How does construction timber differ from other types of wood?

Structural timber differs from other types of wood on several levels. These differences lie in the areas of application, processing, and the properties of the wood.

Application: Structural timber, also known as construction timber, is primarily used in the construction industry. It serves as a structural and support element in buildings as well as in the manufacture of outdoor and indoor furniture. Other types of wood, such as hardwood, are more commonly used in the production of furniture, flooring, or musical instruments.

• Processing: Structural timber is usually offered rough, unsanded, and sometimes with bark. It often has generous dimensional tolerances and may contain sapwood (sapwood is the youngest, outermost wood in a tree’s life), whereas other types of wood may consist of branch wood or heartwood and are often cut to a specific size.
• Properties: Structural timber is generally more stable and more resistant to environmental influences than other types of wood. It is usually made from softwoods such as fir, pine, or Douglas fir. Other types of wood, such as hardwoods, often have a higher density, which results in greater load-bearing capacity and durability, but also higher costs.

Overall, structural timber is therefore used more for practical and load-bearing purposes in construction, while other types of wood are often used for finer or more specialized applications.