Why is wood an essential resource?

Here I have done some research on why wood is such an important resource and a useful material for so many things.

We use wood everyday for all sorts of purposes.  Wood is so commonly used because it has such unique qualities compared to other materials.  Its pleasing to all the senses and can be worked to enhance all of its qualities.  These different qualities like, color, texture, stiffness, bend ability, and strength, give each type of wood its own unique character.  These qualities can also serve as inspiration and a challenge for woodworkers.  

In order to develop the skills of a woodworker I must first learn about the different types of wood and the qualities that each have.  So far I have read some introductions about trees and the way that they are broken down into lumber.  I'm starting to study the differences between hardwoods and softwoods.  In my next blog entry I will discuss more about those two categories.