mediena

Mediena is the Lithuanian word for timber or wood and is used in Baltic languages to refer to the material derived from trees that is used in construction, furniture, and wood products. It encompasses solid wood as well as engineered wood products such as plywood, particleboard, oriented strand board (OSB), glulam, LVL, and cross-laminated timber (CLT).

Wood properties vary by species, growth conditions, and treatment. Common divisions are softwoods (for example pine and spruce) and hardwoods (such as oak, beech, and birch). Key properties include density, hardness, strength, moisture content, and resistance to decay. Wood is hygroscopic; its dimensions change with moisture, and it is typically dried before use to improve stability and reduce defects. Treatments with preservatives or coatings can extend durability.

Processing and products: Raw timber can be sawn into boards, planed, and finished. It can be veneers or manufactured into panels. Engineered wood products such as LVL, glulam, and CLT improve strength and stability, enabling larger spans and modern construction.

Uses and sustainability: Mediena serves in construction, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, packaging, and crafts. Responsible forestry and chain-of-custody certification (FSC, PEFC) support renewable timber supply, while life-cycle considerations include harvest impact, transport emissions, and end-of-life disposal or recycling.