Timber is popular for a range of architectural projects, largely thanks to its main properties. It’s one of the most sustainable building materials you can use, ensuring your project has a low environmental impact. The strength and durability of this wood mean it can handle heavy loads without any problems – which is why many people opt for hardwood timber cladding in their housing builds. 

As if that’s not enough, timber has natural moisture resistance and is water-divergent, so people have no issues using it for exterior buildings or projects. Plus, it’s one of the most aesthetically appealing and versatile materials out there. You can see why people choose timber, but how do you pick the right timber for your architectural projects?

It boils down to the type of project you’re planning, as this will determine the type of timber most suitable for the idea. We’ll help you pick the right option in this guide – scroll through to see the main considerations, different timber types and more. 

Key Properties To Consider When Choosing Timber

You’ve just seen a quick overview of what makes timber popular. It has some unique properties, but these also serve to help you choose the right timber for your project. Different concepts will place a stronger emphasis on some properties than others. 

 

  • Durability – Generally speaking, durability is the only property that remains consistent. Regardless of what you’re designing, you need timber to be as durable as possible. 
  • Water Resistance – Choosing a very water-resistant timber is only a major concern for exterior timber structures. If you’re building something out of timber to be inside your home or encased in another material, then water resistance isn’t going to be a huge deal. 
  • Aesthetics – This depends on whether or not the timber will be exposed and seen. For architectural projects that involve a timber skeleton that’s obscured by the overall design, aesthetics don’t matter. You’re better off finding the most durable timber without caring how it looks. On the other hand, if everyone sees the timber, then it has to look attractive, or it lets the design down. 

Important notes on timber sustainability

Sustainability is another property to think about when choosing timber, though this requires more attention than the others. Like durability, this is a property you can’t compromise on. You should source your timber as sustainably as possible, ensuring it is eco-friendly and doesn’t have a negative environmental impact. 

The best way to do this is by purchasing timber with an FSC logo on it. FSC is the Forest Stewardship Council, which is a global org responsible for certifying if timber is sustainable or not. Timber with this logo will be sustainable, meaning you can use it with peace of mind. 

Pros & Cons Of Popular Timber Types 

Timber isn’t always labelled as “timber” when you shop for it. That’s because it comes in many different forms and wood types. Instead, you’re likely to see the timber labelled by the type of wood it consists of. 

With that in mind, you need to understand the different types of timber and their main advantages/disadvantages. You will find both hardwood and softwood timber options, and we’ve broken down the most common types in the section below. 

Hardwood Timber

Hardwoods come from broad-leaved trees and are usually the hardest types of wood you can purchase and use in construction. They’re a lot stronger and thicker than softwoods, meaning they offer the ideal amount of durability. 

Types of hardwood timber include: 

  • Oak – This is one of the most durable options out there and is great for building support structures. It’s also highly moisture-resistant and has a lovely aesthetic look. The downsides are that it’s very expensive, can be hard to work with and extremely heavy. 
  • Mahogany – Another highly durable timber that’s resistant to rot, decay and insects. It’s a great choice for external use but has a rich colour and grain that delivers a high-end appearance. This means it’s commonly used when constructing furniture. Again, it’s very expensive and heavy while also being hard to work with. As such, it might not be ideal for DIY projects. 
  • Ash – This timber has an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, so it can be used for structural or decorative touches. It’s very flexible and easier to work with than other hardwood timber varieties. On the flip side, ash isn’t the most moisture-resistant, so you should avoid it in high-humidity areas. 

Softwood Timber

While hardwood is heavy and thick, softwood timber is a lighter and more flexible variation. It costs a lot less to buy than hardwood and can be used indoors or outdoors for a range of architectural designs. 

Types of softwood timber include: 

  • Pine – Very affordable, incredibly strong and surprisingly lightweight. Often seen as a budget-friendly alternative to hardwood for internal projects. However, it must be treated if used outdoors as it is prone to rotting and damage.
  • Cedar – Resists decay and moisture very well, making it a great exterior softwood timber option. Smells nice too and is wonderful at thermal insulation, which is why many people use it for cladding. Negatives include the ability to scratch or dent easily and it requires regular maintenance.

Matching Timber To Architectural Styles

Sometimes, choosing the right timber comes down to the architectural style of your project. You must ensure you have the right materials to convey the correct design principles. Don’t worry; we’ve got a list of popular styles with recommendations for the best timber products: 

 

  • Modern Architecture – Best to use Birch, Maple or Plywood timber
  • Rustic Architecture – Pine, Cedar and Oak work best here for a more traditional “country” style
  • Scandinavian Architecture – Popularised by IKEA, Scandi style is best reflected with Birch, Spruce or Pine timber
  • Industrial Architecture – Reclaimed wood is the best here to create a worn effect that fits the industrial design elements

Understanding Timber Maintenance

All types of timber need some degree of maintenance. Hardwoods are generally more low-maintenance than softwoods, which could impact your decision-making for some projects. They’re also better for interior projects as all you need to do is dust and clean them now and then. Hardwood timber doesn’t need regular refinishing or treating when kept indoors, away from the elements. 

By contrast, softwood will need more periodic refinishing and treatment – and are more prone to absorbing stains. If you don’t want to deal with the added maintenance, then stick to hardwood timber for interior design projects. 

As far as exterior timber maintenance goes, both hardwoods and softwoods will need to be stained and treated to ensure they’re as moisture-resistant as possible. This will need to be redone every few years to protect against moisture, UV rays and general wear and tear. Seeing as you need to treat and maintain both types of timber, opting between hardwood or softwood doesn’t carry any maintenance benefits. 

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