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Understanding Structural Timber: A Guide for Builders and Homeowners

28 November 2024

The Importance of Structural Timber for Building in QLD

A large part of Australia’s construction industry depends on structural timber to manufacture efficient and durable key structures. From large-scale projects to residential self builds, the load bearing capacity of timber is superior, making it one of the most versatile materials available. The core factors, sustainability and durability of timber, translates to its wide usage across industries and countries. Sunstate Timbers has been a leading supplier of the finest quality timber to homeowners, builders and architects across Brisbane. If you’re looking for advice on timber construction, please get in touch with us today.

The Benefits of Using Timber for Construction

There are various timber grades used for construction purposes due to their versatility and load bearing capacity among others. Here’s why structural timber is one of the most popular construction materials:

Construction Speed – Timber can easily be prefabricated to create weather and rot resistance structures, increasing the speed of the building process.
Cost-effectiveness – With its affinity to be adaptable and ease of maintenance, timber can be one of the most reasonable building materials in the long run.
Durability – Hardwood, treated pinewood and even Engineered Timber is extremely resilient in nature. Timber strength arises due to its compact structure making them ideal for roofs, floors and walls.
Design Adaptability – A wide range of innovative products are now being manufactured which meet the aspirations of professionals very efficiently.
Sustainability – Engineered timber is made from remnants of wood shavings and smaller pieces, making good use of the waste generated. Wood also is a great insulator heat and promotes air circulation.

Sunstate Timbers houses a wide and varied variety of timber grades, each strictly adhering to Australian timber standards. If you’re looking for timber related products, contact us today.

Discover Structural F7 Kiln Dried Pine

Structural timber is commonly manufactured using kiln dried radiata pine, which is highly durable and dimensionally stable. Structural pine is strong due to its low moisture content, minimising the risk of distortions and changes in dimensions. The drying process improves its strength, stiffness and capability to hold nails while also making it light and easier to handle.

Compliant to the Australian Standards (AS 2858-2008), our timber yard has kiln dried F7 pine boards in various sizes and lengths. Structural pine has a lower timber strength compared to hardwood, which makes it suitable for residential builds and for outdoor pergola and decking projects.

Understanding Structural Hardwood

Hardwood structural timber has its benefits of strength and long-lasting resilience. Starting at F14 grade, Sunstate Timbers house higher timber grades which are suitable for civil engineering projects, construction projects, decking, cladding and timber framed homes.

Hardwood timber fulfils Australian Timber Standards (AS 2082-2007) and is available in a variety of dimensions to meet a wide range of construction requirements.

Discover Our Timber Range in Brisbane

While structural hardwood is ideal timber for construction, the adaptability of kiln-dried pine makes it perfect for residential builds. It is important to understand the characteristics of timber to suit your needs, which then maximises the success and durability of your project. For any guidance related to timber usage, please contact Sunstate Timbers. Our team has extensive experience in designing, manufacturing and building timber related products for all kinds of uses.