Timber is one of the most popular materials used in construction and offers several advantages over other building materials. One of the main benefits of timber is that it is naturally sourced and more sustainable than other options like steel or plastic. This means that it produces fewer carbon emissions, thus helping to minimise pollution and environmental damage. Some other benefits of timber include lower costs and greater flexibility. With this in mind, here is a guide to using timber products:
What can timber be used for?
Timber is an extremely versatile material that can be used in various ways. Some of the top uses of timber include construction, fuel, and paper manufacturing. Timber is also featured in many homes and workplaces and is used to add a natural touch. For instance, timber can be used to build durable timber glazed partitioning. Timber is a popular choice for window and door frames due to its combination of style and functionality.
What types of timber are available?
Timber comes in two main types — hardwood and softwood. Softwoods are lightweight and easy to work with, whereas hardwoods benefit from being more durable and longer lasting. Softwoods also tend to be cheaper, making them a more affordable building material when compared to hardwoods. Many different types of timber fall into these two categories.
According to civiltoday.com, some of the most popular types of timber include oak, pine, cherry, bamboo, and plywood. Hardwoods are commonly used in construction and furniture due to their improved longevity. On the other hand, softwood timber is popular in residential projects as it offers a beautiful finish and greater flexibility.
How do I choose the best timber?
Timber comes in a wide variety of different sizes, styles, and cuts. You must think carefully about the specific traits that you are looking for and choose the type of timber that is best suited to your project. Here are a few things to consider when picking timber:
- Density – This refers to the weight and strength of the wood. Timber with a higher density is typically more suited to furniture whereas lower density wood is often used for woodcraft projects, for example.
- Colour – The colour of the wood will have a big impact on the overall look of your product. For instance, natural cherry wood will give a very different look to white pine.
- Texture – You must check how the wood has been finished to decide what texture you want from the timber.
How do I care for timber?
Timber requires ongoing maintenance to help keep it in the best possible condition. You should be aware that certain environments can harm timber and affect its overall quality. For that reason, you should try to keep timber furniture out of direct sunlight and store it in a cool, dry room, You should also keep timber dry and clean it regularly to remove any dust or dirt. Timber polish can be used to help protect your timber products and minimise the appearance of minor scratches.
