Features That Will Determine What Timber to Purchase for Construction

When it comes to timber for sale, the first thing that buyers consider is how sturdy the wood is. While strength is a much-needed characteristic for construction, it should be noted that the strength of the wood would not be uniform. The reason behind this is that timber is anisotropic, which means that the material's intrinsic structure tends to be different in various directions. Hence, strength alone should not be your determining factor on which timber to buy. Instead, here are additional features that you should put into consideration when contemplating what lumber to purchase for your construction project.

The density of the timber

A factor that will directly influence the strength of the wood is the density of the lumber. The higher the density, the stronger your timber will be. Density is a direct result of the thickness of the cell walls of the wood, as this means that there is a more substantial amount of wood in a given area of the timber. So if you are in search of wood for sale for structural beams and other support elements, you should look for the densest options available.

The natural defects on the timber

Every type of timber for sale will have its own unique set of flaws. Some of the more common physical defects that you will come across include shakes, cross grains, knots and so on. However, a mistake some people make when purchasing timber is assuming that these defects only influence the appearance of the raw timber grain. But the reality is that defects can also have an impact on the strength of the wood. If you prefer the unique pattern that these effects provide, it is best to utilise such timber for decorative purposes such as moulding, rather than in a support capacity for your structure.

The moisture content of the timber

Another characteristic that will influence the viability of the wood for construction is the amount of moisture in the wood. In general, the more moisture content in the timber, the weaker the structural integrity of the wood because the moisture does not increase the load-bearing capacity of the timber. Instead, it merely increases the volume of the timber cells and subsequently the volume of the tree's tissue, but does not contribute to its overall strength. Take note that timbers with a high moisture content are incredibly vulnerable to pest infestations as well as fungal infections, as the timber provides a suitable environment for their sustenance. As a rule of thumb, always gravitate to timbers that have the least moisture content for durability and prolonged longevity of the wood.