9 Most Used Wood Types for the Construction Industry in the Philippines

Sa tingin mo, anong klaseng kahoy ang karaniwang ginagamit mo sa construction o furniture making? Para sa builders and architects, depende ang pagpili sa durability, price, and versatility.

Kung gusto mong i-explore ang types of wood used in construction in the Philippines, this article is for you!

9 Types of Wood Used in the Philippines

Every type of wood has its own strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Dahil dito, importanteng malaman kung ano ang dapat gamitin depende sa requirements ng construction project mo at kung anong power tools ang dapat mong ihanda. 

Para sa experts, ito ang maaasahang wood types sa Philippine construction industry:

1. Narra

Ang narra tree ang pambansang puno ng Pilipinas kaya napaka-prestigious nito. Meron itong deep reddish-brown color at fine grain, making it highly favored when building high-end furniture, flooring, and interior design elements. Nakukuha ang narra sa Pterocarpus indicus tree, isang hardwood na native sa Southeast Asia.

Ideal ang wood type na 'to for long-lasting structures that require both beauty and strength. Narra rin ang ginagamit sa heirloom furniture dahil sa tibay nito.

2. Mahogany

Mahogany is one of the most versatile and durable wood types. Maraming puno ng mahogany ang makikita sa plantations na nasa Pilipinas. 

Dahil sa straight grain and reddish-brown color nito, favorite rin ito ng mga gumagawa ng furniture, doors, at cabinets. OK din ang mahogany for construction dahil smooth ang texture nito at mataas ang moisture resistance sa humid environments. 

3. Tanguile

Kung heavy-duty construction materials ang hanap mo, tanguile ang para sa ’yo. Kilala 'to na Philippine mahogany species, and it is widely used in framing, beams, and other structural applications. 

May pagka pink na brown ang kulay nito at may medium texture, kaya ito rin ang madalas gamitin sa mga bintana at pinto. Tanguile is tough and durable, perfect for construction that needs both strength and longevity.

4. Yakal

Isa pang heavy-duty wood ang yakal, known for its extreme durability. Galing ang kahoy na 'to sa Shorea astylosa tree na matagal mabulok at hindi inaanay kaya lagi itong present sa outdoor construction like posts, bridges, at pati na rin sa flooring. Its natural strength makes it suitable for areas that experience a lot of wear and tear.

5. Molave

Molave is one of the hardest and sturdiest woods in the Philippines. Galing 'to sa Vitex parviflora tree at highly resistant sa termites and harsh weather conditions. Makinis ito at merong golden-brown color kaya perfect sa structural at decorative items.

Bagay din ang extreme hardness ng molave sa long-term construction projects, especially in areas prone to damage from pests or heavy use.

6. Acacia

Acacia wood has a distinct wavy grain and warm brown color. Kahit ‘di ‘to kasing tibay ng ibang hardwoods tulad ng narra o yakal, madalas pa rin gamitin ang acacia para sa furniture and decorative elements dahil sa unique aesthetic nito. Mabilis din ang pagtubo ng acacia kaya mas sustainable ang paggamit nito.

Common din ang acacia sa paggawa ng dining tables. Preferred 'to ng homeowners na gustong i-balance ang aesthetic at affordability.

7. Apitong

More on industrial applications naman ang apitong. Galing 'to sa Dipterocarpus grandiflorus tree at meron itong high strength-to-weight ratio. Madaling ma-spot ang apitong with its reddish-brown color. Use it for truck beds, flooring, and outdoor decks na kailangan ng toughness factor.

8. Plywood

Sticking together multiple layers of wood veneer produces plywood. Dahil mura at versatile, madalas ding ginagamit ang plywood sa maraming projects. Pwede' to sa interior walls, cabinets, and even roofing. 

The good thing about plywood is that it's lightweight yet durable enough for most interior construction. Kaya nga go-to material ito ng DIY enthusiasts since they can use it with power tools for installation.

9. Bamboo

Last but not least, bamboo is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood. Fast-growing and highly renewable 'to kaya very useful for both decorative and structural purposes.

Widely available rin 'to kaya walang problema ang builders at architects pagdating sa supply. Plus, bagay ang unique, tropical aesthetic ng bamboo sa local homes and buildings.

5 Essential Traits of High-Quality Wood for Construction

Pagdating sa pagpili ng kahoy pang-construction, ‘di lang porma o kulay ang dapat mong isipin, ka-bakal. Here’s a breakdown of the traits to look for pag bumibili ka ng wood products for construction.

1. Strength

Wood strength is how well the wood can withstand pressure and the weight of its load. Sa construction, kritikal ‘to dahil ito ang magiging base ng ‘yong structure, mula framing hanggang sa beams.

May advantage ang mga kahoy gaya ng yakal at molave dahil sa tibay at lakas ng mga ito na kailangan sa heavy-duty projects tulad ng paggawa ng mga tulay, poste, at iba pang load-bearing structures.

2. Durability

Di madaling nasisira at kayang tumagal ng ilang taon ang durable wood types. Importante ‘to dahil exposed usually ang mga kahoy sa iba-ibang conditions gaya ng ulan, init, and even pests. Some woods, like narra and molave, are naturally resistant to decay and termites, so ideal ang mga ganitong kahoy for long-lasting construction. 

3. Workability

Workability means how easy it is to cut, shape, or assemble the wood. Some wood types are easier to work with, tulad ng fine-grained mahogany na madaling putulin at pakinisin.

For custom or intricate designs, magandang humanap ng kahoy na madaling i-shape o mold para eksakto ang finishing at pagputol. The easier it is to handle the wood, the faster and more cost-efficient it is for construction projects. 

4. Moisture resistance

In demand ang kahoy na ‘di madaling pasukin ng tubig at mabulok. Halimbawa, may excellent moisture resistance ang yakal at molave na perfect for outdoor structures or projects exposed to the weather. 

Ideally, hindi lumolobo o namamaga ang gamit mong kahoy. Importanteng tignan ang moisture resistance para masigurong hindi made-deform ang structure.

5. Stability

Stability refers to how well the wood can maintain its shape over time. Laging tandaan, ‘di ito makikita sa lahat ng wood types. 

Some woods tend to expand and contract, leading to warping or cracking. Ang stable wood types, tulad ng acacia at narra, are less likely to experience these issues kaya suitable ang mga 'to for both indoor and outdoor hardware applications.

Building a Solid Foundation

Selecting the right wood type is vital in Philippine construction. From the strength of yakal and molave to the workability of mahogany, each wood offers unique benefits that can improve the quality and durability of your project. 

Kasabay ng pagpili ng kahoy, siguraduhin ding meron kang “tough tools for tough jobs” and accessories for your next project. 

Powerhouse Tools, one of the highly reliable hardware stores in the Philippines, offers a wide range of quality construction tools. Whether you need saws, drills, or precision instruments, Powerhouse has what you need to bring your ideas to life.

Contact us today to see how our tough tools can help tackle the toughest jobs!