Everything About Structural Timber | Types, Grading & Uses
Are you planning a construction project?
One material you should keep on your radar is structural timber. It provides the basic framework and strength to every solid home. Supporting everything from walls and floors to loft space.
But what exactly is it? & why is it preferred by builders?
We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about it in easy and digestible way.
At Ply Supply, our mission is to provide the finest wooden materials to you. Like plywood for walls, flooring for room or decking to make your backyard BBQ-ready. We have high-structural timbers for sale to fulfil every need of your home.
Let’s get to know about structural timber.
What Is Structural Timber?
Structural timber is a wood designed and graded specifically for load-bearing and structural integrity. It is the backbone of many buildings. Providing basic framework and keeping everything in place. From walls and roofs to entire buildings.
It was used traditionally for framing of houses. And made its way toward Australian houses again with recent trends of natural and durable products. Increasing the number of timber supplies near Perth to several folds.
Let’s see the reason for its popularity.
Why Should We Use Timber as a Structure?
Buying structural timber for your construction provides you with several benefits. Important ones are listed below.
1. Strength and Durability
Structural timber is known for its strength-to-weight ratio. i.e. it provides exceptional strength with less weight. That’s why it is used for heavy buildings. And last for years without getting any wear and tear.
Lower moisture content and refined board selection make it strong enough to hold heavy weights. E.g. walls, beams, and floors
Engineered versions like LVL structural timber especially provide excellent strength and durability. And used for large and complex structures.
2. Lightweight and Easy to Handle
Along with exceptional strength, structural timber is also much lighter than usual framing materials. Like steel or bricks. So, transporting and handling it is extremely easy. And there is no need to use heavy machinery for it.
Its lightweight and easy handling make construction easier and faster. Deadlines are met even with less labour.
3. Flexible Design
Timber is also preferred due to its flexibility in design. It can be easily cut, shaped and pieced together. Making a way for variety of designs and construction options.
Doesn’t matter if you want open spaces, high ceilings, or complex architectural features. Timber can be adapted to every type of project requirement. For both residential and commercial buildings.
4. Sustainability
Timber is a renewable resource. As trees can be replanted easily. So, using it in buildings is an environment friendly option. Also, less energy is required for construction with it than concrete or steel.
Timber also has a lower carbon footprint. i.e. Fewer greenhouse gases are emitted during its manufacturing and use.
5. Timeless Aesthetics
Apart from structural benefits, structural timber also comes with visual appeal. Its natural grain patterns and warm hues can beautify any building. It offers warmth, comfort, and effortless blending with other materials.
Also, it gets adjusted in any building style from rustic to contemporary. That’s why, it is preferred by both architects and designers. A unique patina is added to it with time to increase its organic charm.
6. Affordable Cost
The best thing about structural timber is that you can avail all of its appealing benefits at affordable price. Its cost is less than steel or concrete. And its ease of handling also reduces labour costs.
Furthermore, it is long-lasting and saves you money in the long run.
But keep in mind that not all structural timber is manufactured equally. A know-how of its types is necessary before usage.
Types of Structural Timber
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.
For all the types of timber, a standard grading system is used to measure the strength.
How Structural Timber is Graded | Methods and Criteria
Before you can use it in construction. Your structural timber must be graded to make sure that it meets the strength requirements for your project. And it is safe enough for your intended building.
Timber grading is the process that determines how much load a piece of wood can bear. It assesses the quality of the wood based on a variety of factors. E.g.
- Strength
- Stiffness
- Number of knots
- Defects it contains
There are two main methods of grading structural timber.
1. Visual Grading
In visual grading, a trained inspector examines the timber by hand and eye to determine its suitability for structural use. He observes the flaws like knots, splits, cracks, and the grain pattern. And grade it accordingly.
Knots can affect the timber’s overall strength. So, measuring their size, frequency, and location is important. Visual grading is used for simple residential projects. That don’t require specific strength values.
2. Machine Grading
Machine grading, on the other hand, uses mechanical equipment for the purpose. A machine apply pressure to each piece of wood. & see how much it can take before it bends or breaks.
Important strength components like timber’s density, stiffness, and strength are measured. And a precise grade is given.
This method is more accurate than visual grading because of its mechanical precision. And used in situations where precise strength requirements are necessary. Such as load-bearing beams or LVL structural timber.
Learn More: Decoding Timber Grades | An Ultimate Guide
Strength Grades of Structural Timber
Strength grades tell us about structural timber’s quality. As assessed by the above-mentioned tests & procedures.
In Australia and the UK, common strength grades for structural timber are C16 and C24. The numbers refer to timber’s bending strength, and “C” stands for “coniferous”. The tree from which timber comes.
1. C16 Strength Grade
C16 is the grade for construction timber having moderate strength. It has some defects like knots and splits. But still meets the requirements of most residential buildings.
C16 structural timber has:
- Bending strength: 16 N/mm²
- Modulus of elasticity: 8,000 N/mm² (measures stiffness)
- Density: Around 370 kg/m³
It is more affordable than C24. And used in projects where the loads aren’t too demanding. E.g.
- Floor joists
- Roof rafters
- Wall studs
2. C24 Strength Grade
For complex structures and higher load demands, C24 is used. It is a high-strength structural timber that is mostly graded by machine. Although it can also be visually graded under strict criteria.
C24 timber has fewer defects and more stiffness. Its characteristics include:
- Bending strength: 24 N/mm²
- Modulus of elasticity: 10,500 N/mm²
- Density: Around 420 kg/m³
It comes at a higher price because of its increased strength and durability. It is used in more demanding construction projects like:
- Beams
- Joists
- Floor systems
- Larger commercial structures
This wide variation of structural timber makes it useful in several areas of construction.
Applications of Structural Timber
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 Right Structural Timber | 5 Steps
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. Choose Timber Colours and Designs That Compliment Your Building
Structural timber products come in a variety of grains, colours, and textures.
Pick 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. You have to choose a trusted supplier, like Ply Supply, who can provide quality products.
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.
Searching for Timber Supplies Near Perth for Your Building Project?
Visit Ply Supply for High-Quality Structural Timber
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.