One of the most essential uses of timber is in the structure of buildings. Timber frame construction is often used for homes and low to mid-rise timber buildings. In many designs, the timber frame is load-bearing, which means it carries the weight of floors, roofs, and walls. This can produce strong results when the correct type of timber and good-quality fixing methods are used.

Timber is also commonly used for floor joists, roof structures, and roof trusses. Roof trusses made from timber can span long distances, helping create open spaces without a large number of internal supports. Timber also works well for stud walls, partitions, and wall framing, where it provides a stable form for plasterboard and services like wiring and pipes.

Timber-framed walls are a common choice because they are light, strong, and easy to build to a consistent shape. They can also leave space for insulation, which supports comfort and lower running costs. Timber floors are also widely used, with timber joists forming a strong base for floor boards and modern wood products such as engineered panels.

For roofs, timber is used for rafters, trusses, decking, and roof edges. Because timber is easy to work with, it suits both simple and more complex roof designs, including pitched roofs and rooms in the roof space.

Thermal insulation is one of the biggest benefits of wood. Timber has small air pockets in its structure, which helps it slow down heat transfer. When timber framing is combined with added insulation in the wall and roof build-up, it can improve energy efficiency and reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a building.

Better energy efficiency can mean lower bills and a more comfortable indoor temperature. It can also help reduce the building’s overall carbon footprint, especially when the heating system is used less often.

Wood can help with sound control when it is used in the right form and combined with other materials. Timber can reflect sound, and it can also be used to shape surfaces that guide sound around a space. In buildings, this can support good results in rooms where clear speech or music matters. With the right layers in walls and floors, timber buildings can also reduce unwanted noise moving between rooms.

Timber is durable, but it needs the right design and care so it stays dry and well-ventilated. Moisture is one of the main causes of timber damage, so details like drainage, roof overhangs, and good airflow are important. Timber should also be protected from pests where needed, especially in areas where insects are common. Good site practice, correct storage, and proper treatment can all help keep the timber in good condition.

The type of timber matters too. Different types of timber, including softwood and hardwood, have different levels of natural durability and strength. The best choice depends on the use, the environment, and the required lifespan.

Timber can perform well in a fire when it is designed correctly. Large timber sections can form a protective char layer on the outside, which can slow down the spread of heat into the core of the timber. This can help maintain strength for longer than some people expect. Fire safety still depends on the full build-up of the wall, floor, and roof, including linings and fixings, so it must meet safety rules and building control requirements.

Overall, building safety is also improved when timber is graded, checked for quality, and installed correctly. This includes correct spacing, fixings, and bracing so the structure stays stable.

A key reason timber frame construction is often used is speed. Many timber frame systems can be made off-site in controlled conditions, then delivered for quick assembly. This can reduce delays caused by wet weather and can improve accuracy, because the parts are made to measured sizes.

Good planning also reduces waste. When a timber frame is made to fit the design, there is less cutting and fewer mistakes on-site. This can support better quality and a cleaner site, which can help other trades work more smoothly.

Timber is used in construction far beyond the main structure. It is often used for stairs, doors, skirting boards, window frames, and built-in storage. Timber also supports many design styles, from traditional to modern, because wood comes in many colours and textures.

Many wood products are made by bonding layers or strands together to form strong, stable sheets and beams. These products can improve consistency and can be used where straightness and strength are important.