Timber disadvantages become advantages

26 Aug.,2024

 

Timber disadvantages become advantages

Benefits of using timber in construction

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Timber is a cost efficient building material which has many great characteristics for outdoor structures and products. It is often chosen due to its good lasting performance and natural appearance, depending on timber type/grade.

However, the natural characteristics of most timbers have some related disadvantages, these disadvantages can be easily turned into advantages with today&#;s modern remedies that have turned timber into a highly requested material for outdoor structures and products.

We have listed the advantages and disadvantages of using timber for outdoor structures, then we continue to explain how the disadvantages can be turned around giving timber an advantage over many other materials for building good value, long lasting structures.

Advantages:

  • It is readily available.

    Timber is a natural material used in many forms for building and construction. It is readily available, and can be easily sourced from many building material suppliers all over Australia.

  • It is safe.

    Since it comes from a natural source, timber is non-toxic. It is safe to handle and even as it ages, it will not cause damage to the environment. It is safe to reuse or recycle and maximises Green Star Energy rating and carbon credits. Most timbers these days are endorsed or sustainably harvested to return a great life cycle.

  • It is easy to work.

    Due to its lightness, density and grain structure, and the fact we have been using timber in buildings from the early ages we have highly developed machinery to cut, drill and prepare timber to the required size and shape. Even hardwood timbers are relatively easy to work with compared to other building materials such as steel.

  • It is cost effective.

    Timber is the cost effective alternative to many other materials, if you consider the life cycle of timber it has less steps to process than many other building materials, therefore less to produce.

  • It is versatile and visually appealing.

    As timber comes in many different grades and species this gives timber a huge reach across many different uses and appeals. Structural and visual grade timbers are often chosen for outdoor structures.

  • It is naturally anti-corrosive.

    Unlike steel and other highly used building materials timber does not corrode in salt air or heavy industrial environments.

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Disadvantages:

  • As timber is natural and cellular it moves with changes in climatic conditions. Timber shrinks, swells, twists, cracks and bends over time and different climatic conditions.

  • Most timbers are prone to pest, rot, mold and fungi attacks, some are far better than others but they both require a minimum of LOSP or ACQ treatments for outdoor structures.

  • Timbers tend to silver or look old if left natural and unpainted.

  • Timber maintenance can seem to be higher than other building materials.

So given the advantages and disadvantages, how do we turn these disadvantages in our favor for long lasting performing structures? The answer is twofold, ensure your using select visual grade timbers and that you treat your timber with an easy to maintain wood treatment like Cutek Extreme.

  • Using a select grade of timber ensures you have the straightest, most consistent piece of timber available. This with applying Cutek Extreme before and during the life of your structure will massively reduce the natural occurrence of splitting, cracking, warping and cupping &#; Advantage timber!

  • Ensuring the select grade of timber has been ACQ or LOSP treated is paramount, again when you couple this with Cutek Extreme you get the perfect timber treated perfectly which gives you the perfect solution &#; Advantage timber!

  • Cutek has a choice of colour tones to reduce silvering over time, it&#;s easy to reapply to enhance the colour again &#; Advantage timber!

  • Timber maintenance can be high, but selecting a good quality timber from the start and applying the right treatments will have your maintenance team clicking their heels! Did you know that because Cutek Extreme is oil based it can be easily reapplied with a rag or brush right over the existing coating&#;no sanding or cleaning with nasty cleaners required &#; Advantage timber!

Selecting the right timber whether it is a softwood pine or hardwood it&#;s important to ensure you get select visual grade. Ensure that all hardwood is treated with ACQ to help protect the timber from insect infestation, rot, warping and splitting then further prevent this with a treatment (such as Cutek Extreme) to ensure your ongoing costs are minimised. With softwoods, ensure it has been LOSP treated in clear (no colour) as it will change the look of the timber and any coasting, stain or further treatment colour. Then treat the timber with an oil base preservative that is highly recommended by longevity in the industry &#; nothing tells you quick than the local industry if a product will stand the test of time.

If you require any further help or information regarding wht timber to select, or treatment to supply on timber give your local representative a call or visit our website FAQ&#;s for more information. Don&#;t forget to download our timber colour chart to see how your timber will look when its finished!

Pressure-treated vs. galvanized steel: Which fence post is ...

The saying is true&#;good fences make good neighbors. FenceWorks NW is in the business of helping our customers be the best neighbors possible. If you&#;ve decided to install a new fence in Clark County or replace an old one, it&#;s important to choose long-lasting materials built to withstand the damp climate known to cause dry rot and wreak havoc on timber.

In the Northwest, the two most common fence posts are pressure-treated posts and galvanized posts. To help you choose the right option for you, keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of each type of post.

Pressure-treated posts

First things first, let&#;s define pressure-treated posts. To create wood that is protected from wood rot and insects, lumber is placed in a depressurized holding tank that replaces excess air with a solution of water and chemical preservatives with proven protective qualities. In EPA regulations removed arsenic from the recipe, replacing it with copper azole. This treatment does add years of protection for the posts, but they do not last quite as long as they used to.

While this treatment does not eliminate the potential for wear and tear or corrosion from the elements over time, a pressure-treated post will last far longer than traditional wooden posts. If installed directly into the soil, you can expect a pressure-treated post to last approximately seven years. Installed into a concrete base, a pressure-treated post can last 20+ years. Unlike most companies, FenceWorks NW meticulously hand-trowels every footing, bringing the concrete above grade. This extra step protects your investment and minimizes exposure to dirt that will prematurely rot your fence.

Pressure-treated lumber, while more expensive than natural wood, is less expensive than aluminum, steel, or other building materials. Pressure-treated lumber is also much easier to customize&#;whatever your fence height or style, we can easily cut the post to suit your needs. Some styles of fencing work much better with pressure treated posts vs steel. This is a discussion we are happy to cover at the time of your free estimate.

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Galvanized steel posts

It seems like an easy decision when you compare pressure-treated wood and steel fence posts. However, the winner when comparing pressure-treated wood and galvanized steel isn&#;t as clearly defined.

The process of galvanizing steel involves applying a zinc coating to steel, effectively protecting the metal from rust, acid, or erosion. Most galvanized steel posts are created using the hot-dip method, where posts are dipped into molten zinc. Steel that has undergone this process is easily identified by the crystalline pattern of the posts, often referred to as spangle.

There are 4 common options for steel posts; square, round, c-post & post masters (flange style) We help you decide which is best for your style of fence.

When comparing fence post lifespans, the life of a galvanized steel post far outlasts its treated wooden counterpart. In some cases, galvanized steel fence posts can last 50 -70 years with little to no maintenance. The galvanized coating protects the steel underneath, as the elements must first destroy the zinc coating before compromising the strength of the metal. If strength is a concern, steel is virtually indestructible. The metal is fireproof and stable when faced with high winds.

The quality of galvanized steel comes with a heftier price tag than a pressure-treated wood post. Keep in mind, though, that galvanized steel will last two to three times longer than a pressure-treated wood post. When you complete a yearly cost breakdown, galvanized steel comes out ahead. Also remember, a strong fence post strengthens the entire fence. When you choose galvanized steel posts, you minimize the likelihood of incurring fence damage after big storms.

As you make the decision whether to select galvanized steel posts or pressure-treated wooden posts, the choice is largely based on budget. If you need a fence now, but you&#;re not ready to invest in a solution for the next 50 -70 years, a fence with pressure-treated wooden posts is your best option. If you prefer a low-maintenance solution that will last a lifetime, galvanized steel posts are the ultimate choice for your Clark County fence.

If you&#;re ready to get started with your new fence or fence replacement, our team of expert craftsmen are ready to help.

We offer free consultations and estimates, so you can weigh your options and choose the fence post solution that&#;s right for your yard and your budget. No matter what you choose, you can be sure that FenceWorks NW&#;s high-quality materials and expert workmanship will result in a long-lasting fence you&#;ll love.

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