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What to Avoid in Structural Timber for Your Next Project

• Posted by Rare Woods October 7, 2022 Filed in Other 67 views
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  When building practically any structure, it is crucial that you use materials that are up to scratch throughout the entire process. When using materials that are below subpar quality, can negatively affect the structural integrity of the structure as a whole, which can cause massive problems down the line, if not already during the building process itself.

  This is no exception when it comes to using structural timber, which can often cause problems at a much faster rate as opposed to materials such as steel, a component that has immense integral strength that may diminish at a slower rate. When reaching out to structural timber suppliers, you should always ensure that the materials that you order are of the highest quality, regardless of if you are building a structure for your own personal use, or as a professional that is working with clients. Because at the end of the day, the problem may not be directed towards your structural timber suppliers, but rather on yourself, as it is you that is in charge of building the structure in question and will thus have the most contact with it during the entire process.

  Before, during, as well as after, you reach out to your structural timber suppliers, you should always maintain a watchful eye over the minute details of the timber that you will be using for your structures. This article is here to provide you with these details, providing you with the opportunity to be able to recognise any defects that may be present in the materials you plan on using.

  Such defects may include, but are not limited to:

  Waning – During the conversion process that structural timber suppliers go through, the outer layer of the trim rim may still be present on your wood, which can lead to uneven surfaces during the construction process.

  Boxed heart – This occurs when your timber is cut along the centre of the tree, where its “heart” may lie. These planks should only ever be used for decorative purposes, as they may otherwise quickly begin to crack, tear, and twist.

  Bowing and Cupping – This may occur during the seasoning process, where moisture may begin to build up in between the layers of the wood and can lead to curving and warping.

  Shakes – This is a natural defect that may occur near the centre ring of the log. While this may not cause structural issues, it can instead lead to undesirable aesthetics regarding the end product.

  Fungi – Another natural defect that can affect your wood in two ways, either by causing discolouration throughout your wood, as well as decay caused by fungi eating through the wood and degrading the structure of the cells.

  This is only a small handful of the many different things that may affect the quality of your wood, which is why you should always remain in close and constant contact with your preferred structural timber suppliers. This will not only ensure that you receive products that are of high quality but will also ensure that your clients receive a completed structure that is able to last longer and remain pleasing to the eye in the long term.