Why Is Timber Used Largely in the Australian Building Industry?

Why is timber predominantly used in construction?

Aesthetic Appeal

With over several distinct workable types of natural resource available, wood stands out as one of the most used materials in construction that offers a perfect match for any requirement. Timber products come in various textures and colours that breathe life and depth into spaces, surpassing what synthetic materials can merely strive to imitate.

Whatever style you want to do, you can use wood or timber to build and design any kind of structure, whether it be a furniture, staircases, or a home. Not only are wood products stylish but they are also perfectly timeless, providing every project a natural aesthetic element.



Strength and Durability

Without a doubt, wood is one of the most versatile types of natural resource that you can use in construction. Given its durable and versatile properties, it is used in a variety of applications, from floors and walls, to furniture, wood based panels, buildings, and much more.

Depending on the class of timber, most timbers such as cypress pine may last decades of years even when left untreated. Known to be extremely resistant to decay and insect infestation, this type of timber is perfect for outdoor use.

Among other building materials, wood products are easily flexible, as they can be cut, planed, and shaped to fit any design you have in mind, making them a great choice for custom projects from furniture to home renovations.



Sustainability

Compared with any other sustainable building materials, wood is the safest to use as it is 100% natural and renewable. It does not contain any toxic or harmful chemicals which is better for our environment and to people in general.

Among its environmental benefits, timber has the ability to store carbon for life. This carbon remains in the wood throughout its lifespan even when they are already made into timber products.

Unlike concrete and metals, timber can be regrown by replanting them in native forests through sustainable forestry.

Lightweight

Although wood is typically lightweight than other construction materials such as steel and other metals, it performs better when it comes to self-support length. In simple terms, it has better load-bearing capacity, making it more ideal to be used in large open spaces while reducing the need for additional supports in certain building designs.



What is most of Australia's timber used for?

In Australia, most of the timber sourced from plantation forests is used largely in residential construction as well as in building apartments, townhouses and house conversions. This clearly demonstrates the significant market for structural and finished wood products in the construction of residential buildings, contributing to the essential role played by the forestry sector in driving economic growth.

When compared to other types of residential buildings, houses typically require a larger quantity of wood products and timber. This demand arises not only from the favourable qualities and properties of wood but also due to its comparatively lower cost compared to materials such as steel and bricks.

Apart from construction, timber is also widely used in the manufacture of furniture, paper, and packaging materials as well as in various commercial and industrial applications such as decking, fencing, and timber flooring Wollongong products.

Conclusion

Timber is a highly versatile and durable material, making it one of the most popular building materials for construction projects. It is relatively inexpensive, readily available, and can be used in a variety of applications to create both structural and finished products. Furthermore, timber construction offers numerous benefits over other materials in terms of strength, durability, thermal efficiency, abundance, and cost-effectiveness. These advantages have contributed to the widespread adoption of timber as a preferred material, driving innovation and sustainability in the Australian building industry.