Structural Timber Trends That Suppliers Should Explore
Posted on: 27 August 2020
Sustainability, cost and energy efficiency are just some of the reasons why structural timber has maintained its position as a key construction material for a long time. Besides, the structural strength per square inch that wood possesses sets it apart from other construction materials. Today, some buildings — residential and commercial — are built entirely using timber. Notably, timber suppliers play a crucial role in sustaining this trend and should, therefore, provide products that meet customer requirements. It means keeping up-to-date with emerging structural timber trends. This article explores structural timber trends that suppliers should watch out for.
Multipurpose Architectural Design
In the past, home designers and builders were satisfied with home fittings that fulfilled single roles. For instance, a wooden staircase served the sole purpose for which it was designed, which is accessing higher floors. Similarly, an attic was only intended to house air conditioning vents and heaters. However, the concept is changing today since homeowners are looking for timber home designs that fulfil more than one need. For example, storage has become a crucial need, particularly for smaller homes. Therefore, incorporating storage drawers on staircase steps is one way that home builders and designers are increasing storage space in homes. However, such designs need strong timber to ensure that the fittings achieve both purposes effectively.
Evolving Building Codes
Timber can only be considered structural if it can sustain loads for extended periods without bulking under pressure. Therefore, the need to build taller structures means that structural timber must meet specific standards for safety reasons. However, such construction can only be considered safe if building codes are updated according to emerging insights. Therefore, suppliers need to keep up with both current and changing building codes. For instance, building codes that guide the construction of a five-storey timber building are ineffective for a ten-storey timber building. Most importantly, standards allow timber millers and suppliers to produce and supply structural timber that meets safety requirements.
Modular Construction
Builders consider time and money critical resources that can guarantee success if well managed. It could not be more accurate for timber construction projects that have been plagued by avoidable wastage for a long time. Fortunately, modular technologies have come to the rescue of builders today since they can save significant amounts of time and money in their construction projects. Rather than supply timber in raw form, modular technologies allow suppliers to mill lumber according to a builder's dimensions. Once delivered, builders only have to join the pieces to complete a timber building.
For more information about structural timber, reach out to a professional.
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