Timber is one of the most popular building supplies you could consider. This is because it can be used for an assortment of applications ranging from fencing, flooring, wall cladding, decking, structural beams and more. However, some people may not be satisfied with the structural drawbacks that softwood presents whereas others may be unwilling to pay the premium cost for hardwood timber.
Luckily, there is a solution you could consider that meet you halfway. Engineered timber has become one of the most vital innovations as it provides you with the flexibility of using timber in both residential and commercial applications without having to worry about the drawbacks that both hardwood and softwood species present. Below are some of the considerations to have in mind when purchasing engineered timber supplies.
Species of wood used in the manufacture of engineered timber
Although engineered timber is considered an alternative to natural wood, this does not mean that it does not contain any timber in it. In addition to the resins and plastics used to create engineered timber, real wood is also incorporated during the manufacturing process. Therefore, a consideration that you should bear in mind when contemplating engineered timber would be the wood species that was used to create it. This is because the wood used will not only dictate the durability of the engineered timber but it will also play a role in the appearance of the material. Some of the different wood species used in the manufacture of engineered timber include:
Oak: This hardwood species is characterised by a red tone, which would give your engineered timber a warm hue. If used as flooring, it is a good option for areas that receive moderate traffic.
Maple: This is one of the hardiest species of timber; thus, engineered timber supplies made with this type of wood would be ideal for structural support beams.
Hickory: this timber species is known for its high moisture resistance making it less susceptible to rot. It would be ideal for engineered timber that is being used in areas exposed to high water content such as the kitchen, a mudroom, decking and more.
The core layer of the engineered timber
Another important consideration to have would be what type of core layer has been used for your building supplies. The core layer determines how stable as well as how durable the engineered timber will be. Some of the different types of core layers used include:
HDF: This type of core layer is ideal when you are using engineered timber for load bearing structures as it provides high stability.
Plywood: This is an economical option for your core layer. However, it can only be used for applications that do not require high impact resistance.
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