Finding The Best Timber for Framing House | Ply Supply

Are you planning to build a new home and thinking about using timber frame?

That’s a fantastic choice. Timber framing is not only stylish but also offers excellent strength and durability. However, with so many timber types available, you might find yourself asking…  

‘What’s the best timber for framing a house?’

Choosing the right timber can feel difficult and confusing, because it’s all about protecting your investment. But don’t worry. Ply Supply is here to simplify the process for you.

In this blog post, we’ve provided an easy-to-follow guide to help you find the top timber options for house framing. So, you can confidently choose the best timber for your project. And if you want to make a quality purchase. We offer a wide range of high-quality timber products, including strong and durable plywood, ensuring your home is built to last.

Let’s get started to explore your best options.

What is the Best Timber for House Framing | Which Option to Choose?

There are several timber species that are commonly used for house framing projects. Each has its pros and cons, depending on factors like climate, budget, and personal preference.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular options:

• Softwood

Softwood is the most popular choice among builders. This type of timber comes from trees like pines and cedars. They usually have needles and produce cones. Softwoods might not be as tough as hardwoods. But they are highly valued in construction for their quick growth and affordability. They are often used for framing, as well as for lining boards and cladding.

Here are some key softwood types commonly used in house framing:

1. Pine

Pine is one of the top choices for house framing in Australia. It is lightweight and easy to work with, making it ideal for construction projects. The three main types of pine used in construction include Hoop Pine, Slash Pine, and Radiata Pine.

Advantages:

• Affordable and budget-friendly.
• Simple to cut and shape.
• Grows quickly / Sustainable
• Treated pine resists termites and decay that enhances its lifespan.

Considerations:

Untreated pine is susceptible to termites. So, proper treatment is necessary to protect it from pests.

2. Douglas Fir

Douglas Fir is a favourite among builders for its strength and versatility. This softwood is characterised by its straight grain and impressive strength-to-weight ratio. It is lighter to handle than many other woods while still offering excellent durability.

Advantages:

• Very strong / capable of supporting heavy loads.
• Resistant to warping and twisting / maintains its shape over time.
• Grows sustainably
• Works well for large spans in construction.

Considerations:

Douglas Fir can be pricier than softer options like pine. Additionally, it might not be as readily available in all areas.

3. Cypress

Cypress timber is a fantastic choice for timber framing projects. It’s because of its natural resistance to termites. This makes it particularly useful in regions where pest infestations are a concern. The wood has a beautiful grain and is durable enough to withstand the test of time.

Advantages:

• Natural termite resistance.
• Resistant to moisture and decay
• Long-lasting and durable.
• Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Features attractive grain patterns / best for exposed framing.

Considerations:

It can be more expensive than other timber options. Plus, its availability may vary by location.

4. Hem-Fir

Hem-Fir is a blend of Western Hemlock and different types of fir. This softwood ranks high in strength and is appreciated for its versatility. It shares the lightness of Douglas Fir. This makes it easy to handle yet providing good structural support.

Advantages:

• Strong and versatile
• Lightweight / easier for builders to work with.
• Comes in a variety of sizes
• More affordable than many hardwoods

Considerations:

Like pine, Hem-Fir needs to be treated to resist pests and decay. Untreated Hem-Fir is not suitable for areas with high moisture or pest activity.

• Hardwood

Hardwood timber comes from angiosperm trees. These trees have broad leaves and produce flowers. Because of their strength and durability, Australian native hardwoods and some imported varieties are excellent choices for most external and structural framing projects. It’s recommended to choose Australian hardwoods with a durability rating of Class 1 and Class 2.

Here are some of the best hardwood options for house framing:

1. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus timber is known for its density, strength, and durability. It can range in colour from light to dark shades. It often displays beautiful grain patterns. Eucalyptus species like Eucalyptus regnans (Mountain Ash) are especially valued for their strong structure and aesthetic appeal.

Advantages:

• Highly durable and resistant to pests / long-lasting choice.
• Versatile for various applications. Including flooring and furniture.
• Many Eucalyptus species grow quickly / sustainable option

Considerations:

Its density can make it more challenging to work with. That’s why specialised tools would be required. Additionally, it may need specific treatments to prevent warping or movement.

Pro Tip: Pressure-treated timber like H2-treated hardwood offers improved protection against termites and decay for most outdoor and indoor applications.

2. Ironbark

Ironbark is a tough, durable hardwood recognised for its incredible strength and decay resistance. Its heartwood typically appears in dark brown to reddish-brown shades. This makes it visually appealing as well as functional.

Advantages:

• Extremely strong and hard-wearing
• Resistant to termites and moisture / ensures longevity.
• Suitable for outdoor use

Considerations:

Generally, more expensive than softer timber options. Plus, it can be slightly difficult to cut and shape due to its density.

3. Merbau (Kwila)

Merbau is a tropical hardwood celebrated for its rich, vibrant colours. Ranging from yellow-brown to deep reddish-brown. It has a fine, straight grain. Frequently used in outdoor decking and flooring.

Advantages:

• Naturally resistant to moisture and insects.
• Long-lasting and beautiful / enhances the aesthetic appeal.
• Withstands the harsh elements / great for outdoor applications.

Considerations:

It needs maintenance because it can darken over time with sun exposure. Additionally, it tends to be pricier than some other hardwoods which can impact your budget decisions.

4. Spotted Gum

Spotted Gum features a stunning grain pattern, with colours ranging from light to dark brown. It often includes attractive figuring as well. Known for its strength, it is widely used in both residential and commercial settings.

Advantages:

• Highly resistant to wear and tear / perfect for high-traffic areas.
• Versatile / Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Easy to work with and finish.

Considerations:

Typically, more expensive than softwoods, which can impact project costs. It requires proper finishing to maintain its attractive appearance.

5. Blackbutt

Blackbutt is a light-coloured hardwood known for its straight grain and fine texture. Its fire-resistant properties make it a safe choice for construction. Especially in bushfire-prone areas.

Advantages:

• Strong yet manageable / Excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
• Naturally fire-resistant / enhances safety in building.
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Considerations:

It may be susceptible to movement due to changes in moisture levels. Plus, it needs proper treatment to maintain its durability over time.

6. Mixed Hardwood

Our F17 and F14 hardwood products are mixed hardwoods that combine various hardwood species to achieve high structural strength. They are commonly used for different timber applications, including framing for building home.

Advantages:

• High structural strength.
• Versatile / Best for variety of projects; indoor and outdoor.
• More affordable than solid hardwood options.
• Offers aesthetic appeal with varied grain patterns.

Considerations:

Quality can vary based on the source. So, it’s important to purchase from reputable timber frame suppliers to ensure the best results.

• Engineered Timber

Engineered timber is often known as massive timber. It is created by layering and bonding multiple pieces of wood together. This method produces a strong and stable material which makes it an increasingly popular choice in modern home construction. Investing in massive timber is highly recommended as its unique construction not only simplifies the building process but also enhances the strength and uniformity of your frame.

The innovation of massive timber has introduced various forms. Few of them are given below:

1. Plywood

Plywood is made by gluing together several layers of wood veneer with alternating grain directions, increasing its strength. It is commonly used in walls, roofs, and flooring, providing a solid foundation for many construction projects.

2. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)

LVLs are composed of wood veneers glued together in one direction. They offer high strength for critical applications. It is primarily used for beams, headers, internal walls, roofs & floors, providing support where it is needed most.

3. Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam)

Made from layers of lumber bonded with adhesive, Glulam is ideal for larger structural applications such as arches and beams because it can span long distances without compromising strength.

These engineered timber products are designed from bonded layers of wood, offering exceptional strength, stability, and resistance to warping. They are particularly well-suited for large spans and load-bearing walls.

Advantages:

• Consistent Quality – provides reliable performance and uniformity.
• Sustainable Options – Often made from smaller trees and waste wood.
• Customisable Design – Can be engineered for specific applications.
• Lightweight – Easier to handle and transport during construction.
• Durability & Strength – Designed to withstand heavy loads.
• Dimensional Stability – Less likely to warp or shrink compared to solid wood.
• Versatile Uses – Suitable for various applications; from house framing to furniture.
• Efficient Use of Resources – Maximises the use of available timber, reducing waste.
• Lightweight / Faster Construction – Speeds up the building process.
• Aesthetic Appeal – Offers a modern look that can enhance the design of your home.

Considerations:

They can be more expensive upfront compared to traditional timber options. So, it’s important to budget accordingly. Further, excessive moisture can affect the integrity of the engineered timber.

Be sure to follow proper installation guidelines to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the material.

Conclusion | What’s the Best Timber for Your House Frame?

Picking the right timber for framing your house is important to ensure long-lasting strength and durability. Softwoods are budget-friendly and versatile. But remember to opt for H2 termite-treated options to protect your home from pests. Hardwoods are excellent choices for structural framing, with durability ratings of Class 1 or Class 2. Moreover, Plywood and LVLs also provide advanced solutions for modern builds with enhanced strength and stability. No matter your choice, ensuring proper termite treatment and considering the durability class is key to protect your investment. Ultimately, the best approach is to consult with timber framing experts to choose the timber that fits your climate, budget, and long-term goals.

If you’re wondering ‘Where can I find the best timber for framing my house?’

Contact Ply Supply – Your Trusted Timber Frame Suppliers in Perth

With a wide selection of structural and framing timber, we are here to help you build a durable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing home.

Get quality timber frames now

FAQs

Q1. What is the best timber for framing in Australia?

The best timber for framing in Australia often includes treated softwoods like Pine or Douglas Fir. It’s due to their affordability and versatility. Hardwoods like Eucalyptus or Ironbark, with Class 1 or 2 durability, are also great options for structural strength and long-term durability.

Q2. What grade of timber should I use for framing a house?

For structural and framing projects, it’s important to choose timber with an F-grade rating. F14 and F17 are common grades used in house framing. This rating ensures that the timber meets necessary strength requirements for load-bearing walls.

Q3. Is pine good for framing a house?

Yes, pine is one of the most popular choices for framing houses in Australia. It is lightweight, affordable, and easy to work with. Treated pine, in particular, is a good option as it resists termites and decay, extending its lifespan.

Q4. Is it more expensive to build a timber frame house?

Timber frame homes can be more expensive than conventional builds due to the cost of quality timber and the use of large timber beams. But they offer easy insulation, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, which can add value in the long term.

Q5. What timber is naturally termite-resistant for framing?

Cypress and Ironbark are naturally resistant to termites, making them great choices for house framing in areas prone to pest infestations. Alternatively, you can choose H2-treated timber, which is designed to resist termites for both indoor and outdoor applications.