Timber, or lumber, describes wood that is has been processed for use as a structural material or for paper processing, as well as for sawn wood products.
Laminated timber comprises glued laminated timber, more commonly referred to as glulam, and laminated veneer lumber (LVL). These engineered timbers are primarily used in construction applications due to the strong and durable nature of the wood. In addition, glulam can be produced in long spans and curved shapes, giving greater design flexibility.
Sawn timber is also suitable for timber frame construction, as well as for joinery applications. Machine-rounded timber is especially suitable for landscaping applications, for instance building fences and retaining walls.
To ensure durability and increase life span, timber is often supplied pre-treated. Heat-treated timber is suitable for those looking for chemical-free preservation. This natural method heats wood to a temperature sufficient enough to increase the durability of the wood. Pressure-treated timber is treated with preservatives in pressurized cylinders, giving long-lasting protection against fungal decay and wood boring insects.
Certification, such as Chain of Custody (CoS), Forest management (FM), and FSC and PEFC labels, gives assurance that timber is sourced from responsibly managed and sustainable forests.