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Timber is a term widely used in different parts of the world and usually has different connotations for each region. In many places, it is used synonymously with lumber. More often than not, timber is the term that is used in describing trees or unfelled trees that are harvested with their barks retained for their aesthetic value.
Here we will take you through some of the things that you should know about timber. However, we'll first start with where timber comes from. Keep reading to find out more.
Where Does Timber Come From?
One of the main reasons timbers are used is their ability to enhance efficient and quick construction. However, this is mainly at the expense of the earth's sustainability. Timber is increasingly becoming one of the most essential materials used in the construction industry. With that said, it's vital to understand where it actually comes from.
Here's an overview of where timber comes from:
Native forest
The primary source of timber is the native forest. It is basically considered to be the jewel in timber's crown. There are many forests in different parts of the world today, and these forests have professionals and personnel that manage them to ensure their constant development. A vast majority of timber you see today, but in its already processed form, originates from forests.
Planting and natural regeneration
Another source of timber is planting and natural regeneration. It's worth mentioning that the forest remains one of the world's most renewable and natural raw materials today. Trees are constantly being planted in different parts of the world for use as timber, but to ensure a sustainable supply of timber, it's essential to ensure that these trees are replanted.
In many jurisdictions today, the law is that three trees must be grown as replacements for every tree fallen. This is a great strategy that is employed to ensure that the natural life cycle of trees is preserved. This approach is also a way of ensuring the complete absorption of all the harmful carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere.
One of the most crucial strategies for the constant supply of timber is sustainable harvesting, planting, and natural regeneration. Another thing worth noting is that trees store carbon, which implies that the more trees grown, the higher the potential to absorb harmful carbon dioxide.
Yet another vital benefit of timber is that it is now widely becoming an excellent replacement for a range of other building materials, especially those that require the use of fossil fuels.
Felling
Another source of timber is from felling trees in the forest. However, different approaches are used for this purpose. When tree felling is done, it's essential to always keep sustainability in mind to preserve our environment and the ecosystem.
The process used in felling trees, cutting and trimming the branches is usually done with machines specially designed for this purpose. These machines, also known as harvesters, cut trees directly from the bottom.
Sawmills
Another source of timber is sawmills. Logs are primarily stored in the forest until the condition for their use arises. When this happens, they are transported to a sawmill. At the mill, the timber is transferred to different logging trucks for further transport to other places where they are required.
A vast majority of the logs that make it to a sawmill are converted to sawn timber, while others are used for making paper products and other wood products. Sawdust, wood chips, bark, and other components that arise during timber production are used as biofuel or an energy source.
Sustainable and Ethical Timber Production
Timber has a range of applications and different sources. Today, many people constantly search for timbers to use, and the number one place they go to is the forest due to the high availability of trees in the forest.
When cutting trees for conversion to logs and timbers, the main thing to always have in mind is sustainability, which is why ethical timber production is always encouraged. Now that you know where timber comes from, we will go through some other essential things you should know about timber.
Timber as a Material
As mentioned earlier, timber remains one of the most versatile materials that you'll find in the construction industry today. It is widely used because it offers multiple advantages and can be applied in many ways. Here are some of the top benefits offered by timber:
- Timber is a durable material, and it is designed to last for many years, mainly because of the use and maintenance ease it provides.
- Construction using timber is generally more straightforward and faster, unlike using concrete or stone.
- Properly drying wood helps to ensure that timber is not subject to degradation caused by fungi. This is because of the removal of excess moisture, which further reduces the weight of the timber material, and makes it easier to handle and transport.
- The thermal insulating properties of timber are also very good, which helps reduce energy use in most homes, primarily when timber is used in windows and indoors.
- Timber offers high strength, making it an excellent option for load-bearing support.
- Timber is generally easier to handle, shape, and cut than other materials using readily available tools. This is also a reason why its application is not restricted.
- Harvesting timber is very easy, and its management is also effective, which further assures replenishment and regrowth.
- Timber is a renewable resource in many parts of the world today. It is widely available, which helps reduce the amount of transportation required to get timber to sites where its application is needed.
Common Uses of Timber
In addition to everything above, here are some of the common ways timber is applied today:
As a source of fuel
One of the most common ways that timber is used today is as a source of fuel, and its combustion is also used as a source of heat in many homes for domestic use and also for cooking food.
Timber is also used as a power source for boilers in many homes. Using timber as a fuel generally depends on your location and the availability of other fuel sources, including electricity and natural gas.
Construction materials
Another prominent use of timber is in the construction industry, where it is used in making construction materials for home and building construction. This also includes products that are used in building ceilings, floors, and walls.
Furniture
Today in most homes, most of the furniture you'll find is made from timber. This is due to the durability of wood. However, it's important to note that different types of wooden materials are used in making furniture, and the option you choose entirely depends on your personal preference.
Timber beams
Timber is also used in applications that require the support of loads, including jetties, docks, and even railway tracks. There are also many other applications of timbers, such as for decorative purposes and retaining walls.
Paper and pulp
Most of the paper products you'll find on the market today are made from timber. Paper is used for a wide range of purposes, including newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials. It is also widely used in flyers, brochures, and also for the production of marketing materials.
Working With Timber Experts
In this article, we have highlighted the main things you should know about where timber comes from. Ultimately, when using timber for any project, always keep sustainability in mind.
You can get more advice about the use of timber from a carpenter or work with a professional for your timber-related projects. These professionals have all the knowledge and experience necessary to work with all types of timber and timber-related products.
