What is the best timber for a specific project?

best-timber-to-use

A comprehensive guide 

People often ask us, what is the best timber for a specific project in the Inverell area? It’s a difficult question because many timbers can be used for different purposes. In this blog post, we will give you a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best timber for your project.

You’re trying to select the best timber for your specific project, but you don’t know where to start. 

It can be tough to figure out what type of timber is best for your needs. Do you go with hardwood or softwood? What about treated or untreated timber?

Inverell H Hardware is here to help. We have a wide selection of treated and untreated timbers so that you can find the perfect fit for your project. Plus, our experts are always happy to offer advice and guidance on selecting the correct type of timber for your needs.

  • Expert advice and guidance for the perfect timber choice
  • Wide selection of treated and untreated timbers

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right timber for your project. Here are some important things to keep in mind: 

  • The purpose of the project
  • The location of the project
  • The budget for the project
  • The level of expertise of the person or team who will be working on the project
  • The finish, how’s it supposed to look?
  • The availability of the timber

Location

Where will the timber be used? If it is exposed to the elements, you’ll need to choose a durable species or treated product resistant to rot and decay. If it is used indoors, you can be more flexible with your choice of timber.

Purpose

What will the timber be used for? This is perhaps the most important question to ask, as it will dictate what type of timber you need. For example, if you’re looking to build a deck, you’ll need a different type of timber than if you’re replacing a skirting board.

Budget

When it comes to selecting timber for your project, budget is always a key consideration.

It’s essential to remember that you get what you pay for – so if you opt for the cheapest timber, you may not be getting the best quality.

You might use a cheaper type of timber, and the project gets done, but it may not last as long, and you’ll have to fix or replace parts of the project eventually. It’s often better to spend more on good quality timber that will last longer and need less maintenance.

The other guys may sell you cheaper MDF products, but these tend to be more challenging to work with as they are dense, ‘floppy’, and prone to denting, marking and swelling. As they are man-made products with less natural texture, screws may not grab into the material as well as their timber counterparts or loosen over time. They are also not suitable for use in wet areas or where they will come into contact with mopping or steam.

Expertise

If you’re not confident working with timber, it’s best to leave the job to someone who is.

There are many different types of timber, each with specific characteristics. If you don’t have the expertise to identify these characteristics and select suitable wood for the job, you could end up with a substandard result.

Finish

Do you want your timber to be left natural, or do you plan to paint, stain or varnish it? Some timbers are more suited to specific finishes than others. For example, primed pine is excellent where a painted finish is required, whereas a decorative species may be more appropriate for staining or vanishing.

Availability

Timber availability may be affected by supply chain issues.

Supply chain issues can cause a shortage of timber, which may lead to higher prices and longer wait times. Tradespeople in Inverell are always busy, so it’s essential to plan if you need timber for a project.

You might consider purchasing your timber in bulk for a better deal and to protect yourself from current supply chain issues.

Based on these factors, here are some recommended timbers for specific projects in Australia:

Primed Pine

A versatile and affordable timber, primed pine is a popular choice for a range of applications, both indoor and outdoor. It is easy to work with and comes pre-primed, making it perfect for a painted finish. Available in a wide range of standard sizes and profiles suited for architraves, skirtings and trims.

Treated Pine

Treated pine is one of the most popular types of timber used in construction. It’s affordable, durable and easy to work with. Treated pine is often used for framing, decking and fencing.

Merbau

If you need versatile timber that can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects, then Merbau is a good choice. It is also a relatively affordable option.

Specifically for Inverell, which is dryer and hotter, Merbau is a fantastic hardwood that does well in the Australian climate. It is easy to work with, has excellent anti-fungal properties that keep animals and rot away, and is fire resistant. Perfect for those looking for high-performing timber without breaking the bank.

For most applications in our area, there is no need to use stainless steel screws as we do not have the harsher corrosive conditions like coastal areas; instead, we stock a range of Bremick screws that are specifically coated to prevent corrosion, so you can be sure you’re not paying for what you don’t need.

We favour these timbers in Australia because they withstand our climate better than other options.

A hardwood with rich, reddish-brown colour, Merbau is popular for outdoor applications such as decking, screening, outdoor furniture, cladding and pergolas. It is naturally durable and termite resistant, making it ideal for areas exposed to the elements.

Cypress

Cypress is a durable timber that is popular for outdoor use. It has a high resistance to rot and decay and natural resistance to insect attack, making it ideal for fencing, decking and cladding.

Laminated Veneer Lumber

LVL, or laminated veneer lumber, is a type of timber growing in popularity. It is made from thin sheets of wood glued together, making it more robust and stable than traditional timber. LVL is often used for sub-flooring, roofing beams and framing.

Composite Products

Composite timbers are popular for various applications, from decking to fencing. Composite timbers are made from wood and plastic, making them more durable than traditional timber.

Timber Terminology

When you’re shopping for timber, it’s essential to know the terminology so that you can make an informed decision. Here are some standard terms you’ll come across:

Kiln Dried

Kiln-dried timber has been dried in a controlled environment to reduce its moisture content. This makes it less likely to warp or shrink once installed.

CCA Treated

CCA, or chromated copper arsenate, is a chemical treatment used to protect timber from rot and decay. CCA-treated timber is often used in construction, especially for outdoor applications such as landscaping and fencing.

ACQ Treated

ACQ, or alkaline copper quaternary, is a water-based chemical treatment used to protect timber from rot and decay. ACQ-treated timber is arsenic-free, making it a better option for vegetable beds, play areas, and other high-contact applications such as garden furniture and handrails.

LOSP Treated

LOSP, or light organic solvent preservative, is a chemical treatment applied to timber using vacuum pressure impregnation. As it is not a water-based treatment, it does not cause shrinking, warping or expansion of the wood. They are commonly used in framing timber and LVL products.

DAR

Dressed all round, or DAR, timber has been planed and polished on all sides. This gives it a square, smooth finish that is ready to use.

Sawn Timber

Sawn timber is a timber that has been cut into boards or other shapes using a saw; it’s finished finish is less smooth than profiles that have been planed.

MGP Grade

Machine-graded pine, or MGP, is a type of timber graded by a machine to assess its strength. This means that it is of consistent quality and thickness, making it ideal for construction. MGP10 is the minimum grade for structural timber and is suitable for various uses.

F Grade

A trained timber grader has visually assessed f-graded timber to determine its strength—commonly used strength grading for hardwood timbers and cypress.

Hazard Levels

Hazard levels indicate the amount of biological hazard timber will withstand in specific applications. The varying levels represent chemical treatment used to increase the timbers’ resistance to termites, decay and fungal growth. The hazard level is rated on a scale from H6, the highest level, down to H1, the lowest level.

Commonly used H levels include;

  • H2 – Treated to protect the timber from insect and termite attacks. Suitable for above-ground, well-ventilated applications protected from weather and dampness
  • H3 – Treated to protect the timber from decay fungi, insect and termite attack. Suitable for above-ground applications, exposed to weather or periodic wetness
  • H4 – Treated to protect the timber from severe decay, insect and termite attack. Suitable for contact with the ground or continual dampness

There are many factors to consider when choosing suitable timber for your project. We hope this guide has helped narrow your options and choose the best wood for your project.

Inverell H Hardware has a wide range of timber products available, so we can help you find the perfect timber for your next project.

Visit our store or contact us today for more information.

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