What is the difference between timber density and timber stowage factor?

Timber density refers to the mass of wood per unit volume, typically expressed in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), and indicates the weight of the timber itself. In contrast, timber stowage factor is a measure used in shipping that represents the volume occupied by a unit weight of timber, usually expressed in cubic meters per tonne (m³/t), accounting for the space taken up during transport, including packaging and air gaps. Essentially, timber density focuses on the physical properties of the wood, while stowage factor relates to shipping logistics and space efficiency.