A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIMBER FOR YOUR PROJECT
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIMBER FOR YOUR PROJECT
When it comes to timber, selecting the right type of timber is crucial for achieving both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability. Here's a guide to help you make the best choice for your project:
Cladding or Lining?
Will the timbers be used on the interior or exterior?
Cladding (19mm profile)
Suitable for both internal and external applications. Its thickness provides durability and protection against the elements.
Lining (9mm+ profile)
Designed for interior use or sheltered exterior areas (e.g., under eaves, pergolas). It’s not suitable for exposed outdoor environments due to its thinner profile. Some lining boards can be used on garage doors.
Using Timber On A Garage Door
There are several factors and considerations to keep in mind before installing a timber garage door.
Cladding (19mm profile)
Due to the weight of the cladding boards, careful consideration needs to be given to the mechanism used. If your garage door is subject to potential weather exposure, opting for 19mm thick shiplap boards will help in the long term durability and performance. The increased thickness provides more stability and durability to withstand the elements when exposed to the harsh Australian climate.
Lining (9mm+ profile)
Lining boards are generally used where weight of the timber is critical such as protected garage doors. We do not recommend lining boards be used in fully exposed areas. They should only face a direction that is undercover or receives less weather exposure. Where there are fully exposed areas, a 19mm thick Shiplap should be used.
Board Lengths
Cladding
Supplied in random lengths from 0.9 to 5.4m. Expect joins and allocate an extra 10% for potential wastage. Set lengths are available for a surcharge.
Battens
Supplied in random lengths from 0.9 to 3.6m, averaging 2.1m. Expect joins and allocate an extra 10% for potential wastage. Set lengths are available for a surcharge.
Set Lengths
Set lengths incur additional costs due to wastage and extraction time. Set lengths come in 300mm increments (e.g., 0.6m, 0.9m, 1.2m, 1.5m, 1.8m etc.). Sometimes boards will be supplied oversized. The final precision cut will need to be done onsite.
Embrace the Natural Beauty
One of the most appealing aspects of natural timber is its inherent variability. Natural timber contains different colour shades, grain patterns, and textures, which add character and uniqueness to your cladding. Keep in mind that timber may mature and darken over time, further enhancing its natural charm.
Want a More Uniform Finish?
It's important to understand that ATC will not hand-select timber for timber perfection. As discussed in “Embrace the Natural Beauty” timber contains natural variations in colour shades, grain patterns, and textures. These traits contribute to the unique charm of timber. If you're seeking a more uniform appearance with minimal knots and features we suggest considering engineered wood products.
Understand Timber Movement
Solid timber is inherently dynamic, susceptible to changes in moisture levels and environmental conditions. This natural movement is an integral characteristic of timber. You should expect some expansion and contraction over time, especially in exterior applications. Acknowledging and accommodating this movement ensures the longevity and stability of your timber cladding project. Be aware that as the timber contracts at different times of the year, screw heads may become visible if fixed close to the shadowline.
Wood movement does not indicate poor workmanship, incorrect product selection, or flawed design. It is an unavoidable factor due to environmental conditions, particularly within the initial 2-3 months after installation as the timber acclimates to its new environment. Once the timber moisture reaches equilibrium and the environment stabilizes, movement should cease.
Expansion Gap
Boards must be installed with an expansion gap as indicated by the shadow line. The shadow line is a very slight raised section on the tongue. This spacing will allow for movement of the timber as ambient humidity and conditions change.
Choose the Right Board Width
Consider the width of the timber boards for your cladding project. Narrower boards (38-90mm) are recommended for full sun, high-exposure areas, as they are less prone to warping and cupping. If you opt for wider boards (100mm and over), additional face fixing is necessary to prevent the potential of cupping and ensure structural integrity. This can be concealed with a small amount of timber putty or wood filler.
Consider Your BAL Rating
If you're in an area prone to bushfires, understanding your Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating is essential. Different timber species have varying levels of fire resistance. Ensure you choose timber that meets the requirements of your BAL rating to enhance safety and compliance. When determining the BAL, it is always best to have a bushfire consultant carry out an assessment, and a professional assessment is likely to be required for any council submission or certification.
Consider the Timbers Durability Class
Timber durability ratings help us decide whether a type of timber is suitable for a project or not. Durability comes down to how resistant wood is to various natural stressors over time. The natural durability of timber is classified by the following class ratings. Class 1 Above Ground Timber Examples: Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Ironbark Japanese Charred, Cypress Class 1 timber types have a life expectancy above ground of 41-64 years, and 15-40 years inground. Class one represents the highest durability of natural timber. Class 1 timbers are best for projects that involve exposure to the elements, in particular in wet and sometimes rainy conditions. Obviously, the drier the timber the longer it lasts, but if you are expecting weather exposure, Class 1 timbers are the most durable. Class 2 Above Ground Timber Examples: Silvertop Ash, Stringybark, Western Red Cedar, IronAsh H3 Class 2 timber types have a life expectancy above ground of 15-40 years. In-ground, that number sits lower at 15 to 25 years. Class 2 timbers are extremely durable timbers and are renowned for their long lifespan and beautiful features. Class 3 Above Ground Timber Examples: Victorian Ash, Tasmanian Oak Class 3 timber has an average durability, and will last between 7 and 15 years in normal outdoor above-ground conditions, and 5-15 years underground. Class 3 timber is fantastic for indoor and ornamental features, furniture and other purposes. Class 4 Above Ground Timber Examples: Meranti, Radiata Pine, Hoop Pine. Class 4 timber has the lowest durability, and will likely last between 0-7 years in above-ground outdoor conditions, while in-ground conditions will likely deteriorate the wood within 5 years. Class 4 timbers, like most softwoods, are still highly useful as structural and building materials, and serve a special purpose in their lightweight and easy-to-work nature.
Take Responsibility for Your Selection
As the buyer, it's essential to take full responsibility for the final selection of timber species, profile, fire rating, and finish. Understand that natural variations and characteristics are inherent in every piece of timber, making each one unique. We cannot refund or exchange timber if you change your mind or fail to thoroughly investigate your chosen timber.
Pre Oiling
Adelaide Timber Cladding provides a convenient pre-oiling service for projects with a minimum of 400lm. With this service, we apply a single coat of oil Cutek CD50 to all four sides of the timber, enhancing stability and offering protection during installation.
This PDF contains information on what to do next with your pre-oiled timbers.
Our pre-oiling services are tailored to streamline your project, saving you valuable time and reducing on-site labor costs. By pre-oiling your timber beforehand, the need for on-site oiling is eliminated, which typically demands considerable time and labor. This efficient approach ensures faster project completion, ultimately saving you both time and money.
For more information on our timber coating services, please visit: Adelaide Timber Cladding - Timber Coating.
Short Runs: Additionally, if we have a run of oiling happening, we may be able to accommodate your smaller order. However, please note that this could potentially take some time to schedule.
Choosing the Right Oil
When it comes to finishing your timber cladding, deck or battens, it's essential not to rush and slap on any oil. Take the time to learn about the different options available and their effects on the timber's appearance and longevity.
Cutek Extreme CD50
One popular choice is Cutek Extreme CD50, a deep penetrating clear oil that allows the timber to naturally grey off to a beautiful silvery colour over time while providing UV protection. If you prefer for the timber to not silver off and you want to retain the natural freshly oiled colour of the timber, you must add a suitable colourtone to the clear oil.
Cutek Colourtones
Choose from our selection of 16 colourtone options, specifically developed to closely match many popular wood species. Take some time to check out the Cutek Website . Here you can choose your timber choice from the dropdown menu and it will show examples of different colourtones at different strengths. At ATC we have sample pots you can pick up to test on your timber samples.
Cutek Interior
Cutek Interior is an ultra-matt, water-based interior wood coating that offers the high durability and protection of polyurethane while preserving the timber's original natural beauty. Almost invisible to the eye, Cutek Interior is environmentally friendly, low odor, and low VOC, utilizing advanced recycling technologies.
Easy to use and fast-drying, Cutek Interior can also be applied under eaves where it will not be exposed to rain.
Aussie Clear Light
Another excellent option is Aussie Clear Light an exterior oil and timber finish designed to protect hardwoods from the weather while highlighting their natural grain and beauty. This oil results in a completely natural oiled look without forming a film, ensuring that peeling or cracking is never a problem. Aussie Clear Light also stabilizes timber by repelling moisture, reducing checking or splitting over time.
Take the time to consider your preferences and the specific characteristics of your timber before choosing the right oil for your project. The right oil can enhance the natural beauty of the timber while providing protection against the elements, ensuring a stunning and durable finish for years to come.
Communication with Your Builder
Remember to discuss timber preferences, profile, and options with your builder. Be sure to forward this link https://www.adelaidetimbercladding.com.au/installguide to ensure they have access to the necessary installation instructions. It's essential to ensure proper installation techniques are followed to achieve the best results for your timber cladding project. Effective communication and collaboration with your builder will help ensure that your project meets your expectations and is completed to the highest standards.
Lead-time
Depending on the product and the requirements of your project, custom profile, finish, or timber species can affect a lead-time.
Below is a guide to lead times:
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If in stock in our warehouse, the lead time is generally 1-2 weeks.
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If not in stock the lead time is approximately 2-5 weeks depending on availability at the mill.
It is advisable to leave at least 5 weeks lead time to ensure timbers are delivered onsite with in your time frame. Please make sure you check the lead time with us so you don’t leave it to the last minute to order.
Delivery
ATC strongly recommend that you don’t book any tradesmen until your order has been delivered in full and checked over.
Please note that delivery schedules given by ATC are estimates only. There are influences that remain out of our control which may effect the arrival date. We assure you we will always endeavour to do our very best to complete your order on time.
Deliveries are kerbside only and placement of timber other than kerbside is at the discretion of the driver. ATC will not accept responsibility for damage to property or persons, where the driver has been instructed to place deliveries onsite or anywhere other than kerbside.
Please note it is the responsibility of the buyer to supply ATC with the correct delivery address. Should your item be returned because of the incorrect address the buyer will be charged for the re-delivery of the item.
Storage of Timbers
If you're not installing your timber cladding immediately, proper storage is crucial. Packs should be elevated off the ground using bearers, kept undercover, and protected with an additional tarp to shield them from both the sun and rain. It's important to keep the timbers strapped at all times. If you have opened the pack ensure to use a sufficient number of tie-down ratchets to prevent the timbers from shifting or moving. This will help maintain the integrity and quality of the timber until it's ready for installation.
Weather Conditions
Boards should not be installed on hot windy days or in full direct sun. These conditions increase the risk of boards cupping or distorting.
Installation
For more information about installation of timbers please click here>
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right timber for your project involves careful consideration of factors such as BAL rating, natural variations, board width, and personal preferences. By understanding these aspects and taking responsibility for your selection, you can ensure a successful and visually stunning outcome for your project. We hope our guide on choosing the right timber will help make an informed decision in your construction plans. If you have any queries regarding the best timber choice for your specific requirements, our team of experts is only an email away.
