5 Reasons for Using Timber as Building Materials

Roberta Sweeney
Posted by Roberta Sweeney November 1, 2024

Timber has been used for several years as a building material. There are several reasons behind its extensive use, such as the following: 

Timber is considered as a sustainable building material. The first thing that makes timber sustainable is its renewability. Thousands of timber trees are growing at a very fast rate. At the same time, timber is reusable, recyclable, and recoverable material. 

Even after being in buildings for several years, timber is still valuable. It can be used for several other purposes, such as to make paper, cardboard, newspaper, toilet paper, etc. Another important use of timber that makes it sustainable is its carbon-storing ability. 

It will keep the environment clean and healthy by reducing carbon emissions. It is an efficient source of energy to produce heat, steam, and electricity in different industries and turbines. 

  • Durability 

If you consider the durability of timber, it is far better than plastics and metals. You just need to boost its natural ability to resist decay and mold. The durability of the timber has different factors, such as the following: 

  • The species of timber you are using in the building.  
  • The installation processes and exposures of timber to the air and moisture. 
  • Finishing and maintenance treatments for the timber that are done after construction. 

At the same time, timber is included in the strongest materials in the world. You can estimate its strength through its strength-to-weight ratio. Timber has a 20 % higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel and 400% times higher than concrete. 

  • Climate Resistant 

Another reason for preferring timber as a building material is its climate resistance. The timber has very low conductivity and high insulation. It will not allow the heat to be lost in the building. At the same time, it keeps the homes cool in summer. 

Moreover, timber materials show the least thermal expansion, which makes them appropriate for construction. However, continuous exposure of timber to rain can result in the swelling of the wood. You can reduce this change in shape and size by treating it with paints and coverings. 

  • Healthy Internal Environment 

Timber promotes a healthy internal environment in several ways. First of all, trees and wood of timber store huge quantities of carbon. At the same time, it creates an insulated environment that keeps homes and buildings comfortable. 

Moreover, timber materials prevent mold formation and dust accumulation. It keeps the environment natural and fresh. That will boost the health of the people in several ways, such as reducing stress, boosting focus and attention span, and improving skin texture and blood flow. 

  • Cost-Effective Building Material 

When you use timber as a building material, it will save your construction expenses mainly in two ways. You can buy timber wood at economical rates from several suppliers. You can ask for timber quotes from several suppliers to compare the rates. Some of them provide complete building frames. This will save a lot of installation and labor costs. 

You don’t need to build frames on the site; you just need to assemble these frames properly. Assembling frames requires a lesser skill set than construction through concrete and steel.