Timber

Timber is wood that has been processed into beams, planks, or boards for construction and carpentry. As a highly versatile, renewable, and insulating resource, it is categorized into three main types depending on the tree species and manufacturing process.

1. Softwoods Sourced from coniferous evergreen trees. They grow much faster than hardwoods, making them more affordable and highly abundant, accounting for the vast majority of global timber used in construction. Common uses: Building framing, roof trusses, decking, and fencing.
2. Hardwoods Sourced from broad-leaved, deciduous trees (e.g., oak, ash, and beech) that drop their leaves in winter. They grow significantly slower, creating a denser, more durable wood with a tight grain. Common uses: High-end furniture, heavy-duty flooring, and intricate joinery.
3. Manufactured (Engineered) Boards Man-made composite materials created by combining wood fibres, veneers, or chips with adhesives under heat and pressure. This process helps eliminate natural defects and allows for the production of large, uniform sheets. Common uses: Cabinetry, flat-pack furniture, underlayment, and wall panelling. Examples: Plywood, Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF), and Chipboard