Some types of wood are very durable, such as cedar, which formed the interior walls of Solomon’s temple, and acacia, which was used to make the ark of the covenant. (Exodus 25:10; 1 Kings 6:14-16) In many European cities, medieval timber houses are preserved. Although several centuries old, some of these structures have been dismantled and rebuilt in other locations, when they were in the way of modern urban growth.

Some types of wood, such as oak, are twice as strong as an equal mass of soft steel and aluminum. This explains why wood was widely utilized in aviation in the past. Resinous wood also has many uses in the mechanical and electrical fields.