Best Tree Types for Construction
Construction is one of the largest industries in the world. Wood is one of the most frequently used materials in construction. Woodcutting, timberworks and construction make for a beautiful company. However, one might begin to wonder – what type of wood has the absolute best constructional properties. This is really a simple question but there’s some information that you might’ve not known. Let’s get into it!
Pines
As a conifer, so naturally a softwood (which is strange considering pine timber is extremely durable), pine would easily establish its place in the Mount Rushmore of woods, if one would exist.
Pines are very versatile, meaning that one could be applied in interiors as well as exteriors. Although for the latter use, pine wood usually undergoes special treatment which adds supplementary protection from pests and decay.
In terms of commercial relevance, pine trees are extremely popular. They are commonly used for roofing, flooring, window frames and other areas as well. However, there are special treatment techniques like the Japanese wood burning technique Yakisugi. It enhances the look and texture of pine timber. Shou Sugi Ban pine (as it’s called) boards are used in a variety of applications and just solidify our claims about the versatility of pine wood.
Oak
Oak trees are one of the most culturally significant wood types in the world. They were held as religious symbols and some of them hold fame in a variety of regards. Oak symbolises durability, longevity and dependability. These same qualities are reflected in its abundant use in construction.
Even though it’s mostly used in high-end furniture construction, a 0.75 gram per cubic centimetre density also makes it great for timber framed buildings, floors as well as alcoholic drink barrels. The main reason why it isn’t used more often, is its high price. For example, the northern red oak is one of the most valued types of timber around the world.
There is a saying that the only thing that can outlive an oak tree is another oak tree.
Teak
Yet another sort of hardwood. However, teak is different from our last entry because it naturally grows in tropical environments, or primarily southern and south-eastern parts of Asia, as well as the islands of Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
Teak has an amazing natural resistance to moisture. This comes as no surprise after you find out that local Asians used teak to build boats. Teak was also used for outdoor furniture and indoor flooring, decking, but people of India showed the whole world that it could also be applied in homebuilding and find its place on window frames, beams, etc.
Walnut
Walnuts are a multi-purpose tree. Of course, more people value it for its amazing fruits – walnut nuts, but at the heart it’s really an amazingly durable and very valuable sort of timber. Walnut isn’t primarily used in regular house construction but if you have deep pockets or love window shopping, you might’ve encountered walnut floorboards, some exclusive furniture and even musical instruments.
Birch
Birch trees are very distinct. Conceal them between any other sorts of trees but their distinct colour palette will always give out where they’re hiding. Birch is often turned into plywood and put to use in construction applications.
There are also different sorts of birch trees. Regular birch is quite affordable and usually not that expensive, but something like the
Karelian birch might require extreme expenditures.
