Timber is a strong, durable and versatile building material that offers many great advantages and has been used for hundreds of years to build quality buildings and structures. Whether you're a pro or a novice, wood is the foundation of any DIY project. Therefore, having a basic understanding of timber will make it easier for you to picture exactly how and why you should use it in your projects. So, what makes timber the ultimate building material? Here are 10 facts to help you understand:
Timber can be used for a wide range of applications and not just in the construction industry. It’s often used to build sea defences, sports and leisure equipment and both indoor and outdoor furniture. Timber is a great choice for all kinds of projects.
Timber is probably the most sustainable building material and it’s a renewable resource which means it is harvested without depleting or having a permanent impact on tree resources. As trees grow naturally, over time, no other energy or raw materials are required in creating timber. Timber supplies should never run out so long as timber is harvested responsibly and at a rate that allows the forest to continue to be healthy.
Buildings and homes constructed from timber are much more energy efficient compared to those made from bricks and concrete. Wood can naturally store heat as it is a natural energy conservationist. It stores heat between the cells in the wood making it a great insulator. As temperatures cool at night time, wood will actually release the heat it has stored so that the temperature balances out.
Not only is timber an excellent thermal insulator and great for acoustics but it is also a natural electrical insulator and is resistant to electrical currents. This makes timber a great choice for electrical insulation. It’s a safe material to be used where electricity is around due to its non-conductive properties.
A wooden construction can easily last just as long as a brick one but this will depend on external conditions such as climate, weather, location and upkeep. Often, wood will perform better than bricks in areas at risk of earthquakes and severe winds.
The terms hardwood and softwood refer not to the strength of the timber but the type of tree the timber is sourced from. Although softwood is less dense than hardwood, this does not dictate which classification the timber belongs to. Hardwoods originate from tree species that blossom and store their seeds in an exterior shell, like a fruit or an acorn. Softwoods, in contrast, derive from evergreen trees whose cones or nuts are used to disperse seeds on the ground.
Different species of trees take different amounts of time to reach maturity, often several decades. Apple trees may take only 6-10 years to become fully mature, depending on their variety whereas oak trees can take up to 30 years to become fully mature. Other species of trees only become mature when they reach a certain size.
Old age is not usually the cause of death for trees, although it can be a contributing factor. Trees often lose their life due to reasons beyond their control such as insects, the weather and of course people. As trees age, they often become unable to protect their inner heartwood which prevents them being able to fight against damage, compared to younger trees.
Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t feel guilty for utilising timber as a building material. As we stated earlier, trees are a renewable resource so long as we continue to plant, grow and harvest them responsibly. It is safe to use wood in your DIY projects without hesitation because the European Timber Industry plants more trees than it harvests. This creates an increasing sustainable supply of wood for future generations.
Compared to other European countries, 12% is a low figure. Germany has 32% woodland, Italy has 35%, France has 37% and approximately 72% of Finland is covered in woodland.
Timber is a fantastic, durable and versatile material that can be suited to a wide range of interior and exterior projects and construction tasks
Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t feel guilty for utilising timber as a building material. As we stated earlier, trees are a renewable resource so long as we continue to plant, grow and harvest them responsibly. It is safe to use wood in your DIY projects without hesitation because the European Timber Industry plants more trees than it harvests. This creates an increasing sustainable supply of wood for future generations.
Compared to other European countries, 12% is a low figure. Germany has 32% woodland, Italy has 35%, France has 37% and approximately 72% of Finland is covered in woodland.
Timber is a fantastic, durable and versatile material that can be suited to a wide range of interior and exterior projects and construction tasks. Browse our range of timber here. We offer top quality treated and untreated timber options so that you can achieve high class results, every time.
Sources:
https://ecochoice.co.uk/news/blog/item/15-top-facts-about-timber
https://www.timberworld.co.uk/blog/post/top-10-facts-on-timber.html
