Sawn timber

Types of Sawn Timber

Sawn timber, also known as sawn wood or lumber, refers to wood products that have been cut from logs into usable dimensions for construction and other purposes. This timber is widely used in construction projects, furniture making, and various other applications. Sawn timber comes in different types, which include the following:

• Structural Sawn Timber

  Structural sawn timber is commonly used in construction and building projects. It features a straight grain and is free from knots and defects. This type of timber is pressure-treated to enhance its resistance to decay and insects. It comes in different sizes and dimensions to meet various construction needs. Common types of structural sawn timber include glulam beams, CCB beams, and CCA beams.

• Appearance Sawn Timber

  This type of timber is used where the natural beauty of the wood is exposed and needs to be highlighted. It is regularly used in decking, cladding, and roofing applications. Appearance sawn timber is finished to improve its visual appeal and is available in different grades, with higher-quality grades having fewer knots and defects. Common types of appearance sawn timber include decking boards, cladding boards, and roofing timbers.

• Heavy Sawn Timber

  Heavy sawn timber is specifically designed for large-scale construction applications. It has large dimensions and weights and is used in constructing bridges, large warehouses, and other structures that require significant strength and stability. Heavy sawn timber is usually left rough-sawn to minimize costs. Common types of heavy-sawn timber include bridge timber, warehouse beams, and industrial trusses.

• Softwood Sawn Timber

  Sawn timber from softwood species is called softwood sawn timber. It is lighter and easier to work with than hardwood sawn timber. This timber is used in various applications, including construction, furniture, and interior finishes. Generally, softwood sawn timber is more affordable than hardwood timber. Common types of softwood sawn timber include pine, cedar, and spruce timber.

• Hardwood Sawn Timber

  Hardwood sawn timber comes from deciduous trees. It is denser, more durable, and harder than softwood timber. This timber is used in applications that require strength, longevity, and aesthetic appeal, such as high-quality furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. It is more expensive than softwood timber. Common types of hardwood-sawn timber include oak, maple, and mahogany timber.

Functions and features of Sawn timber

Sawn timber has various functions across different industries, including construction, manufacturing, furniture, and more. Here are some of the key functions of sawn timber:

• Structural Support

  Sawn timber is used in construction to create load-bearing structures such as beams, columns, and rafters. It provides structural support and stability to buildings and other structures.

• Floors and Decks

  Sawn timber, especially solid hardwood, is used to build durable and attractive flooring. It is also used in constructing decks and patios.

• Walls

  Sawn timber is used in different forms, such as studs, trusses, and framing, to build and create walls and roof structures in buildings. They are also used as wall cladding to enhance the aesthetic appearance of a building.

• Furniture Construction

  Sawn timber is commonly used to make furniture such as tables, chairs, cabinets, beds, and more. It provides durability and aesthetic appeal.

• Cabinetry and Joinery

  Sawn timber is used in the construction of cabinets, drawers, shelves, and other storage solutions. It is also used in windows, doors, and moldings.

• Stairs and Railings

  Sawn timber is used to construct staircases, including steps, treads, risers, and handrails.

• Roofing

  Sawn timber is used in roofing structures such as trusses, rafters, and purlins. It is also used in roofing finishes such as wooden shingles and shakes.

• Partitions and Room Dividers

  Sawn timber is used to create partitions and room dividers in homes and offices to separate spaces and create private areas.

• Exterior Features

  Timber is used in the construction of fences, gates, pergolas, and trellises. It enhances the landscape and creates outdoor living spaces.

The features of sawn timber include:

• Durability

  Sawn timber is durable and withstands wear and weathering. This ensures that it remains in good condition for a long period of time.

• Workability

  It is easy to work with. It can be cut, shaped, and joined using different methods and tools used in the construction industry.

• Aesthetic Appeal

  Sawn timber has natural beauty. It includes different colors, textures, and grain patterns that enhance the visual appearance of furniture and buildings.

• Eco-friendliness

  Sawn timber is made from natural materials. It is recyclable and renewable. This makes it more eco-friendly as opposed to other construction materials like steel and concrete.

• Insulation Properties

  Timber has low thermal conductivity. This prevents heat transfer and can be used to improve insulation in buildings. For example, it can be used in the construction of insulated walls and roofs.

Applications of Sawn Timber

Sawn timber, also known as sawn wood, refers to timber that has been cut from logs into specific sizes and shapes. This timber is used in construction, furniture making, and various other applications. Here are some common application scenarios:

• Construction

  Sawn timber is widely used in construction for structural purposes. This includes:

  Load-bearing walls: Sawn timber is used to create walls that carry the weight of the roof and other loads.

  Floors and ceilings: Timber is used for both floors and ceilings in buildings.

  Framing: This refers to the skeleton of a building made of timber, which includes walls, floors, and roofs.

• Furniture Making

  Sawn timber is also used in the furniture industry. It is crafted into different furniture items such as:

  Chairs and Sofas: The frames and structures of chairs and sofas are made using sawn timber.

  Tables and Desks: Sawn timber is used to make both dining and office tables.

  Cabinets and Wardrobes: Sawn timber is used to construct storage units like cabinets and wardrobes.

• Doors and Windows

  Timber is used to make doors, windows, and their frames. This includes:

  Exterior and Interior Doors: These are the doors that lead into and between rooms in a house.

  Windows: Timber is also used to make windows and window frames.

• Decking and Patios

  Another application scenario of sawn timber is creating patios and decking. This includes:

  Timber Decking: Sawn timber is used to create wooden decks for both residential and commercial areas. These decks are used in the construction of walkways and ramps.

  Patios and Pergolas: Sawn timber is used to create patios and pergolas in outdoor spaces.

• Decorative Elements

  Timber is also used for decorative purposes. This includes:

  Mouldings and Trim: Sawn timber is used to create mouldings and trims that decorate walls, ceilings, and floors.

  Crown Moulding: This refers to decorative moulding that is fixed at the junction of the walls and ceilings.

  Baseboards and Chair Rails: These are made using sawn timber to protect walls and add decorative elements.

How to choose Sawn Timber

When purchasing sawn timber, there are several factors to consider to ensure the right product is selected for a specific purpose. Here are some of them:

• Grade and Quality

  Each timber grade has a different allowable limit for defects and strength. Higher-grade timber has fewer defects and is stronger than lower-grade timber. It is important to select the right grade of timber to ensure it meets the structural requirements. Apart from the grade, it is also important to check the quality of the timber. Choose timber with a few knots and defects. This timber will be strong and durable.

• Moisture Content

  The timber's moisture content is crucial, especially if the timber is intended for construction. Sawn timber with high moisture content is more prone to warping and cracking when it dries. Therefore, it is important to choose timber with the appropriate moisture content level.

• Timber Species

  The species of timber determines its strength and durability. Select timber species based on the intended purpose. For instance, if the timber is intended for construction, choose strong and durable timber species like engineered wood, treated pine, or radiata pine. If the timber is intended for decorative purposes, choose attractive timber species like cedar or oak.

• Dimension and Size

  When purchasing sawn timber, it is important to consider the dimension and size to ensure the timber fits the intended purpose. If the timber is intended for construction, it is available in standard sizes such as 2x4 or 4x4. It is also important to consider the actual cutting size, as the actual size may be smaller due to the planing and drying process.

• Treatment and Preservation

  Timber is susceptible to damage by insects and environmental elements. As a result, manufacturers treat it to enhance its durability. If the timber is intended for outdoor use, choose treated timber to protect it from insect damage and decay. Treated timber is usually green or brown. If the timber is intended for indoor use, untreated timber will work.

sawn timber Q & A

Q1. What is the difference between solid wood and sawn timber?

A1. Solid wood is any wood that is not manufactured, while timber refers to wood that has been cut and is ready for construction. This means that all timber is solid wood, but not all solid wood is timber.

Q2. What are the disadvantages of cut timber?

A2. Some of the disadvantages of sawn timber include: It is more susceptible to warping and bending in the middle of its length when compared to quarter-sawn timber. It also has a tendency to cup, bow or twist. Additionally, it is more prone to develop cracks during the drying process.

Q3. What is the best way to dry sawn timber?

A3. There are two main ways to dry sawn timber: Air drying and kiln drying. Air drying is a natural process that involves stacking and spacing the timber to allow free circulation of air. On the other hand, kiln drying is a controlled process that uses a special machine called a kiln to dry the timber.

Q4. How long does it take to air dry sawn timber?

A4. The time it takes to air dry timber varies depending on several factors such as the size of the timber, the species, and the weather conditions. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to air dry timber.

Q5. What are some common uses of sawn timber?

A5. Some common uses of sawn timber include: Construction (walls, roofs, floors, and structural support), furniture (chairs, tables, beds, and cabinets), decking and fencing, and pallets and packaging.