You will need the right tools if you’re about to build a timber frame. So, it’s better to gather every tool you can before you proceed with making your frame. Besides the proper tools, you will also need an appropriate piece of wood if you want your frame to sustain for as long as possible.
You’ll find numerous wood types, each serving different purposes. When you research further, you’ll learn each wood type is priced differently. So, the kind you choose will depend on your budget. Also, every piece of wood has a different finish, so your preference will contribute plenty to the type of wood you go with.
This article will take you through the best wood types to build a timber frame, so stay tuned.
Hemlock
Hemlock is considered one of the most affordable wood pieces in the wood market as it’s highly economical. Since it’s priced relatively lower than other wood types, hemlock is mainly used in barns and country homes. It comes in a pale color, expected to get darker with time.
Hemlock is considered a pretty solid piece of wood, which is why people purchase it. However, one problem with hemlock is that some pieces come with a defect known as “shake.” Shake means when there’s significant delamination on the growth strands. So, as long as you order your hemlock shake-free, you’ll be fine.
Douglas Fir
Another excellent piece of wood we suggest you invest in is Douglas fir. This wood has been around for quite some now and has been serving its owners pretty well. The most convenient part about buying Douglas fir is that it isn’t costly, making it easy to afford.
This wood is one of the most durable and sturdiest pieces of wood in the wood market, so many people invest in it. This wood type comes in various colors, including light red and pale yellow. So, you’ll be glad to know you can experience versatility if you buy some Douglas fir for your timber frame.
White Pine
If you don’t wish to spend too much money on your timber frame, the best choice is to go with some white pine. First of all, it’s not expensive, and second, it’s so easy to work with. You won’t have to encounter a set of problems while working with this easy-going piece of wood.
It falls under the softwood family, meaning it’s super easy to cut. The easier it is to cut a piece of wood, the less hassle you’ll face. Also, white pine accepts stains like nothing else. So, you can always add different colors to your white pine to give it a different look.
Oak
If you have a flexible budget and aren’t afraid of a substantial bill, please invest in oak wood. It is, hands down, one of the best wood types as it offers a stunning finish. Many people who invest in oak do it for this reason alone: its look.
Anything made from oak looks highly regal, automatically adding more to the charm and sophistication. Since it’s expensive, you should also know oak needs to be maintained thoroughly. You cannot just buy it, use it, and expect it to stay the same quality. It requires constant work and maintenance to remain as stunning as it is.
Cedar
If you’re looking for excellent quality wood, you need to see if it’s rot-resistant or not, as it plays an integral role in the wood’s credibility. The more rot-resistant a piece of wood, the more it’ll reflect its top-notch quality.
Cedarwood is precisely that wood.
This wood type will protect itself from termites and insects and won’t decay as quickly as other wood types. If such qualities interest you, we suggest you buy some cedarwood to make a sturdy timber frame. Also, cedar is highly weather-resistant, making for an excellent piece of wood to use outdoors. Overall, cedar will benefit you plenty.
Cypress
Cypress’s unique selling point is that it carries natural oils that protect it from decay and rot. Have you heard of any wood that protects itself through its own natural oils? Well, cypress is undoubtedly an impressive piece of wood as its rot-resistant qualities make it perfect for indoors and outdoors.
This wood type offers plenty of sturdiness and durability, significantly contributing to its popularity. If you haven’t used cypress yet, you’re missing out, as this piece of wood will be an excellent resource for your timber frame. For the reasons listed above, cypress is considered one of the best and the most practical pieces of wood.
Glulam
Glulam is a unique wood type made from gluing different wood segments together. First, other wood pieces are joined together, and then a strong adhesive is used to bind all the pieces together. Glue laminated wood (glulam) has become highly popular as it serves many purposes. This unique wood type has made its way through different industries.
So, using glulam will benefit you plenty while using it to make your timber frame. It’s highly moisture-resistant, so it won’t decay quickly, making it an excellent reason you should invest in some glulam wood. Also, this unique piece(s) of wood offers significant durability throughout its course. Hence, we give this wood type two thumbs up.
Spruce
Last but not least, spruce will undoubtedly help you plenty while making a timber frame. Anyone familiar with using wood frequently would recognize spruce as it has a unique fragrance. Spruce mostly comes in bright white colors with uniform grains. It has an elegant touch, making your frame look as sophisticated as possible.
Most people who use spruce to make their timber frames seek a stunning finish, which is precisely what they get. This piece of wood will be a wise option to go with as it offers plenty of strength and longevity. So, if you’re looking for a sturdy piece of wood that’s also aesthetic, spruce will undoubtedly be your go-to.
Our Final Thoughts
All of the wood types mentioned above have unique features, and using any of them will significantly benefit you and your timber frame.
