Specifying Timber Introduction

The information provided here has been put together by Timberseek to assist specifier's and designers in developing a better understanding in specifying timber. This is to ensure that the timber products specified perform to their best ability. We encourage you to read this information thoroughly and explore the topics yourself before making a final specification.

Timber Properties
• Strength Ratings
• Timber Appearance
• Timber Durability
• Defects in Timber

Preservative Treated Timber
• Why is timber treated with preservatives?
• How long have we been treating timber for?
• Advantages of using treated timber
• Where is treated timber used?
• What timber products use treatment?
• Is treated timber suitable to use in the water?
• What types of timber are treated?
• What are the different treatment hazard levels available and where can they be used?
• What does the Hazard Level mean?
• How long will treated timber last?
• How is timber treated?
• How do I tell if timber is treated?
• What dose treated timber look like?
• Is treated timber safe to use?
• What safety precautions should I take when using treated timber?
• How do I reduce exposure of the chemicals used in treated timber?
• What kind of fasteners should I use with treated timber?
• Should I paint, stain or seal treated timber?
• After cutting treated timber do I need to re-seal the ends?
• How should I store treated timber?
• Disposal of treated off cuts and waste.
• Maintenance of treated timber.
• Can I burn treated timber?
• Recycling treated timber.
• What alternatives are available to treated timber?
• I have a structure made from CCA treated pine or hardwood, what should I do?
• Where can I find suppliers of treated timber?
• How can I find out more about treated timber?

Timber Treatment Alternatives
• Water-Bourne Preservatives CCA, ACQ, CA & Borates
• Oil-Based Preservatives Creosote & Linseed Oil
• Solvent Preservatives LOSP
• Natural Preservatives Tung Oil
• Naturally rot-resistant woods

Timber Deterioration
• Insect Attack
• Fungal Attack
• Timber Weathering

Moisture Content

Timber & Fire Hazards

Structural Timber
• Softwoods
• Hardwoods

Sustainable Timber
• Recycled Timber
• Plantation Timber
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Approved Timber

Manufactured Timber
• Nailplated Joined Timber
• Prefabricated Trusses
• Glued Laminated Timber
• Structural Plywood
• Laminated Veneer Timber
• Webbed Beams
• Timber Veneers

Timber Finishes

Timber Glossary of Terms