Timber has been used in home construction longer than any other method of building, and for good reason. Wood holds several natural benefits, and when combined with the innovations of today’s timber products and technologies, becomes a fierce rival compared to traditional building materials like steel and concrete.
It’s cost-effective
The average concrete home costs almost a quarter more to build than wood framing
steel-framed about 40% more expensive. So, when it comes to construction, timber methods are cheaper than other methods of the same building specifications and size. There are many differences in material and construction costs, making it a financially viable choice for new homeowners.
Wood offers great insulation
As a building material, wood has naturally thermal insulating properties. This means that it needs less wall space for insulation than a brick building, and cuts the cost of inserting heavy-duty insulation into your walls.
With timber-frame walls being less bulky than brick walls, you also gain approximately one square-metre of internal floor area for every seven running metres of external wall length.
Extreme design complexity
When it comes to personalising your home, the extreme versatility of timber means endless design possibilities and unrivalled physical and technical properties.
From a humble log cabin to a grand Cape-Cod style beach house – timber is an excellent choice for construction. It can also be used for some amazing inside features like interior floors, stair systems, wooden trim accents, wall cladding and doors. Looking for a touch of wood outdoors? You can incorporate anything from exterior porch areas, gables, pavilions, pergolas and gazebos.
A quicker build time
Mass timber can be constructed up to 30% faster than a steel building. Timber frames can be partly pre-cut, modulated, and built to precision making build time, making it quicker than a similar brick and mortar building.
Timber frames may require additional time for the design and fabrication, which can lead to a longer wait before work begins on-site, but there is no waiting time for materials to set, meaning that interior trades such as plastering and electrical wiring can begin earlier in the build schedule.
Location versatility
Using relatively lightweight materials, timber is ideal for difficult to access sites. It is easy to install and can be worked with simple equipment. The components can also be built off-site and simply assembled at sites where finding space for concrete delivery and mixing or steel fabrication can be challenging.
With all these amazing benefits, timber has become an increasingly viable choice in building design and construction across the world. It can be an excellent choice for both new builds and renovation projects and is a sustainable material that offers faster construction time. Not just that, but wood also creates an air of nostalgia and is often more than just visually appealing to people.
While there are certain challenges and changes in working with timber, they certainly aren’t insurmountable. Timber is often the best option for a project and can surprise you with its versatility, durability and of course, cost- and time-efficiency.