When it comes to the construction of buildings that can stand the test of time, timber has proven itself as the perfect choice due to the necessary strength and resilience. On top of these, it also offers so many distinct advantages over other construction materials, like concrete and steel.
This naturally occurring construction material outweighs other construction materials in terms of environmental impact and performance. Thanks to its versatility, you will encounter no problem while using it for a wide range of purposes.
If you wish to know more about the advantages of using timber as a construction material, we have listed all the benefits here.
1. Timber is versatile
One of the most highly appreciated benefits of using timber in construction is the versatility it has to offer. You can find different grades of timber to use, and there are numerous species for you to choose from. These two features make timber ideal for the majority of construction projects.
For instance, visual grade timber and structure timber are preferred for outdoor structures. Wood is one of the most adaptable building materials available since it can be used as a finish material, load-bearing structure or interior cladding.
Timber can be bent, cut, nailed, glued, bolted and joined without any trouble. Along with this, timber (or wood) can be carved, milled, weathered, and laminated. So, if you are looking for a versatile material, nothing else can be better than timber.
2. Timber is sustainable
Projects focusing on sustainability are usually completed using timber as the building material. Timber is harvested from sustainably managed forests, which makes it one of the most environmentally friendly construction materials available. So, using wood in construction is not damaging to nature at all.
It is a renewable resource, so with an adequate plantation, running out of material is not something to worry about. On top of this, it is also a carbon-positive product that is also helpful for the environment.
Due to these advantages of using timber in construction, environmentally conscious people choose it over other building materials.
3. Timber is durable
Wooden material is known to last long (sometimes for a hundred years) if appropriately maintained. With advanced technology, modern timber‘s durability and longevity are enhanced even further.
When maintained and treated correctly, timber is suitable for almost every climate. Various species of timber are naturally resistant to rotting, fire and termites. Hardwood timber offers natural resistance to heat. It can easily cope with corrosion, pollution and frost.
Also, this category can develop permanent resistance towards the fire, with the charcoal layer formed on its surface. Thus, it is the ideal material for both renovations and new builds.
4. Timber offers sound absorption
Are you looking for a material to reduce the noise levels for the construction of a workplace? If yes, then you should consider timber’s acoustic properties. It can minimise echo in an office, living space, or any place with noise in general.
While some materials amplify or reflect the sound, wood, on the other hand, absorbs it. Such absorption results in a significant reduction in the level of noise, providing you with extra comfort and a better sense of privacy.
5. Timber offers excellent tensile strength
When it comes to weight, timber/wood is a lightweight construction material. However, it can outperform steel when it comes to self-support or breaking length. Surprising, right? In simpler words, timber can support its weight better, which a lot of other materials cannot.
6. Timber is easy to work with
With the qualities of being lightweight and versatile, timber is one of the easiest building materials to install and handle. As a result, the construction process becomes faster, cheaper and less disruptive. For building sites that are calmer, quieter and cleaner or for urban development, timber’s ease of work makes it an ideal material.
The offsite manufacturing process with timber is a lot smoother. A timber frame can be pre-cut, and less manpower is needed to put it together. Along with this, the manufacturing process leaves minimal debris behind. Owing to the automation of many manufacturing steps, there is less dependence on traditional skilled labour.
So, timber is readily available when you need it for construction.
7. Timber makes the place look aesthetic
Gone are the days when using wood as a material for construction was considered old-fashioned. People have realised that this material’s natural beauty and versatility are irreplaceable. Timber has a huge range of aesthetics to offer, resulting in great design flexibility.
With its huge variety of textures and its ability to be painted in almost any colour, it will fit your aesthetics perfectly. The quality and the beauty of timber are not affected if it is varnished, waxed, cut, glued, carved and nailed. The malleability of wood allows homeowners to craft pieces of furniture that suit their homes.
So, if you are looking for construction material with highly sought-after aesthetic appeal, timber is what you need.
8. Timber is a cost-effective construction material
When it comes to the cost of construction, using timber as your construction material will help you save a lot. It is often called the cost-effective alternative to other construction materials. With its minimal processing, the costs of manufacturing are reduced significantly.
You can easily get timber from local suppliers, eliminating the need to import it. Thus, you will save on transportation costs as well.
In general, timber is more affordable than other building materials because of its abundance in nature.
Final Words
There are multiple advantages of using timber as a construction material. Such a renewable resource is a natural insulator because of the air pockets present in its cellular structure. Its insulating property has proven it to be a better choice than other materials like aluminium, steel and even masonry.
Not only does this material add to the beauty of projects, but it offers environmental benefits as well. Timber is excellent when the strength to weight is required instead of absolute strength.