There are various building materials used in construction, such as stones and bricks. One of the most important materials that have been used for thousands of years is wood. Wood is an extremely versatile material that can be used to construct houses, boats, shelters alongside being used in furniture as well.
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What is Timber?
Timber is a type of wood that is used as a natural building material. Not only does it offer a ton of environmental advantages, but it is also a very cost-effective material. Timber, also known as ‘lumber,’ is wood you get from growing trees. Any type of wood that has a reasonable dimensional size and can be used in construction or architecture is referred to as timber. Wood is classified as timber if it is 5 inches in width and 5 inches in thickness. Timber is divided into two main categories – hardwood and softwood.
Benefits of Using Timber in Architecture and Construction
Timber has a lot of great benefits. Here are some great advantages that this multi-purpose building material serves:
- Timber being a natural resource is readily and easily available.
- This natural resource is also economically feasible compared to other building materials such as steel or bricks.
- Timber is a strong material with regard to its weight.
- It offers great insulation for cold weather.
- The best part about timber is that it can be forged into any type of shape or size. This wood is a great fit for any construction need. In short, it is very versatile.
- Unlike many other building materials, timber is an environmentally sustainable product. It does no damage to the environment if you plant a tree for every tree that you cut down.
- Timber is also naturally biodegradable. Therefore, it has the lowest carbon footprint amongst other building materials.
- Another great advantage of using timber to fulfill your construction needs is that it does not require high-energy fossil fuel to be produced, unlike brick, steel or plastic.
Uses of Timber in Architecture
Timber is the most diverse materials to be used in architecture. There are approximately 118 different workable types to choose from. Timber is widely used for construction such as cabins, tree houses, etc., and also in architecture for windows, doors, etc.
Here are detailed ways in which timber is used in architecture:
Timber Is Used For Heavy Construction
Timber is used in heavy construction to make columns and trusses. Heavy timber construction also includes the use of Glulam timber. Heavy timber construction is a building technique that uses large pieces of timber and glue laminated timber.
Timber Is Used In Formwork
Formwork is a crucial and important part of the construction of structural segments such as columns and slabs. Formwork is a mould of a structure in which concrete is poured.
Timber Is Used In Roofing
Timber is also used in creating roof structures. It’s used to make purlins, king post and wall plates in the roof structure. There are also timber roof trusses that are structural frameworks that bridge the distance above a room and offer support to the roof.
Timber Is Used In Light Construction
Light construction work includes making doors and windows. Most of the houses have interiors made of wood. The doors, windows and even window panes are made out of timber. You can either get ready-made doors and windows or have your carpenter structure them according to your liking.
Timber Is Used To Make Furniture
Even the best furniture today cannot be made without using timber. Furniture is an important part of a house. The majority of cabinets, cupboards and closets are constructed using timber. However, you can have them shaped, colored and decorated according to your liking. The structures of sofas and couches are also a majority of the times made using timber, even though some are made using steel. Even center tables, side tables and dining tables are constructed with timber. Timber can also be used to build patios in your lawn.
Timber Is Used For Flooring
Even world-class engineered hardwood flooring uses timber as one of the basic building materials. Houses, office buildings and many other structures tend to have hardwood floorings as they’re comparatively easier to manage than carpeted floors. Timber is used in the building of these hardware floors that can be easily customized, depending on your choice. However, high-quality Australian hardwood is your best choice if you’re opting for hardwood flooring.
The possibilities of using timber for architecture are endless. From constructing the most basic things such as furniture to using it in building the structure of the house, there are so many ways in which you can use timber. Considering it’s one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, it’s a great option to use timber in construction architecture.
About Author:-
Simon is an entrepreneur and self-proclaimed jack of all trades. Simon has experience in the building and home renovation industry and he knows what it takes to knock out a successful project whether it be commercial or residential. Currently, he works as a marketing consultant with ASH – a prominent supplier of high quality hardwood in Australia. Another niche for Simon is travel and outdoors leisure, including sporting equipment and bikes. A big kid at heart if it goes fast, bounces, slides or you can climb it Simon has put it to the test.