During World War I, battleships and warships from both the Allied and Central Powers did use wood in some parts of their construction, despite the availability of metal. The reasons for this choice were primarily practical and related to naval traditions, the technological limitations of the time, and the specific functions wood could serve in naval design.
One key reason for the continued use of wood was its historical role in shipbuilding. Until the late 19th century, wooden ships were the standard, and naval engineers and designers were still working within a framework shaped by centuries of wooden-hull ship construction. While steel had started to replace wood for hulls by the early 20th century, wood was still used for non-critical components, such as decking, internal fittings, and even parts of the superstructure. This allowed designers to make ships both cost-effective and easier to maintain.
Another important reason for using wood was weight considerations. Metal, especially steel, could be heavy and cumbersome. In some cases, wooden decks were preferred because they were lighter, which helped improve stability and maneuverability. Additionally, wood was easier to work with and could be repaired more quickly than metal. During the war, when ships were undergoing frequent repairs, especially after combat, wood allowed for faster fixes compared to metal, which would require more time, tools, and expertise to repair.
Additionally, the use of wood was not without precedent in terms of fireproofing. In the early days of steel warships, metal decks could become hot and could also be dangerous during fires. Wooden decks, although more vulnerable to fire, were often easier to install fire-resistant materials on or to replace if damaged.
Thus, the continued use of wood on World War I battleships was largely due to practical considerations, including tradition, weight efficiency, ease of maintenance, and the technological limitations of the time.