Get the Most Out of Your Timber
Whether you are buying timber for fencing, flooring, decking or any other use for your Brisbane or Sydney home, you should always try to do whatever you can to get the most out of it. Timber can last as long as you do if you treat it right.
Unfortunately, timber can be degraded by the elements if it isn’t treated properly. It is subject to extremes in temperature and in humidity. It can also be eroded by fungi or insects, rendering it unfit to provide structure or support.
The best way to protect timber from the elements is by using whatever treatments are appropriate. We suggest two different levels. First, timber should be treated whenever possible for insects and water and can often be purchased that way. Then, it should be protected with paint or varnish. Here are some popular treatments.
CCA Treated Fencing
Timber used for fencing can be treated with CCA, which is toxic in some situations but is regarded as safe for use in fencing. CCA stands for Chromated Copper Arsenate. CCA has arsenic, which is also present in soil. The level of arsenic in CCA has been deemed safe for use in fencing because it doesn’t make much of a difference in the arsenic level of soil.
CCA protects against both fungi and insects and also helps paint and varnish adhere to the timber. It is only legal for fencing and shouldn’t ever be burned due to the smoke being toxic.
DIY Wood and Insect Treatments
There are plenty of retail wood treatments on the market. Most of them protect against either insects or fungi and moisture that cause rotting. We always recommend that you follow manufacturers’ instructions.
Varnishes
Varnishes are used to cover timber with a coating that can range from a traditional oil varnish to a urethane-based marine varnish that is more than ten times as thick as conventional varnish. Varnish seals timber, protecting it from moisture. Thicker, harder coats are insect-resistant, while soft, traditional varnish can be compromised more easily.
Paint
Paint is a traditional way of protecting materials from the elements. They are behind urethanes in technological advances. In addition, they don’t allow timber to have a natural appearance like a combination of stain and varnish would.
Buy the Right Timber
One of the most important things you can do to get the most out of your timber is to buy the right timber for the right job. Generally, the most durable timber you can buy will be rated Class 1 (out of four classes) on the durability scale. Some that are rated Class 2 work out very well, too. Here are some hardwoods that we have available and their recommended uses.
Ironbark
Ironbark is red and is Class 1 for durability. It is most often used for framing, flooring, decking and handrails.
Merbau/Kwila
Merbau, also known as Kwila, is a brown timber rated in Class 1 for durability. It is also used for framing, flooring, decking and handrails. This is an attractive and popular timber.
Spotted Gum
Spotted Gum is a mixed-colour timber also rated in durability Class 1; used for landscaping, outdoor framing, flooring, decking and handrails.
Blackbutt
Despite its name, Blackbutt is a blond-coloured timber. It is a Class 1 for durability. Common uses are decking, outdoor framing and flooring.
Vitex/New Guinea Teak
Vitex/New Guinea Teak is a blonde timber that ranks in Class 2 for durability. It is most often used for flooring, outdoor framing, decking, step treads and handrails.
Kapur
Kapur has a pink appearance and is in durability Class 2. Most often used for decking, flooring and step treads.
Mixed Hardwoods of High Structural Strength (F14, F17)
Mixed Hardwoods are appropriate for almost any use: step treads, sub floors, flooring, framing, bearers, joists, outdoor frames, posts, patios, decks, extensions, verandahs and pergolas.
Call Narangba Timbers
At Narangba Timbers, we have been a timber supplier in Australia for three generations. We will help you choose the right timber for the right job.
For more information, call 1300 477 024.