Choosing the Right Wood for Your Building Project
Wood is a common material used in construction. It is preferred mostly for its versatility and aesthetic appeal. Whether you are designing a cabin or a modern skyscraper, you will certainly need wood. However, what makes wood so popular, and how can you choose the right one for your building projects?
Types of Wood Used in Building and Design Industry
You can classify wood in various ways. One is whether it is hardwood or softwood. The other classification technique is the type of treatment the wood has undergone. Each of these woods serves distinct purposes in construction. Popular examples of hardwoods include oak trees and teak
Different treatment methods, like kiln-drying and heat treatment, further diversify the range of available woods. Some customers choose woods based on how they are sourced. Over the years, some wooden homes designed from responsibly sourced materials have emerged as a symbol of environmental consciousness. People are concerned not only about the type of wood they choose but also the impact of their choices.
Apart from the everyday hardwoods and softwoods, there are also specialty woods used for specific construction jobs. These woods include engineered wood products like laminated lumber and plywood that are designed to offer better structural performance and stability. Depending on your desired aesthetics and structural requirements, you will also find the best wood for your project.
Choosing an Ideal Wood for Your Project
Selecting the right wood for your project involves understanding the unique characteristics and applications of each type. For instance, you can use softwoods like pine to frame structures because of their strength and affordability. Hardwoods, however, are best used to make furniture and finishing touches. Modern homes highlight a shift towards environmentally friendly designs and comfort. This has led to the rise of stylish, eco-conscious homes.
As far as wood treatment is concerned, there are a couple of factors to consider. These include the wood’s resistance to decay, durability, and susceptibility to pests. If you were to compare heat treated vs pressure treated wood, you would find that each has its ideal use cases. Heat-treated woods are suitable for outdoor application. They are becoming popular with eco-conscious contractors and home buyers because they help discourage the use of dark tropical hardwoods.
Pressure-treated woods undergo a chemical treatment at very high pressure. The goal is to drive preservatives deep into the wood. When classifying pressure-treated woods, there are those that are ideal for use above-ground and below-ground. The latter has double the chemicals; hence, it has a higher protection level.
Endnote
Choosing the right wood for your building project requires careful consideration of its properties and intended usage. Each wood comes with its unique properties. Whether you are building a cabin or a modern home, seek expert guidance to ensure that your vision is realized with the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics. The tastes of clients and contractors vary. Some are more conscious of the environment and will love to carefully pick wood materials after considering where and how they were sourced.
- by Matt Watts
