofing and rudders. Dłubanky with floats developed, which gave rise to catamarans. This story continues to this day.
"Lithium wood has always been used in the construction of boats and yachts. After World War II, plywood gained popularity, and today polyester-glass laminates and steel dominate, especially at sea. Although wood is used to finish the deck and deck, it is still associated with luxury yachts most. For the construction of the hull, the selected species were robust, resistant to bottling, atmospheric conditions, fungi and pests. On board was preferred wood stable dimensionally and easy to process. The same criteria apply to this day when selecting wood for external applications" - said JAF Polska experts, a wood distributor with more than 70 years of tradition.
Professional favorite
Mahogany, due to its technical and aesthetic properties, is a favorite wooden boathouse. It is easy to work and elegant. Unfortunately, an excessive cut led to the destruction of his resources. JAF experts explain that due to the ban on the export of this wood, attention has been paid to sustainable logging:
"It was a tragedy for all of us to draw conclusions. It is therefore important that wood comes from controlled plantations and sustainable forest management areas. Legal origin of the wood can be recognized by FSC® certification."
Selection of wood on board
The most valued wood on board is the "teak", also called teczyna or Tectona grandis. It is oil wood and dimensionalally stable. It comes from Asia, but is also grown in Africa. Since prehistoric times, teak has been used to build ships and their equipment. Wood does not absorb water and is resistant to chemicals, mold, rotting and aging.
Teak is the essence of the advantages of exotic wood. It is a living legend covering the decks of ships such as SV Gift of Youth, STS Frederick Chopin or STS Pogoria. It doesn't require varnishing or painting. In addition to boating, it is perfect for producing furniture for high humidity rooms and garden furniture. The objects made of it can last over 1000 years, so the terrace of teak wood will never lose its advantages.
Darina Lazarova, JAF Polska expert
veneer for shipping
Apart from solid wood, veneers, or natural veneers, play a significant role in the boating industry. They have a thickness of less than 1 mm, usually 0.5-0.6 mm, and a load of more than 1 mm. They retain an impressive wood drawing and can come from different species. The veneers and duvets allow you to get an exclusive look without the use of solid wood, for example as the top layer of furniture, doors or walls of a cabin.
The use of natural veneers or veneered panels allows you to focus on individual surface finish, offering a captivating drawing of jars without the need for heavy wood. The veneers and covers are suitable for rounded surfaces and offer a wide range of finishes such as oiling, staining, varnishing or grinding.
Maciej Pawluczuk, JAF Polska expert
It's hard to imagine more severe and demanding conditions than those in the middle of the ocean. As you can see, the wood is extremely durable. It will survive saltwater, waves, frost, heat, and even fire. From the dawn of mankind, wood protected, adorned, and served man. If wooden sailboats could have sailed around the Earth's sphere half a thousand years ago, is it worth fearing the wood on the terrace or the facade of the house? Wood is still an irreplaceable material that combines tradition with modernity, ensuring durability and beauty in both boating and in everyday life.
Source: JAF Poland/MD
