4 Reasons House Frames Need Green Instead of Dried Timber

About Me
Carrie's Construction Tips

Welcome to my blog. I'm Carrie and I would like to share some of the top tips I have learnt about construction and repair work in the home. My passion is for buying old property and carrying out work on them to bring them into the 21st century. I started out doing this a couple of years ago. I used some money I had inherited to buy a wreck of a place and if I am honest, I didn't have a clue what I was doing. I was really lucky to find some great contractors who helped me out a lot and taught me lots of very cool things.

Search

4 Reasons House Frames Need Green Instead of Dried Timber

19 October 2017
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog


The frame of a house is obviously one of its most important elements. While some construction companies are switching over to metal, timber remains the most popular choice, and that means you'll need to choose between either green timber or dried timber.

The difference between the two is easy enough to grasp. Green timber will have been cut recently and given no opportunity to season. In contrast, dried timber will have been left to season or will be dried manually. Dried timber is tougher since it will have lost a fair percentage of its moisture content, and that often makes people assume it's the better choice for house frames. However, this is not the case, and here are just four reasons why.

1. Green Timber Offers Superior Durability

You've just read that dried timber is tougher than green timber, so what's this about green timber offering superior durability? Well, it's true — at least, a frame made from green timber will take on greater strength. This is because green timber shrinks very slightly as it ages and loses moisture. Designers take this into account during construction, ensuring that shrinkage will bring each part of the frame together more tightly, and that makes the frame as a whole more durable. Dried timber won't come together.

2. Green Timber Is Easier to Work

The fact that green timber is softer and more flexible means that it is much easier to work than dried timber. Keep in mind that each piece will need to be shaped quite precisely and then nailed into the frame. Green timber takes such work easier, but dried timber is a lot tougher. In fact, dried timber can suffer fissures and cracks when it is worked thanks to a lack of flexibility.

3. Green Timber Is Less Expensive

Since dried timber is harder to work, labour costs are often higher when you use it over green timber. After all, tools will wear down faster and jobs will generally take longer. And the raw material itself will also be pricier. Seasoning timber takes time and money, and that added expense is going to be passed on to you. Green timber doesn't need to go through such a process, so it should work out to be significantly cheaper.

4. Green Timber Adds Character

If no part of the house's frame is going to be exposed, this isn't a point you need to concern yourself with. But if you're looking for a few exposed beams, green timber will be appreciated. It will age from fresh to seasoned, adding a further touch of personality to the property.

Contact a company that sells timber supplies to learn more.