Discover how timber is used in construction and building. Learn about timber types, structural framing, cladding, and benefits for UK projects. Perfect for builders & DIYers.
Types of Timber is Used in Construction
Pine is one of the most commonly used softwoods in construction projects since it's easy to work with, affordable, and widely available. Pine is often used for interior joinery such as skirting boards, doors, and furniture. Pine also takes paint and stains well, which makes it a good choice for decorative projects.
Oak is a traditional hardwood that's also widely used in construction projects. Oak is known for its strong and durable qualities, making it ideal for structural work like beams and flooring, as well as furniture. Additionally, oak is naturally resistant to both insect and moisture damage.
Alongside natural wood, engineered timber products are also widely used in construction. These types of timber include plywood, MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard), and OSB (Oriented Strand Board). These materials are made from wood fibres or layers that are glued together, making them stable and strong. They are commonly used for flooring, wall panels, and roof decking, or areas where natural wood might warp or shrink.
Timber for Structural Framing
Timber is valued for its light weight, strength, sustainability, and ease of use. Timber frames are commonly used to support a building’s walls, floors, and roofs, as they form the main structure of many types of buildings.
Timber is commonly used to construct timber frame houses. These buildings use a wooden framework to carry the load of the structure, and the frame is built using vertical posts and horizontal beams that are fixed together to create a strong skeleton. The walls are then filled in with insulation and covered with plasterboard or other finishes. This method is popular since it's quick to build, cost-effective, and energy-efficient.
Timber is also used to build internal stud walls, which divide the rooms inside of a building. These frames are made from upright wooden studs that are connected by horizontal noggins.
They are usually covered with plasterboard and can contain insulation or soundproofing materials. Stud walls are ideal for houses and smaller buildings, as they are easy to install, replace and change.
Prefabricated timber roof trusses are widely used to form the framework of roofs. These trusses are made off-site and then lifted into place.
They are designed to distribute the weight of the roof evenly and allow for open spaces inside the building without the need for internal supporting walls.
The timber used in structural framing must meet UK building standards and must be treated for strength, durability, and fire safety. Sustainable sourcing is also important, and many projects use timber certified by FSC or PEFC.
Cladding and Exterior Uses
Timber is a popular material for cladding and exterior features because it enhances a property's practical use and visual appeal. Timber cladding can be installed in different directions, such as horizontal, vertical, or diagonal depending on the style of the building.
The most common types of timber that are used for cladding include cedar, larch, and treated softwoods. These options are chosen for their natural strength, weather resistance, and attractive grain. Beyond cladding, timber is also used in fencing, decking, garden buildings, and external parts like soffits and fascias.
In modern construction, timber is often combined with materials such as brick, stone, or metal to add a contrast in texture and appearance. Before the installation process, any exterior timber is treated for moisture resistance, insect damage, and decay.
However, some species like cedar and larch are naturally resistant and don't need chemical treatment. Timber can also be stained, oiled, or painted, depending on the desired finish to improve its durability and appearance.
Timber provides a warm and natural look that blends well with many settings. Over time, untreated timber weathers to a silver-grey shade, which is often desirable in rustic or modern designs. It's also a sustainable option, especially when sourced from responsible suppliers.
Many building projects in the UK now use timber that's certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), ensuring it comes from well-managed, renewable forests.
Timber in Roof Construction
In most UK buildings, timber is used to build the structural frame of the roof, including the rafters, trusses, joists, and purlins. Rafters are sloping beams that run from the ridge to the wall plate, and support the roof covering. Joists span across the building and support the ceiling below, while purlins provide extra support across the rafters.
Most projects use prefabricated roof trusses, which are factory-made timber frames that are designed to support the shape and weight of the roof. Timber is widely used for roof construction because it's strong and lightweight, making it easier to handle and install on-site. It's also flexible and can be cut and shaped to size, which is useful for bespoke or complex roof designs.
Additionally, timber is generally more affordable than steel for roof framing, especially in smaller residential projects. It also has good thermal performance, which can help improve a building's energy efficiency.
Timber is also a renewable and sustainable material, and it is often sourced from certified suppliers. The timber used in roof construction is often chemically treated to protect the frame against rot, insects, and fires, ensuring you have long-term durability.
In summary, timber is a reliable and efficient material for roof construction in the UK. It combines strength, flexibility, and sustainability, making it a great choice for a wide range of building types and styles.
Theos Timber supplies high-quality timber for construction, joinery, and landscaping projects across the UK. Our range of timber includes softwood, hardwood, MDF, plywood and more. Whether it's for structural framing, cladding, or decking, we can provide reliable, durable timber right to your doorstep.