Choosing Between Solid or Engineered Timber For Your Wall Framing

If you are currently in the process of remodeling your home, you might be in need of constructing a new wall frame. This is commonly done during the building process of a brand new home, but if you are taking a large room and creating two smaller rooms, a wall will need to be built. In terms of the timber, you can either choose from solid timber or engineered timber. Here are some things to consider when choosing one of these options.

Engineered Timber Can Handle Moisture

One of the problems with using wood as your framing material is that if you have a major flood or a lot of humidity, the solid timber can then expand and shrink, which may eventually cause issues with the foundation. It is also more prone to insect damage, particularly from termites. If you go with engineered wood, the chemical process allows the wood to withstand water and high humidity without warping or dealing with wood rot. It also doesn't twist, expand or shrink, so it has potential for lasting longer in its current condition. You can find a business that sells engineered wood and have wood framing with fewer problems in the long run.

Solid Timber Doesn't Use Chemicals

Some people don't want any materials in their home that use a lot of chemicals, so they prefer to go with solid timber. If this is a major concern of yours, you would be better off going to a local lumber yard and picking up solid timber for your wall framing. Engineered wood goes through a manufactured process that uses various chemicals, which is done to help it last and ensure it doesn't shrink or warp.

Engineered Timber Is Considered Eco-Friendly

While it is true that some homeowners find the lack of chemicals used to make solid timber more eco-friendly, you might prefer saving the trees. When you want to use as little actual wood as possible, engineered timber is your best option. This timber is not solid, which means several layers of timber are actually man made and composite wood. It then uses a variety of particles and fibres to connect the layers properly. You are using less timber from trees; therefore, it can be considered a more eco-friendly solution.

Solid Timber Is Often Less Expensive

Since the manufacturing process of engineered timber can increase the cost, you will often save money with solid timber. People are often under the misconception that solid timber will cost more, but for wood framing, you usually save money. Talk to local businesses providing both solid timber and engineered timber to compare the costs.

If you don't yet have the tools and equipment needed for constructing the timber wall frame, remember that you can rent the equipment from local construction rental businesses. This helps to curb the costs for your DIY project.