Hout

Hout is the fibrous material constituting the trunks, branches, and roots of trees and other woody plants. It is primarily composed of cellulose fibers embedded in a matrix of lignin and hemicelluloses. Hout varies in color, grain, density, and hardness depending on species, growth conditions, and age. The difference between heartwood and sapwood is notable: heartwood is darker and often more durable, while sapwood is lighter and more permeable.

Common categories include softwoods (coniferous) and hardwoods (deciduous). Softwoods tend to be lighter and easier to work with; hardwoods are typically denser and more resistant to wear. Wood is used in construction (timber, framing), furniture, flooring, packaging, paper, and as an energy source (biomass). It is often processed into lumber, plywood, veneers, oriented strand board, particleboard, and pulp.

Processing includes drying to reduce moisture, which improves dimensional stability and reduces decay risk. Drying methods include air drying and kilns. Quality is assessed by characteristics such as knots, warp, grain, and defects. Sustainability concerns include forest management, certification schemes (FSC, PEFC), and life-cycle considerations.

Wood is renewable when forests are managed sustainably, though its environmental impact depends on sourcing, treatment, and end-of-life disposal.