Which timber is better to build a house from - comparison of materials

Leonardo da Vinci was never able to invent timber. It is quite possible that this was done several centuries later by Russian craftsmen, who were famous for their wooden buildings without a single nail. It is no coincidence that they say that everything ingenious is simple. Take an ordinary log, trim it on four sides, and you will get a beam. But before this, like before the invention of the wheel, it was necessary to think of it. In addition, the trimming must be very careful to create a smooth surface and a regular quadrangular shape. This is the only way the beams can be stacked on top of each other without a gap.

More complex types of timber were already invented by Europeans. Starting from the 16th century, bent wooden structures began to be used in the construction of bridges and arches in Europe, which were fastened together with special wedges and then with metal staples.

The creator of laminated veneer lumber is the German carpenter Karl Hetzer. In 1906, he patented his invention for gluing small wooden planks that were used in construction with casein glue. In Switzerland, houses were built from such planks. Subsequently, technology began to improve rapidly. In Russia, the production of laminated wood structures began to actively develop in the mid-twentieth century. Currently, various types of timber are the most popular material on the wooden construction market.

What is timber?

If you cut a log and process it on all sides, you get timber. Specialists carefully select trees, which are then subjected to special processing.

Wooden beams for building a house

This material has been known for quite a long time. You can build a house, a staircase, an arch or a column from timber. The most important advantage of this material is its reliability and quality.

Wooden beams are reliable

You can build a house or a bathhouse without using special impregnation. The material retains heat on its own, which is especially important for a bathhouse. You can significantly reduce heating costs because the timber demonstrates an excellent ability to regulate temperature evenly, retaining the resulting heat.

Wooden beams are ideal for building a bathhouse

The building, made of wooden beams, has the ability to breathe. A special aroma of fresh wood appears inside the room, you can feel comfortable in winter and summer.

The installation of the structure is quite simple; no special processing is required. A house or bathhouse built from this material looks luxurious and elegant. You will receive a stylish solution that will delight its owners for many years.

A timber house looks elegant

What types of timber are used for construction?

Currently, craftsmen have studied many ways to process natural materials. Therefore, when answering the question of how to choose timber, you need to get acquainted with the proposed solutions:

• We offer wood that appears to be cracked. Allows you to build structures similar to ancient architecture.

Wooden beam imitating cracked wood

• Wood that is well processed. You can get a modern solution. The house will look impressive and neat.

Well processed wooden beam

Modern craftsmen are ready to offer many options for processing timber. You can choose the most effective solution that allows you to build a durable structure.

At the moment, planed timber is extremely popular. It is used in the construction of buildings intended for residential use. Naturally, a bathhouse made from this type of timber looks gorgeous.

Planed timber

Advantages of planed timber

This type of material has a surface that is perfectly smooth. Accordingly, there is no need to apply additional finishing, which greatly simplifies the construction process.

Planed timber does not require additional finishing

How to choose planed timber? You need to pay attention to ensure that the log is properly processed on four sides. It should be smooth and free of any flaws.

Craftsmen initially select high-quality wood, which is then processed. This is followed by a special drying stage, when the wood is placed in a special chamber.

Manufacturing of planed timber

You can choose a material that is shaped like a square or rectangle. The length of the material differs and may fluctuate. Such capabilities allow you to build any structure that matches the chosen project.

Shapes of planed timber

The main advantages of planed timber are:

1.Affordable price, acceptable for any buyer.

2.The material retains its shape perfectly. It is not subject to deformation and shrinkage, cracks and defects do not appear.

Planed timber does not shrink

3.Differentsed by excellent ability to retain heat.

4.Demonstrates an excellent water-repellent effect because the wood contains resin.

The timber has a water-repellent effect

5. Reacts remarkably well to temperature changes.

6.Does not rot, and is resistant to the effects of scorching sun.

Wooden beams are resistant to sun exposure

7.Eco-friendly material, which is suitable for people with allergies.

8.It has remarkable strength, so buildings can last for many decades.

A house made of wooden beams is distinguished by its durability

When choosing a building material, you need to pay attention to the quality of the timber. It must be well processed and then dried properly. For this stage, special technology is used.

Types of material for wall construction

The market offers a wide variety of types of wooden beams, which differ in different technological preparation methods and have differences in performance characteristics.

According to the presence of polishing

Planed timber

Planed timber is subjected to grinding. The result is a material with smooth surfaces, in which all 4 sides are processed to the first class of cleanliness. Sold dry or naturally damp. The walls can be tiled or left as is.

Planed timber:

Read more about planed timber in a separate article.

Unplaned

Uncut timber is made from wood with natural moisture content and is not subjected to additional processing. More often used for strapping in frame housing construction, installation of floors or rafters.

Unplaned timber:

You can find more information about unplaned timber here.

How to choose by type of drying?

The natural moisture content of wood can be 30-80% . In construction markets, you can find timber that has been dried naturally or using chamber drying, when moisture is removed in an accelerated manner.

Natural

Natural drying is a method of conditioning a building material when it is kept to a moisture content of less than 22%. The gaps left between the beams ensure air circulation. To protect from precipitation, cover the top with film or roofing felt.

Important! The use of timber with natural moisture significantly lengthens the time spent on building a house. The house can be insulated and finished no earlier than six months, until the material shrinks.

Natural drying timber:

Find out more about natural moisture timber in this material.

Chamber

Kiln-dried lumber is forced to dry in a chamber. In conditions of vacuum and low temperatures, moisture evaporates evenly. This allows you to bring the wood to 10-20% humidity several times faster.

Attention! Transportation of timber to the construction site must be organized as quickly as possible at low humidity, otherwise it will lose its antiseptic properties and resistance to deformation.

Kiln drying timber:

Even more information about kiln-dried timber can be found in another publication.

Edged/unedged

Other types of lumber are divided into edged or unedged; in relation to timber, the number of processed edges is taken into account:

• The double-edge has two processed opposite layers, the remaining two are left in the form of log curves.
• Three-edged has three longitudinally planed sides.
• The four-edge one has machined planes on four sides.

Two-edged and three-edged can be processed further. Used for load-bearing structures, floor beams. The advantage is the lower price compared to edged timber and the possibility of further processing.

Edged beam:

Read more about edged timber here.

Unedged timber:

Profiled and non-profiled

A special feature of profiled timber is its strict geometry parameters, which are set during the production process. There will be no cracks in the walls, and much less insulation will be needed. Naturally dried material with a humidity of 22 -30%, as well as chamber drying with a humidity of up to 20%, is available for sale.

Profiled timber:

The technology for producing non-profiled timber is simpler. The wood is trimmed on 4 sides . Popular sections are 150×150 and 150×200 mm. Used as a material for inexpensive houses.

Unprofiled:

By shape

There are two types of timber in shape: calibrated and rounded.

Rounded

When a tree trunk, after processing on a machine, takes the shape of a regular cylinder, it is called a rounded log. The term “rounded timber” is applicable conditionally, since this building material has a square shape.

Rounded timber:

You will find the main characteristics of rounded timber in this article.

Calibrated

The term “calibrated timber” is applied to a wide range of lumber manufactured to uniform specified standard sizes and configurations in accordance with GOST 18288-87. Lumber from one batch must be made from wood of the same species and moisture content.

Calibrated:

Read more about calibrated timber in our section.

By wood type

The grade allows you to evaluate the quality of lumber and the degree of damage to the wood. The classification includes 5 types:

• Extra class . Expensive timber without traces of rot, mold, cracks, through holes, or insect residues. There should be no defects that arise from improper drying.
• The first grade has a minimum number of cracks and knots. Rot is not acceptable. Fungal infection - no more than 10% of the entire area. Humidity no more than 20-22% with an error of 3%.
• The second grade may have minor flaws that are not reflected in appearance. Blueness is acceptable up to 20% of the surface, knots with a diameter of no more than 20 mm. Deep cracks and rotten places are prohibited.
• The third grade should not have large knots or voluminous cracks. Wormholes and through cracks are allowed, but without rotten places. Humidity requirements up to 22%.
• The fourth class involves a large number of defects, including fused knots, mold, roughness, and general putrefactive damage. Such timber is not suitable for the construction of building walls.

Hardwood

Deciduous woods are distinguished by their hardness, dense structure and resistance to rotting. Can be used at any stage of construction, as well as for interior decoration.

Oak

The most expensive building material is made from oak . A beautiful pattern of silvery “rays” is visible on the dense and durable cut. A tree that has grown under unfavorable conditions may be softer in structure.

More information about oak timber can be found in another article on our website.

Beech

Beech wood has a smooth texture and increased hygroscopicity . The light brown color dries to reddish brown. In terms of shock resistance, it is 20% superior to oak.

Ash

After drying, ash wood acquires a beautiful yellow tint . Some specimens have dark veins that look very decorative. Technical characteristics are similar to oak. In terms of resistance to splitting, ash is more resistant.

Coniferous

Coniferous wood is more accessible to mass developers . The main advantage is the content of phytoncides, which have a beneficial effect on human health.

Read more about softwood timber in a special section.

Pine

Pine timber can be purchased in any region. The price compared to oak and birch wood is acceptable. Pine lumber is strong and durable, which allows it to be used for load-bearing structures.

A more detailed description of pine timber is in this article.

Spruce

Spruce lumber has long been used for the construction of country cottages, baths, and saunas. Light wood practically does not change shade during use. When the weather warms, walls made of spruce lumber do not emit many resin “tears.”

Cedar

High quality cedar wood is ideal for construction . It is easier for residents of a cedar house to get rid of diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular systems and respiratory tract diseases. The material can withstand temperatures of -50℃ while maintaining its original properties.

Types of lock connections

Durability, thermal insulation properties and the ability to withstand deformation depend on the type of timber connections. Over the centuries, many proven technologies have been accumulated.

Angular

For a corner connection, it is necessary to cut out grooves, which may vary in shape . The compound can be with or without a remainder. In the first case, the ends of the frame protrude beyond the wall for a short distance.

Butt-butt

The beam is attached to another using an end at an angle of 90º. In practice, it is difficult to maintain a right angle; the joints are not airtight. Nails and staples are used for fixation. Can be reinforced with glue.

Using dowels

For such a connection, wedges, dowels, dowels of various shapes, made of hard wood, are used. A house built using this technology is not afraid of any frost. The grooves corresponding to the shape are pre-made.

Half-tree installation

With this method of laying crowns on the corner joints of one beam, the upper half of the array is removed, and on the second, the lower half. At the same time, holes are made for the dowels. The degree of tightness of the connection depends on how firmly the ends of the beam were cut out.

Connection to root tenon

With this method, a rectangular tenon is made at one end, and a groove at the other . When docking, a tight connection is obtained. For a beam with a cross-section of 150 mm, a tenon with a diameter of 4 cm is required. They are insulated with materials made of flax and jute.

Dovetail

This connection option is considered one of the most reliable . Trapezoidal grooves and tenons are cut out at the ends of the timber. The key looks like an hourglass. The result is a corner with increased strength. To avoid mistakes, use a template made of tin, plywood or cardboard.

Disadvantages of planed timber

Despite the many advantages, planed timber has several disadvantages. The material must be transported very carefully. If transported incorrectly, the beam may fall, which contributes to the appearance of unsightly gaps. Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase a house that is pre-assembled.

Transportation of wooden beams must be carried out very carefully

If you ordered the construction of a house from planed timber, then you should remember that large shrinkage of the structure is possible. Experts recommend waiting until the material dries completely and then caulking the structure.

After drying, the timber structure must be caulked

Most of all, this type of timber is used for the construction of elements located indoors. Staircases and window sills made from this material look great.

Wooden staircase made of planed timber

Which house is warmer

No one, for sure, will argue with the fact that the house should be warm and cozy. Moreover, warm not only in a figurative sense, but also in a literal sense. In Russia, where winters in most regions are quite cold and even severe, the question of the heat-saving characteristics of buildings does not seem far-fetched. What is better – laminated veneer lumber or profiled timber – from this point of view? Which one is better able to retain heat, ensuring the absence of drafts?

In the walls of a house made of non-profiled timber, due to the lack of grooves and tenons in the latter, there will be many cracks. The shrinkage of the building will greatly aggravate this problem. Of course, when building a house from edged timber, all cracks must be filled with jute, but in most cases this is not enough. Without additional high-quality wall insulation, few people would risk spending the winter in such a windswept hut.

The use of profiled timber in construction avoids cracks, which means that the ventilation of the walls will be minimal. Such a house will be warm enough, but in order to guarantee the protection of its future residents from winter frosts, the seams between the joints of the timber are reliably sealed using insulation made from a special material, the consumption of which, however, is minimal.

Glued laminated timber has the best thermal insulation qualities. The gaps between the profiles in this case are minimal, and, consequently, heat loss is lower. The timber can be laid even without insulation. However, experienced builders do not neglect this stage here either.

Glued laminated timber has the best thermal insulation properties. In the case of laminated veneer lumber, it is possible to select a material of such thickness that no additional insulation is needed. But it all depends on the region of construction; sometimes even laminated timber requires insulation. A house built from edged timber, in practice, turns out to be the most ventilated, and if additional insulation is not done, it will be very cold in winter.

Profiled timber

Have you thought about how to choose timber? One of the popular solutions is profiled timber. Unlike the previous material, it has a non-rectangular cross-section. This feature significantly reduces the possibility of frost entering the room.

Profiled timber

You can get a building in which the walls always remain dry. This material prevents the process of rotting, which allows you to obtain a high-quality solution. The house can last for decades.

The walls of a structure made of profiled timber will always remain dry

If you decide to build a house from profiled timber, you will get a surface that does not require additional decorative processing. When erecting a structure, it is possible to save on insulation, because you will get a fairly warm building.

A house made of profiled timber does not require additional processing

Popular questions and answers

Pavel Bunin, owner of the Bansk bath complex:

What thickness of timber should I choose to build a house?

The choice of timber thickness depends on the following conditions: - in what climate the house will be built;
- what funds can be used to build a house; — customer wishes for external and internal design. The thickness of the timber affects the solution of the following problems:

1. Thermal insulation. The general rule applies here: the thicker the timber, the warmer the house. The optimal thickness is 200 mm.

2. Sound insulation. Wood absorbs sound better than brick or stone, so even a small thickness of timber will protect against excess noise.

3. Strength of the structure. For a one-story house, timber with a thickness of 100-150 mm is suitable. If you plan to build a two-story cottage, then you need to stock up on timber from 160 mm.

Which timber is suitable for building a winter house?

A winter house is usually a house that is lived in all year round. This can be built from various types of timber; general recommendations remain here. An important factor is the thickness of the timber, although it is not decisive. Typically, a winter house is built from profiled timber 200 mm thick. It still won’t protect against severe frosts, so you need to use insulation. The calculation here is as follows: insulation with a thickness of 50 mm is equivalent in thermal insulation to timber with a thickness of 150 mm. Depending on the severity of winter, insulation with a thickness of 50, 100 or 150 mm is used.

What new types of timber are there?

Currently, new types of timber have appeared, which are associated with the modernization of existing building products.
This is the LVL timber. It is made by analogy with laminated timber, but differs in the material used. Veneer from various trees about 3 mm thick is taken and glued layer by layer. In this case, the direction of the fibers in adjacent layers must be the same. The result is a very durable and flexible material, but extremely expensive. Therefore, it is used mainly for the implementation of individual house structures. It is unprofitable to construct an entire building from it. Another modern type of timber is thermal timber. It consists of lamellas, inside of which polystyrene foam is located. This significantly reduces the weight of the timber and increases its heat-saving qualities. This solves a dual problem: the weight of the house is reduced, which reduces the pressure on the foundation, and the thermal insulation is located in the timber itself, which does not require additional insulation after the construction of the house.

What are the advantages of profiled timber?

High-quality material allows you to build a reliable structure. You will get an excellent solution in which you will always be comfortable. Natural material gives warmth in winter, and also creates pleasant coolness in the hot months.

A house made of profiled timber has excellent thermoregulation

The advantages of profiled timber are:

• It creates a wonderful view. You will get a chic solution that has the right shape. Walls made from this material have a beautiful and natural look.

Wall made of profiled timber

• All parts of the building are manufactured in a special factory. Consequently, ideal strength is ensured. The buildings are reliable. Shrinkage occurs uniformly.

Buildings made from profiled timber are highly reliable

• There are tight connections between the crowns, which creates a reliable barrier to the penetration of wind and frost into the interior of the premises.

Thanks to the tight connection, the cold will not penetrate into the house

• The profile has a good fit, therefore there is no need to perform processing during shrinkage.

This material allows you to create beautiful and reliable structures. The main difference from planed timber is the higher cost. However, you can save on heating costs.

Dimensions and thickness of timber

The dimensions of lumber are regulated by GOST.

Dimensions of non-profiled timber:

• width – 50.60, 75, 100, 130, 150, 180, 200, 230, 250 mm;
• thickness – 130, 150, 180, 200, 220, 250 mm.

The typical length of lumber is 6 m. By special order, bars with other dimensions can be produced.

The dimensions of the profiled timber are estimated to obtain the average width. In this case, the protrusions and grooves do not affect the indicator.

Disadvantages of profiled timber

During the construction of the structure you will have to take a break. Such a pause is needed so that the house can settle down. The material has natural moisture, therefore, it needs to be given time to dry.

The timber needs time to dry

During the drying process, profiled timber may crack. This feature should also be taken into account.

Glued laminated timber

Are you deciding how to choose timber? Another type of material is laminated veneer lumber. It has any cross-section and is manufactured using a special technique. Long-term drying is required, for which special chambers are used.

Glued laminated timber

This material is a monolithic beam. A building made from this type of timber is not subject to shrinkage and does not deform. You will receive a house that is of excellent strength and retains heat perfectly.

A house made of laminated timber retains heat well

However, laminated veneer lumber has the highest cost. The material goes through a long preparation stage, which significantly increases its cost.

Glued laminated timber undergoes a long preparation stage

House made of timber - price

The final construction price will depend on the following factors:

• building area - the more square meters the client orders, the cheaper the cost of 1 m2;
• number of storeys - in this case the complexity of the project is taken into account. Thus, a one-story building with architectural frills is more expensive than a simple two-story building;
• architectural individuality;
• type of lumber used - the cheapest is simple timber with the smallest cross-section and natural moisture content, but it is much inferior in terms of characteristics to other types of material.

What are the advantages of laminated veneer lumber?

This material is definitely gaining popularity. Processing is carried out using special technology, which allows you to obtain excellent solutions.

Glued laminated timber is processed using special technology

Experts highlight the following advantages of this material:

• Demonstrates almost complete absence of shrinkage.
• Installation is quite simple.

Assembling a house from laminated veneer lumber is quite simple

• During operation, the material does not crack.
• Not subject to deformation.

Glued laminated timber is not subject to deformation

• Excellently repels water, so the walls always remain dry.
• Prevents the process of decay.

Glued laminated timber is not subject to rotting

A house built from laminated veneer lumber is always warm and dry. This design is breathable and creates excellent conditions for comfortable living.

A structure made of laminated timber can breathe

One of the main disadvantages of laminated veneer lumber is its relatively high cost. Accordingly, if you are interested in a cheaper option, then this material will not be suitable for you.

How to make the final choice of timber?

If you decide to start building your own home, then it makes sense to turn to specialists. They will help you create a project for your future home. A preliminary inspection of the area is required.

Project of a house made of wooden beams

Accordingly, based on the location, you can decide which timber to use for construction. Each person has their own preferences, so the choice depends on your wishes.

However, you should not skimp on the quality of the material. It makes sense to turn to professionals who have extensive experience in the construction industry. They will always be able to give advice regarding the purchase of timber.

Preliminary sketch of a timber house

Another advantage of using a special company is that you have your own transport, so the ordered material is delivered directly to the site. Transportation of timber has its own characteristics, so this stage is best left to professionals.

Wooden beam

Are you deciding how to choose timber? It is necessary to first draw up a sketch of the future house. Such preparation will allow you to make the right choice. Currently, you can purchase planed, profiled or glued timber. Each of the options is beautiful in its own way.