Timber Merchants South Wales

Timber is available in a wide range of different species and grades and can be used in all sorts of building and maintenance applications, however it is important to make sure that you use the correct timber for the specified job. In this article I have compiled a list of our most popular grades of softwood timber along with the most common uses.

The Wood that we have focused on in todays article is referred to as carcassing timber this is available either graded or ungraded and can be used in structural applications ranging from roof battons to floor joists to studwork to partitioned walls .

What is timber grading

Timber grading is an assessment that is made of the structural strength and integrity of the timber. Key criteria when assessing grades of wood are splits, knot size and overall frequency of knots.

 

Graded Softwood

“Graded “ this means that the timber has usually been kiln dried to improve overall stability, it will also have been selected using the grading process either manually ( By human eye ) or on a production line as is commonly the case these days. Graded timber can be used for any job where structural integrity is important. EG House building, Decking, shop fitting etc. There are two types of graded Softwood.

C16 Softwood

C16 softwood timber allows for defects that may reduce the strength of the wood, areas focused on are grain changes as well as wane ( Bark ) you will also tend to see a lot more blue sap stains. This is by far the most commonly used timber in the UK and is also a very cost effective option.

C24 Graded timber

C24 timber has fewer inconsistencies and defects than C16 timber the wooden boards will look a lot more uniform in appearance. C24 timber will generally be used for specific jobs usually architect lead. C24 timbers are generally reserved for projects such as balconies bridges and other applications where a wider rafter centre is required. C24 timber is often specified by architect lead jobs as this will cover them for all eventualities.

Ungraded pine Softwood Timber

Ungraded wood is generally the lowest grade it is the most favourably priced timber option and is readily available. Ungraded softwood can be sold pressure treated or untreated and is commonly used in fencing garden maintenance and general low load bearing applications. This grade of timber isn’t kiln dried and can therefore be prone to movement whilst the drying process is occurring.

Always secure ungraded timber or it will move

If you are thinking of using ungraded timber secure it in situ and try not to leave it lying around without fixing it as otherwise it will be prone to warping and splitting.

In the next article i will discuss the Joinery or furniture grade Redwood & Oak timber options that are available.

For further information on a wide range of timber joists visit our timber yard in Pontardulais Swansea South Wales. Alternatively visit our Website at www.dgheath.co.uk or call our dedicated sales team on Swansea 01792 8848287. We are also able to machine the timber to size specification at our milling facility.