<h3>Wood: nature's building material</h3><p><strong>Wood</strong> is a natural material obtained from <strong>trees</strong>. It is built from cells and fibres that allow a tree to grow tall and strong, and these same fibres give wood its useful strength. People have used wood for thousands of years for building, furniture, tools and fuel.</p><p>Wood is grouped into two broad types:</p><ul><li><strong>Hardwood</strong> comes from <em>broad-leaved</em> trees such as oak, mahogany and teak. It is generally <strong>denser, stronger and more durable</strong>, with attractive grain patterns. It is favoured for quality furniture and long-lasting items.</li><li><strong>Softwood</strong> comes from <em>cone-bearing</em> trees with needles, such as pine, cedar and fir. It is <strong>lighter, less dense and easier to carve and shape</strong>, with a simpler, straighter grain. It is common in roofing timber, framing and general construction.</li></ul><p>Choosing wood wisely means matching the material to the job: a sturdy dining table calls for durable hardwood, while light roofing battens are well suited to softwood.</p><div class="callout"><strong>Kenyan context:</strong> In Kenya, mahogany and mvule (a strong local hardwood) are prized for fine furniture, while cypress and pine softwoods from plantations are widely used for roofing timber and doors. Sustainable harvesting and replanting keep this resource available for the future.</div>