Between Projects: In Praise of General Contractors

Three Important Tips for Choosing Construction Timber

Purchasing the right timber for construction is a difficult undertaking. There are many types of lumber on the market with a wide range of prices. If you are not cautious and keen, you might purchase unsuitable wood for your building needs. Also, it is possible to fail to remain budget-conscious when dealing with a timber purchase. Therefore, if you are buying timber for the first time, consider all the factors that could affect performance and cost. Here are basic guidelines to help you during the selection process.

Know the Specific Use

You should have a clear understanding of the specific usage of the timber supplies. Simply speaking, different forms of lumber have different applications in construction. If you do not find the right match, the results will be unfavourable. The most critical thing to keep in mind is the availability of structural and non-structural timber. As implied, structural timber forms core parts of the building like load-bearing elements. Non-structural wood is installed in decorative or finishing applications. It cannot support loads and must not be used in core construction.

Consider the Treatment

When choosing your building lumber, you should think about the vulnerability of wood to damage. It is important to ensure that your chosen lumber will not deteriorate and cause your structure to fail. In general, the primary concerns with relation to timber damage are moisture and pests. These problems can be prevented by choosing treated wood. Where possible, you should opt for pressure-treated products because they have deeper protection. Moreover, you can further protect the material by using a protective coating. Some hardwoods have natural oils which prevent timber damage even without treatment. However, the cost of purchase for the superior material can be high.

Evaluate the Sizing

The size of your timber will determine the ease of utilisation on the construction site. Therefore, you should learn about the requirements before making your order. If you order an unsuitable size, you might need to return the pieces, causing a lot of time wastage during construction. In other cases, the timber will require a lot of cutting and modifications before use. This will translate into losses in the form of wasted wood and workforce labour. Under normal circumstances, you should discuss the right sizing needs with your building contractor when making the purchase.

Finally, consider the aesthetic appeal of the construction timber. If the wood will be exposed once the building process is completed, opt for high-grade wood with uniform grain and minimal imperfections. Reach out to a professional to discuss timber and other building supplies you'll need.