What is Timber?

Timber is the term used for wood that has been cut into planks and beams and is suitable for building. Timber is commonly used for structural and non-structural applications.

History of Timber

Throughout the history of mankind, timber has been one of the oldest and most important materials used in construction. Wood was widely used for shelters, making tools, constructing furniture, bridges, ships, and religious structures, all of which have been used since ancient times and continue to be used today, due to its availability, workability and strength. Timber was put to many uses in the architecture and engineering of early civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese. Timber framing was used extensively in Europe during the Middle Ages, and large wooden ships were used extensively in trade and exploration. As the Industrial Revolution started, steel and concrete became more used, but timber remained important because it was renewable and was attractive. Engineered wood products like plywood, laminated wood and cross-laminated timber (CLT) are also increasing the use of wood in sustainable and environmentally responsible construction. In present day, timber is not just valued for its structural capabilities, but also for its contribution to green construction and carbon emission reduction.

Classification of Timber

Based on the types, strength timber can be classified in the following groups:

• Based on Hardness
• Hardwood
• Softwood
• Based on Durability
• Highly durable
• Moderately durable
• Non-durable

Properties of Timber

• Strength: High strength-to-weight ratio
• Durability: Long-lasting when treated
• Elasticity: Can bend without breaking
• Workability: Easy to cut and shape
• Insulation: Good thermal and acoustic properties

Seasoning of Timber

Seasoning removes moisture from timber to improve strength and durability.

• Air Seasoning
• Kiln Seasoning
• Chemical Seasoning

Defects in Timber

As timber is a natural construction materials, it may have several types of defects on it. These defects can make it unusable to use as a construction materials. Some of the defects on the timber includes:

• Knots: Knots are formed due to the development of the branches in the tree. Knots reduce the strength of the timber.
• Cracks: Often cracks can occur in timber due to excessive drying and uneven moisture change.
• Warping: Warping occurs when timber changes shape due to uneven drying.
• Fungal decay: Due to moisture in timber fungus can break the wood. This may reduce the strength of the timber.

Uses of Timber

Structural beams and columns

Flooring and roofing

Furniture

Bridges and sleepers

Advantages of Timber

There are a number of practical advantages of timber in construction.
Main advantages include:

• Eco-friendly and renewable
• Lightweight
• Easy to work
• Cost-effective.
• Availability in most markets with ease.
• Durable
• Low maintenance

Disadvantages of Timber

Although timber are helpful, they also have certain limitations.
• Fire risk
• Prone to decay and insects
• Requires maintenance

Comparison Timber vs Steel vs Concrete

Future Trends in Timber

Timber is finding more and more uses in modern construction, in high-rise designs, in modular architecture and in sustainable design. The industry is undergoing a revolution with engineered wood products such as CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) .

Conclusion

Because of its versatility, sustainability and performance, timber remains one of the most important materials available to the construction industry. The use of timber is paving the way for modern engineering and construction in the era of technological progress.

• What is Timber
• History of Timber
• Classification of Timber
• Properties of Timber
• Seasoning of Timber
• Defects in Timber
• Uses of Timber
• Advantages of Timber
• Disadvantages of Timber
• Comparison Timber vs Steel vs Concrete
• Future Trends in Timber
• Conclusion