Everything You Need to Know About Structural Timber | Types, Grading & Uses

Looking for a material that’s strong, durable, and naturally beautiful for your next construction project?

Structural timber is the perfect choice. It forms the backbone of many buildings like homes, offices, and commercial spaces. From walls and floors to roofing and beams, it provides essential support for a wide range of structures.

But what exactly is structural timber? Why is it so popular? And how do you choose the right type for your project?

This guide to structural timber covers everything you need to know. Including benefits, types, grading, and uses. So, you can make an informed decision. If you need to buy timber online, explore out collection at Ply Supply. We provide top-quality structural timber, LVL plywood, and hardwood options to meet all your building needs.

Let’s get started.

What Is Structural Timber?

Structural timber is specially designed wood used for load-bearing and ensuring the structural integrity of buildings. It forms the basic framework that holds everything in place. From the roof to the walls and floors.

Historically, it was the go-to material for framing houses. And, now, it’s making its way toward Australian houses again with recent trends of natural and durable products. This results in increasing the number of timber supplies in Perth.

Now that you understand what structural timber is, let’s explore why builders prefer it over other materials.

Key Benefits of Using Timber in Construction

Buying structural timber for your construction provides you with several benefits. Important ones are listed below.

• Exceptional Strength and Durability

Structural timber is celebrated for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. In simple terms, it offers remarkable strength without the heavy weight of materials like steel or concrete. This makes it ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as walls, beams, and floors.

Its low moisture content and carefully selected boards ensure it can support large loads and withstand the test of time. Plus, engineered versions like LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) are designed for even greater strength, making them perfect for larger, more complex structures.

• Lightweight and Easy to Handle

One of the standout features of structural timber is that it’s much lighter than traditional framing materials, like steel or brick. This makes it super easy to handle and transport. No need for heavy machinery or extra labor costs to get it from point A to point B.

Its lightweight nature helps speed up construction, allowing you to meet deadlines with minimal hassle and reduced labor.

• Flexible & Versatile Design

Timber is incredibly versatile, which is why it’s a top choice for builders. It can be easily cut, shaped, and pieced together to fit a wide variety of designs, whether you’re looking for open spaces, high ceilings, or intricate architectural details.

This flexibility makes it ideal for both residential and commercial buildings, adapting to the specific needs of your project. Whether you’re going for a classic or modern look, timber can bring your vision to life.

• Eco-friendly & Sustainable

Timber is a renewable resource which makes it an environmentally friendly option for your building needs. Since trees can be replanted, using timber helps reduce deforestation. Plus, timber construction uses less energy than producing steel or concrete, which cuts down on carbon emissions.

With a lower carbon footprint throughout its life cycle, timber is the sustainable choice for builders who care about the environment.

• Timeless Aesthetics

Beyond its practical benefits, structural timber adds a natural beauty to your project. The grain patterns and warm tones bring a sense of coziness and elegance that blends seamlessly with any style, from rustic to contemporary.

As time goes on, timber develops a unique patina, which only enhances its organic charm. It’s no wonder architects and designers love using it to create timeless, attractive spaces.

• Affordable Cost

One of the most appealing aspects of structural timber is that it offers incredible value. It’s generally more affordable than steel or concrete, and because it’s easy to transport and handle, it can reduce labor costs as well.

Plus, its long-lasting durability means that you’ll save money in the long run. So, you get all the benefits of strength, sustainability, and aesthetics without breaking the bank.

Common Types of Structural Timber for Construction Projects

Different types of structural timber are used according to the need of construction. Some common ones are given below.

1. Softwood Timber

Pine and fir are the mostly used softwood in construction. They grow faster than hardwoods and are more sustainable. They are also lighter and easier to work with. And come at less cost.

2. Hardwood Timber

Hardwoods are denser and stronger than softwoods. E.g. oak or mahogany. They are more expensive and used in areas requiring extra strength or durability. Like flooring or heavy-load-bearing buildings.

3. Engineered Timber

Engineered timber is manufactured by binding layers of wood veneer or particles together. This type of timber is incredibly strong and uniform. So, it is considered ideal for areas where precision and strength are necessary.

LVL structural timber is the common engineered type.

4. Plywood

Another common structural timber product is plywood, which is made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together. Plywood suppliers offer this material in various grades for different uses, including wall panels, flooring, and roofing.

For all the types of timber, a standard grading system is used to measure the strength.

Timber Grading in Australia | Ensuring Quality and Strength

Timber grading is an essential part of ensuring the strength and reliability of timber used in construction. In Australia, timber is classified into different stress grades, each indicating its suitability for specific structural applications. The process helps in sorting timber into groups that share similar structural properties, though there is always some variation within each group.

Let’s break down timber grading methods and explain how it works in Australia.

1. Visual Stress-Grading

Visual stress-grading is a method where a trained expert looks at the timber to check for any visible imperfections, like knots or cracks. These imperfections can affect how strong the wood is, so the expert will sort the wood based on how suitable it is for different uses.

2. Machine Stress-Grading

Machine stress-grading is a method used to check how strong each piece of timber is. Special machines test the wood’s ability to resist stress, similar to how we test the strength of materials in construction. This helps ensure the timber is strong enough for its intended use. This method is more accurate than visual grading and is commonly used in Australia.

3. Machine Proof-Grading

Although it’s a reliable method, machine proof-grading is less commonly used in Australia. It involves using a machine to test how strong the timber really is. The machine applies pressure to the wood, and by seeing how much the wood can handle, it gives an exact idea of how strong and durable the timber is.

Australian Standards for Timber Grading

To ensure that timber is consistently graded, Australia follows specific standards that guide the process. These standards help ensure the reliability and safety of timber used in construction. The key Australian Standards include:

These standards ensure that the timber you buy is graded according to strict criteria, giving engineers and architects confidence in its performance.

What Are Stress Grades?

Stress grades are used to categorise timber products based on their strength and reliability for structural purposes. It’s important to note that stress grades are not the same as appearance grades, which focus more on the timber’s visual quality.

In Australia, stress grades typically follow the F-grade system, which is based on testing timber for specific strengths such as bending, compression, and tension.

Common Timber Grades in Australia

1. F-Grades

The F-grade system is the most common classification for structural timber. These grades provide a benchmark for the timber’s performance based on tests on small clear specimens. Some examples include:

• F8: Bending strength = 22 MPa
• F11: Bending strength = 28 MPa
• F17: Bending strength = 34 MPa

These properties are derived from testing and represent the characteristic strengths of the timber, ensuring it meets the required load-bearing capacity for building structures.

2. MGP Grades

MGP grades refer to the classification of pine timber based on its strength, which is determined by machine grading. The higher the grade, the stronger and more reliable the timber is for building purposes.

They were introduced to improve the reliability of pine used in construction. They provide more accurate design properties and are often preferred over F-grades for pine timber.

For example:

3. GL Grades

Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) is engineered wood that comes in GL grades. These grades are used for beams and columns in construction. Each GL grade has specific performance targets, and glulam products are manufactured to meet those targets.

4. A-Grades

These grades apply to a mixture of seasoned alpine ash and mountain ash, tested to ensure their suitability for structural use.

5. LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber)

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is an engineered timber product made by bonding multiple layers of thin wood veneers together by using strong adhesives. This process creates a material that is stronger and more consistent than traditional timber. LVL is often used in structural applications like beams, headers, and lintels.

Its properties are determined by in-grade testing. Each manufacturer publishes their own set of design properties for LVL, meaning each LVL product has its unique grade.

Timber grading is crucial for ensuring that the material used in your building projects is strong enough to handle the stresses it will be subjected to. The grading process helps avoid overestimating the strength of weaker timber, which could compromise the safety of a structure.

Learn more about > Decoding Timber Grades | An Ultimate Guide

Structural Timber Applications | Where it is Used?

Common construction projects where you can see structured timber are:

1. Residential Construction

The flexibility of timber a variety of creative designs possible for homeowners. They can achieve both traditional and modern looks with ease.

In home building, structural timber is used in

• Framing
• Roofing
• Flooring
• Cladding for exterior walls

2. Commercial Buildings

The commercial sector prefers timber due to its durability and sustainability. Timber-framed buildings are becoming more common. E.g.

• Offices
• Restaurants
• Retail spaces

3. Bridges and Infrastructure

Timber is widely used to build bridges and other infrastructure.

With the development of engineered timber. Its use in large-scale infrastructure projects has become easy and frequent.

4. Outdoor Structures

Timber is a great material for outdoor structures due to its resilience and weather resistance. It can withstand harsh environmental conditions. And add to the aesthetic appeal of façade. It is commonly used in:

• Pergolas
• Decking
• Fences

If you are considering to buy structural timber for any type of building. Follow the proper procedure to avoid any troubles.

How to Choose the Best Structural Timber for Your Project | 5 Expert Tips

Selecting the compliant timber for your project is extremely important. Just follow these tips to enjoy a smooth process.

1. Understand Your Project Strength Requirements

Find out the strength requirements and load bearing of your building. And then buy structural timber matching those criteria.

For example, if you need timber for load-bearing walls or beams. You will need something stronger like LVL structural timber.

2. Consider the Environmental Conditions

Consider the climate of your area. And also, the weather conditions to which your project will be exposed.

E.g. if you are building outdoor decking or pergolas. Choose timber that is treated to withstand moisture and termites.

3. Pick Timber That Compliment Your Building

Structural timber products come in a variety of grains, colours, designs, and textures.

Opt for a style complementing the colour theme and overall aesthetic of your project. Whether it’s a modern or rustic look.

4. Go for High-Quality Products

There are many variants of structural timbers for sale. Thus, it’s important to buy from trusted timber suppliers in Perth. The best suppliers like Ply Supply will offer products like Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Machine Graded Pine (MGP), both of which are ideal for structural projects

Because a slight compromise on quality can affect the integrity and safety of your building. Also, don’t choose cheaper products as they can cause you long-term financial loss.

5. Get Expert Advice

If you are unsure in identifying the type and strength grading of structural timber. Get some help from experts in the field.

Share the demands and complexities of your project to them. And discuss thoroughly to make an informed choice.

Need timber that meets Australian standards and lasts for decades?

Visit Ply Supply Today | Shop Premium Structural Timber at the Best Prices

At Ply Supply, we offer a wide range of structural, non-structural, hardwood, and LVL plywood. All graded accurately to meet Australian standards.

Our high-quality LVL structural timber can provide a strong backbone to your home that can last for generations.

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