Hi Guys
For you DIY people. Here is some information about the timber you may need:
Regards
For you DIY people. Here is some information about the timber you may need:
Choosing Timber Part 1
Mitre 10
What sort of timber should you buy for that DIY job? And what is the difference between hardwood and softwood?
The terms "hardwood" and "softwood" are bandied around as though everyone is supposed to know what they mean, although in many cases people don't know.
"Hardwood" and "softwood" originate from botanical terms and they do not necessarily refer to whether the timber in question is hard or soft. For example, one of the softest and lightest woods is Balsa, but this is actually a botanical hardwood (Latin name Ochroma Lagopus).
Very simply, softwood trees are trees that have needle-like leaves and grow seed cones. The most common softwood in use in New Zealand is a pine tree, Pinus Radiata.
This is a quick growing and commercially renewable resource timber and is very versatile in its uses. It is used by both tradesmen (for framing, fencing, furniture, etc) and DIY people for almost any task they undertake.
PhotoDisc
Although it does have a wide range of uses, Radiata must be chemically treated to withstand various conditions. This treatment is given an alpha numeric code that tells you what type of treatment the timber has received.
Code Definition
H1 - In many timber yards this is called "boric treated". Used for interior framing not exposed to moisture.
H3 - An almost generic brand name for this treatment is "tanalised". Used for fence palings, weatherboards, exterior framing and almost any outside situation except for being in contact with the ground.
H4 - This is the grade for fence posts and other uses that are in contact with the ground. However this grade cannot be used for foundation work.
H5 - Used for house piles and other areas where ground use is a critical part of the building process; this treatment is expected to last about 50 years.
H6 - Used for marine applications where the wood is completely immersed in water such as wharf piles.
Untreated timber is used for furniture, shelves, toys and almost any interior application.
Using treated timber
PhotoDisc
Remember that the chemicals used in treated timber are toxic so take care when using this wood.
Do not use off cuts as firewood.
When burning treated timber you will release toxic chemicals into the air therefore using treated timber as BBQ fuel is a definite no-no.
If you saw ground retention timber (H4 and above), use the un-sawn end in the ground or treat the surface you have cut with preservative.
The reason for this is there may be a small area on the sawn face that the chemical has not fully penetrated and this area will allow the timber to rot quickly.
After sawing treated timbers wipe down your tools to remove any residue from the timber.
Mitre 10
What sort of timber should you buy for that DIY job? And what is the difference between hardwood and softwood?
The terms "hardwood" and "softwood" are bandied around as though everyone is supposed to know what they mean, although in many cases people don't know.
"Hardwood" and "softwood" originate from botanical terms and they do not necessarily refer to whether the timber in question is hard or soft. For example, one of the softest and lightest woods is Balsa, but this is actually a botanical hardwood (Latin name Ochroma Lagopus).
Very simply, softwood trees are trees that have needle-like leaves and grow seed cones. The most common softwood in use in New Zealand is a pine tree, Pinus Radiata.
This is a quick growing and commercially renewable resource timber and is very versatile in its uses. It is used by both tradesmen (for framing, fencing, furniture, etc) and DIY people for almost any task they undertake.
PhotoDisc
Although it does have a wide range of uses, Radiata must be chemically treated to withstand various conditions. This treatment is given an alpha numeric code that tells you what type of treatment the timber has received.
Code Definition
H1 - In many timber yards this is called "boric treated". Used for interior framing not exposed to moisture.
H3 - An almost generic brand name for this treatment is "tanalised". Used for fence palings, weatherboards, exterior framing and almost any outside situation except for being in contact with the ground.
H4 - This is the grade for fence posts and other uses that are in contact with the ground. However this grade cannot be used for foundation work.
H5 - Used for house piles and other areas where ground use is a critical part of the building process; this treatment is expected to last about 50 years.
H6 - Used for marine applications where the wood is completely immersed in water such as wharf piles.
Untreated timber is used for furniture, shelves, toys and almost any interior application.
Using treated timber
PhotoDisc
Remember that the chemicals used in treated timber are toxic so take care when using this wood.
Do not use off cuts as firewood.
When burning treated timber you will release toxic chemicals into the air therefore using treated timber as BBQ fuel is a definite no-no.
If you saw ground retention timber (H4 and above), use the un-sawn end in the ground or treat the surface you have cut with preservative.
The reason for this is there may be a small area on the sawn face that the chemical has not fully penetrated and this area will allow the timber to rot quickly.
After sawing treated timbers wipe down your tools to remove any residue from the timber.
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