What Timber is Best for My Project?

QWhen specifying timber frame as a construction method, is there any timber in particular which is best suited for structural purposes? Kate Rodgers

APA UL NEWMAN says: Most of the structural material used in modern timber frame systems, such as those produced by Potton, is European whitewood. This material is certified as originating from a sustainable source by independent bodies and is dried and structurally graded before it is used for construction.

Some homes will use exposed, large dimension Douglas fir timbers to form part of the structure and to create a specific aesthetic which some people really like. These large timbers are too big to kiln dry, so they dry slowly in service and may move, shrink and split a little as a result of this; green oak structures would perform similarly but the splitting, shrinkage and movement tends to be a little greater due to basic material characteristics.

Timber is a wonderful material to build with, it’s available in different sizes, can be easily cut, planed, dried and graded to a variety of different strengths — as well as providing the benefit of quicker build times if prefabricated off site.