TIMBER

TIMBER Is a type of wood which

has been processed into beams and
planks. It is also known as “lumber”
in US and Canada. Basically, timber
or Lumber is a wood or firewood of
growing trees. Any wood capable of
yielding a minimum dimensional
size can be termed as a timber or
lumber. It is a stage in the process
of wood production.
• is a handy old type of wood that’s
widely used as a construction material.
It’s safe to handle, simple to cut and
shape, has excellent thermal
properties, is high-strength and is also
extremely durable.
Processing of Timber
Processing of Timber contains
following steps
• Felling of Trees
• Seasoning of Timber
• Conversion of Timber
• Preservation of Timber
1. Felling of Trees
• Felling of trees is nothing but cutting
of trees which are suitable for
engineering purposes. Felling should
be done when the tree is matured.
Then only it contains more amount of
heart wood than sap wood.
2. Seasoning of Timber
•Seasoning of timber means removal of
moisture content from timber. A newly
fell tree contains water up to 50% of its
dry weight. The timber contains free
moisture and bound moisture. Free
moisture is present in timber as water
vapor while bound moisture is present
in cell walls.
There are two methods of
seasoning are there namely
• Natural seasoning
• Artificial Seasoning
NATURAL SEASONING
• Natural seasoning is the process
in which timber is seasoned by
subjecting it to the natural
elements such as air or water.
Natural seasoning may be water
seasoning or air seasoning.

TYPES OF NATURAL SEASONING

WATER SEASONING
AIR SEASONING
A.Water Seasoning
• Water seasoning is the process in
which timber is immersed in water
flow which helps to remove the sap
present in the timber. It will take 2 to
4 weeks of time and after that the
timber is allowed to dry. Well-
seasoned timber is ready to use.
B.Air Seasoning
• In the process of air seasoning
timber logs are arranged in layers
in a shed. The arrangement is
done by maintaining some gap
with the ground. So, platform is
built on ground at 300mm height
from ground. The logs are
arranged in such a way that air is
circulated freely between logs. By
the movement of air, the moisture
content in timber slowly reduces
and seasoning occurs. Even
though it is a slow process it will
produce well-seasoned timber.
ARTIFICIAL SEASONING
• Artificial Seasoning of Timber
• Natural seasoning gives good results
but takes more time. So, artificial
seasoning of timber is developed
nowadays. By artificial seasoning,
timber is seasoned with in 4-5 days.
methods of artificial seasoning
Seasoning by Boiling
Chemical seasoning
Kiln seasoning
Electrical seasoning
SEASONING BY BOILING
• Seasoning of timber is also
achieved by boiling it in water for 3
to 4 hours. After boiling timber is
allowed to drying. For large
quantity of timber boiling is
difficult so, sometimes hot steam is
passed through timber logs in
enclosed room. It also gives good
results. The boiling or steaming
process develops the strength and
elasticity of timber but
economically it is of heavier cost.
CHEMICAL SEASONING
• In case of chemical seasoning,
timber is stored in suitable salt
solution for some time. The salt
solution used has the tendency
to absorb water from the timber.
So, the moisture content is
removed and then timber is
allowed to drying. It affects the
strength of the timber.
KILN SEASONING
• In this method timber is subjected to
hot air in air tight chamber. The hot
air circulates in between the timber
logs and reduces the moisture
content. The temperature inside the
chamber is raised with the help of
heating coils. When the required
temperature is obtained moisture
content and relative humidity gets
reduced and timber gets seasoned.
Even though it is costly process it will
give good results strength wise.
ELECTRICAL SEASONING
• In the method of electrical
seasoning timber is subjected to
high frequency alternating
currents. The resistance of
timber against electricity is
measured at every interval of
time.
OBJECTIVE OF SEASONING TIMBER
• The main objectives of timber seasoning can be listed
as follows:
1. It reduces the possibility of fungi and insect
attacks.
2. It increases the resistance to shrinkage, cracking,
warping and even decay.
3. Timber becomes lightweight after seasoning. Thus,
the handling of timber becomes easier.
4. The timber becomes more workable upon
seasoning. It becomes easy to polish and paint the
seasoned timber.
5. A well-seasoned timber can also be efficiently
treated with preservatives.
6. It increases the strength and stability of the timber.
7. A well-seasoned timber also offers better electrical
resistance.
•
3.Conversion of Timber
• Conversion of timber is the process of
cutting of timber into required
sections. This can be done by using
power machines. Skilled persons
should be required for economic
conversion of timber.
The conversion can be done by four
types as follows
ORDINARY SAWING
TANGENTIAL SAWING
QUARTER SAWING
RADIAL SAWING
A..Ordinary sawing
• It is the most used and easy
method of sawing. The cutting is
done through the section of
timber piece at perpendicular to
the annual rings. Wastage of
timber is minimum in this case.
The obtained planks are not of
equal strength. The outer planks
contain sap wood and shrinks
more while the inner portion
planks contain heart wood which
shrinks less.
B..Tangential sawing
• In this type of sawing the cuts
are tangential to annual rings
and they meet each other at
right angles. This method is
suitable when the annual rings
are very distinct with each other.
C.Quarter sawing
In quarter sawing, the cuts are made
right angles to each other. This is
suitable when the timber have no
distinct medullary rays.
D..Radial sawing
• In this type of sawing, the cuts
are made parallel to the
medullary rays radially. In this
method wastage of timber is
maximum.
4. Preservation of Timber
• The final stage of timber
processing is preservation which
is carried out to increase the
durability of timber and also to
resist the attacks of fungi, insects
etc. on timber. In general ASCU,
Coal tar, Oil paints, Solignum
paints etc. are used as
preservatives.
ADVANTAGES OF TIMBER
• Easy and quick to build: when compared to a
traditional brick or concrete structure, a wood
structure is easy and quick to build.
• Cost: constructing a timber home or structure
is less expensive than any other conventional
technique with the same requirements or
dimensions.
• Great insulator: buildings made of bricks are
recognized for their excellent insulating
capabilities, but timber manages to surpass
them.
• Recyclable: timber can be reused multiple
times. It is simple to recycle.
• Timber is an elastic material:
unlike brick or concrete walls,
timber walls do not require a lot
of thickness. In conjunction with
adequate treatment, a 20m
wood wall, for example, is strong
enough to protect the inside
area against the winter cold.
• Aesthetic appeal: timber is a
beautiful material that can be
used both inside and outside.
• Eco sustainable: timber is a
DISADVANTAGES
• Fire resistance: timber is very
combustible unless it has
undergone particular treatment
to provide a special fire rating.
• Mouldiness: timber has the
propensity to mold if it is
improperly treated or installed.
• Discoloration: untreated wood
that is exposed to various
weather effects discolors with
time, resulting in a dark and
PARTS OF TIMBER
SAP WOOD AND HEART WOOD
Heartwood:
• Located in the central part of the wood, heartwood is
also known as duramen.
• This section of wood typically appears darker in color
due to the accumulation of various aromatic
substances, pigments, and tannins.
• The heartwood’s darker hue is not just aesthetic; it
reflects the presence of these compounds, which can
enhance the wood’s resistance to decay and pests.
• Functionally, heartwood provides critical mechanical
support to the tree, helping it withstand environmental
stresses.
• Heartwood consists of dead cells that have undergone a
natural aging process. As trees mature, new sapwood
forms beneath the bark, leading to the conversion of
older sapwood into heartwood, a process that results in
the death of the living cells within this section.
• Sapwood:
• The peripheral part of the wood, sapwood is
characterized by a lighter color compared to
heartwood and is also referred to as alburnum.
• Sapwood consists of living cells that are actively
involved in the conduction of sap, which includes
water and dissolved nutrients from the roots to
the leaves.
• This region of the tree is vital for the tree’s
growth and nutrient storage, as it retains the
ability to conduct these essential substances.
• When a tree is young, the sapwood’s active cells
enable it to perform crucial functions, such as
nutrient transport and storage, making it
essential for the tree’s overall health and vitality.
Softwood: The Workhorse of Construction
• Softwoods, derived from coniferous trees like pine,
cypress, spruce, and fir, are the most widely used
types of timber in construction. Their popularity
stems from their abundance, rapid growth, and cost-
effectiveness. Pine, in particular, is a favourite among
builders due to its straight grain, light colour, and
ease of workability. Spruce and fir, on the other
hand, are known for their strength and resilience,
making them suitable for structural components like
framing and roofing.
• Softwoods find applications in various construction
elements, from framing and trusses to decking and
siding. Pressure-treated softwoods infused with
preservatives are often chosen for outdoor use,
providing resistance against decay and insect
infestation.
• Hardwood: Lending Elegance to Construction
• Hardwoods, sourced from deciduous trees like
gum trees, oak, mahogany, Merbau, and maple,
offer a different set of qualities compared to
softwoods. Hardwoods are renowned for their
density, durability, and attractive grain patterns,
making them ideal for a range of applications
where strength and aesthetics are paramount.
• Oak, a classic hardwood choice, is revered for its
strength and durability. It is often used in heavy
construction elements like beams and posts.
Merbau and Gum species, with their rich colour
and resistance to decay, are favoured for outdoor
applications such as decking and siding. Maple,
known for its hardness, finds its place in flooring
and furniture.
TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
THERE ARE TWO MAIN METHODS
OF TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
• Solid Timber Construction
Methods
• Lightweight Timber Construction
Methods
Solid Timber Construction
Methods
• As the name suggests, solid
timber construction uses timber
components that are left in their
(nearly) original thickness and
strength. Solid timber
construction is characterised by
high load-bearing capacity,
natural beauty of the material,
and good thermal insulation
properties.
Solid Timber Construction Methods
A.Log Construction
• Log construction is a traditional
timber construction method
where complete round timber
logs or hewn beams are stacked
on top of each other and joined
at the corners using special
connection techniques such as
dovetail joints.
 Solid Timber Construction Methods
B.Post and Beam Construction
• Post and beam construction is a
method in which solid, layered
timber boards lay next to one
other. They are joined by
nailing, dowelling or glueing to
create large-scale building
elements. These elements can
be used as walls, ceilings or even
floors.
 Solid Timber Construction Methods
C.Cross-Laminated Timber Construction
• Cross-laminated Timber (CLT)
represents the most modern solid
timber construction method. It consists
of multi-layered solid timber panels in
which the timber board layers are
stacked crosswise and glued together.
This arrangement improves structural
stability, making cross-laminated timber
construction particularly popular for
load-bearing walls and ceilings in multi-
storey buildings.
Lightweight Timber Construction
Methods
• Lightweight timber construction
is characterised by the use of
thin, precisely dimensioned
timber elements and panel
materials that together form a
light but stable skeleton. The
gaps are often filled with
insulation material, enabling
high energy efficiency.
Lightweight timber construction
Lightweight Timber Construction
Methods
A.Stud construction
• Stud construction uses vertical
timber studs as the load-bearing
structure placed at regular
intervals to form walls. These
studs are connected with
horizontal plates that absorb and
distribute the load.
Lightweight Timber Construction
Methods
B.Post Construction
• Post construction – better known
as half-timbered construction - is
a traditional timber structure
named after the upper horizontal
beams (posts). The posts rest on
the vertical posts or studs and
run through the entire building.
They are stabilised by diagonal
braces, forming the main load-
bearing structure.
Lightweight Timber Construction
Methods
C.Timber Frame Construction
• Timber frame construction can be
seen as a modern successor to
the half-timbered or framed
construction method. Each wall
consists of a surrounding frame
made of timber beams with
bracing.
• This type of timber construction
is robust, durable, and can be
used for various projects.
Lightweight Timber Construction
Methods
D.PANEL CONSTRUCTION
• Panel construction works
similarly to timber frame
construction but is more
prefabricated. The wall and
ceiling elements made of timber
frames are manufactured in a
factory and already filled with
insulation materials, creating
ready-to-build panels.
Lightweight Timber Construction
Methods
E.MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
• Modular timber construction
method features an even higher
degree of prefabrication. Here,
complete room modules
consisting of timber
components, insulation material,
and even windows are
manufactured and then
transported to the construction
site and assembled.
Lightweight Timber Construction
Methods
F.Hybrid Construction
• Hybrid construction combines
timber with other building
materials such as steel or
concrete to utilise the
advantages of different
materials, such as the thermal
insulation of timber and the
load-bearing capacity of
concrete.