In most cases, when a building project is being undertaken, the enthusiasm of building something new may be too much to handle. However, before going into designs and blueprints there is one important choice that would or would not make it: selection of the proper timber. Timber is not simply wood but it is the skeleton of your building and it affects the way your house looks and how long it lasts.
The choice of timber does not just imply choosing a pretty plank and selecting it off the shelf. It involves knowing its strengths and weaknesses and in what way it fits in your vision. In the existing market, it is necessary to make an informed decision when there are myriads of choices, both in terms of functionality and style. Now we will discuss what timber is and how it will work in your building and learn how to choose timber or other materials that will withstand the time, and match perfectly with your idea of construction.
Understanding Different Types of Timber
There are different types of timber and each of them possesses its peculiarities. The major ones are softwoods and hardwoods. Quick growing softwoods include pine and spruce. They are cheaper and simpler to deal with.
Hardwoods like oak and maple, on the other hand, are more difficult to grow. These forests are more dense and strong enough to be of good furniture or floor.
There are other types such as engineered timber products such as plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL). The materials bring together several layers of wood to facilitate strength and reduce wastages.
Both types possess a certain aesthetic quality as well. Grain patterns, colors, and textures can have a drastic impact on how your project will be designed. This knowledge of these differences will enable you to make the right decision considering functionality to suit your building project tradebuilderssupplies.com.au as well as style.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Timber for Your Project
When selecting timber to use in your building project there are a number of factors. To begin with, what is your structure? Various apps demand various qualities.
Then consider the climate in which you reside. Certain timbers do not easily get affected by moisture and insects. This may influence both durability and long term maintenance.
Another crucial thing is budget. Good timber can even attract a higher price tag, but it can usually be compensated by longer life and efficiency.
You are also to look at the aesthetic value of different types of wood. The type of grain, color and texture are all a part of the general appearance of your project.
Local availability should not be ignored. The timber sourced easily saves on expenses and helps in enhancing local economies as well as timely delivery of timber to your project schedule.
Popular Types of Timber for Building Projects
In a building venture, a timber type will require appropriate choice in terms of its type. Pine is commonly preferred due to its multipurpose nature. It is light to carry and easy to handle so it can be used in projects that require framing and interiors.
Hardwood such as oak or maple is strong and durable to those who want the latter. They are excellent in furniture-work and flooring by their attractive grains.
Cedar is a unique one in outdoor uses. It has a natural resisting nature to decay and can be used in decks and fencing and has a pleasant aromatic smell that is the bonus.
In case you are interested in all at once cost-effectiveness and sustainability, bamboo has become a popular alternative to using that. It is renewable and grows fast, and it is stylish and strong.
Both types have their own peculiarities according to particular demands. Making the right decisions will guarantee that, as well as not having to compromise on the structural requirements, your project will also be in line with what you have in mind aesthetically.
Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Timber Options
Timber is becoming a major consideration as far as timber is concerned in building your project in terms of sustainability. The modern consumer/builder is better conscious of their effect on the environment. The decision of timber that is sustainable does not only help to minimize the carbon footprint, but also promotes responsible forestry.
One of the common alternatives is FSC-certified timber. This certification underlines the fact that the wood is obtained in forests that are managed in such a manner that they help in conserving biodiversity and ecosystems. The second option, reclaimed wood is also a great option because it can use old materials giving them a second life and thus minimizing the waste.
Bamboo is another material that has become popular because it is environmentally friendly as an alternative to conventional hardwoods. It develops very fast and can be harvested without degrading its environment such that it is renewable and long-lasting. The other alternatives would be engineered wood products such as plywood or laminated veneer lumber (LVL). The materials require less natural resource as compared to solid timbers and they also offer strength and stability.
Use of timber that is eco-friendly will add value to your project and also have a positive effect on our planet. Your choices will be important in encouraging the future generations to construct green buildings.
