If you’re starting a house build for the very first time, you might have a general idea about the basic steps. You have to lay foundations, create framings, and install roofings. However, something that’s equally important to think about are the actual materials you’ll need to build it, mainly timber and hardware. The type of timber and hardware you use are very dependent on which areas of the home you’re building, and you need to be aware of which are suitable in what contexts.
Whether you’re a builder who’s familiar with these tools and materials, or a DIY-er who is eager to step into the world of home construction, here is a list of the best timber and hardware for building a home.
Timber
Whether you need it for flooring, framing, decking, cladding, or wall covering—timber is the go-to natural material for all kinds of projects. It’s vital when beginning a build, especially a home, that you are choosing the correct type of wood.
When it comes to a build, having a clear understanding of the nature of your build is instrumental for picking the correct type of wood for the project. If you’re building a deck, you’ll need timber that’s hardy and durable against weather, meanwhile, if you’re focusing on internal wall covering, you’ll choose a wood based more on its aesthetics.
Here are the basic properties of different types of general timber that are key to keep in mind.
Hardwood vs Softwood
Natural timber comes in two different types: hardwood and softwood.
Softwood tends to come from gymnosperm trees, which are conical and have needles and cones, such as pine or cedar wood. Meanwhile, hardwood trees are produced by angiosperm trees, meaning trees that produce flowers and fruits, such as gumtrees and ironbarks.
While hardwood timber is sturdy and extremely durable, it’s extremely difficult to cut and shape. Meanwhile, while softwoods aren’t as hardy, they’re highly suitable for cutting and shaping.
This is why knowing the type of project you’re going to embark upon is extremely important for the wood you want to choose.
General Timber Usage
Next, we can consider some different kinds of timber and where they can be used most effectively.
Flooring
Genuine hardwood floors are a highly sought after feature for any home. They’re durable, easy to clean, increase the real estate value of your home, and even help keep your house cool during the summer months. Timbers that are appropriate for flooring are spotted gum due to its large and unique range of colours, or blackbutt, which have a lovely rich honey brown colour to your home.
Framing
Framing is a vital part of home construction, as they inform the strength, shape, and stability of the home. Choosing a wood is very dependent on whether the wall is exterior, interior, or load bearing. A good choice is the Western Red Cedar. On the more durable type of softwoods, this wood is incredibly resistant to insects and moisture damage. Conversely, we’d also recommend engineered wood such as Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). Created from layers of bonded wood, they provide incredible strength and resistance to warping. While they’re not as aesthetically pleasing, they’re quite hardy and great for any framing job.
Decking
A timber deck is a fantastic asset for any house, being appropriate for poolside fun or to entertain in the backyard. Because the wood will be outside and exposed the most to the elements like water and heat, you want to make sure it’s made out of extremely durable wood. You could try using Merbau wood, as it’s extremely durable under all conditions—even bushfires. You can also consider composite decking, which are boards made of recycled wood pulp and plastic that are incredibly durable and water resistant.
To sum up, the type of wood you choose will be very dependent on the kind of project you’re venturing into. If you would like specific advice on what type of timber would be the most appropriate for your project, feel free to contact us.
Hardware
“Hardware” is the general term used in construction to describe any manner of physical components used in building, construction, and renovating. There are a variety of hardware fittings that you’ll need when building a home. Here are a few:
Angles and Straps: Angles and straps are L-bent pieces of metal used to join wooden components together. They are vital hardware for woodworking and creating joints for wood, especially in framing houses.
Post Brackets: This is a broad term for different types of base and cap hardwares. These metal brackets are used to secure posts and columns to concrete ground. These components are paramount to securing decks and large fences.
Joist Hangers: Joist hangers are structural connects used to secure beams and walls securely. They’re used to distribute weight evenly and prevent wooden boards shifting from their place. Joist hangers are vital for framing decks, floors, and roofs.
Mending and Nail Plates: Mending and nail plates are flat pieces of metal that are either nailed, hammered, or screwed into place. Their purpose is to repair and strengthen wooden joists, and are very simple to use. These are great for reinforcing rafters.
Fixings and Fasteners: Fixing and fasteners are vital components for any project and are likely the kind of hardware you’re more familiar with. These encompass rivets, anchors, permanent bolts (fixings), and screws, washers, nuts, and removable bolts (fasteners). They’re used to secure into place most of the hardware that have been listed above.
Conclusion
For all of your timber and hardware needs, we proudly put ourselves forward as one of the best timber and hardware suppliers in Brisbane. Trade Builders Supplies have a wide pool of material and expert knowledge in house building from years and years of experience. If you’re starting a house build soon and need some advice on where to get the best supplies in Brisbane, look no further. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help.
