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Source and Supply of Timber

Source and Supply of Timber

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Source and Supply of Timber

Even with the advent of modern synthetic products we still use timber for a lot of building. It is widely used for structures and framework, outdoor decking, internal and external doors, trim, window frames and for quality flooring.

Source and Supply of Timber
Timber used for building is usually from areas of forest that have been set aside for logging. These areas should be replanted for future use.
Obviously timber cannot be used straight from the tree. Once the trees are cut they are processed at a mill. This produces the various boards /timber planks used for building and most other carpentry purposes.

Wood may be processed for different purposes. If the timber is to be used indoors it will be given some treatment to protect against rot and fungus. This treatment varies with the species; some trees have a certain amount of natural resistance to these problems. Any wood that is used outdoors, say for telegraph poles or decking, will be given additional protective treatments.

Buying Timber
Years ago timber was supplied by those companies who cut and milled it. This had a disadvantage, as any buyer needed a reasonable knowledge of both the type of timber and their own building project before making an informed purchase. Today, timber is bought from those who deal with it at a professional level. They can advise on the best timber for any situation.

Flooring specialists are well versed in the type of timber used for floors and building. So they source and supply the right materials and advice for this application. Other timber suppliers, like hardware stores, supply and advice on this and other type of timber.

There are several type of timber used for flooring. Some of this is simply support for other types of flooring. Other timber, usually higher quality, is used as the final product. These hardwood timbers are durable, long lasting, and usually of attractive appearance.

When choosing hardwood floors it helps to look at the hardness of the material. And to choose timber that can be finished (stained, lime washed …etc.) in a manner that suits you home décor.

Floor Sanding Northern Beaches
Hardwoods floors are a selling feature for any home. They last as long as the building, often over a century, and that can be re-sanded to restore their original ‘just installed’ appearance.
If your timber floors look worse for wear than you can have superficial scratching and damage removed with professional re-sanding and polishing. The results are impressive.

Bamboo Alternative

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Timber and Bamboo Floor sanding Sydney

About a generation ago, in the 1990s, builders started using bamboo as a flooring material. Bamboo had some advantages, but as is often the case with a new material there were some problems when it was first used.

There were a few advantages to bamboo. It was moderately priced and could be processed to look like many different hardwoods. Furthermore, it grew extremely quickly, so it was an environmentally friendly and renewable source.

Unfortunately, bamboo flooring was prone to scratching, at least on the surface. The main body of the bamboo planks were quite stable, comparable to good quality wood, but the top surface was easily scratched.

The situation improved over time, and bamboo was given a protective coating that largely prevented scratching at least for a few years. So new bamboo flooring was notable better than old.

But an ongoing disadvantage of bamboo flooring is that it cannot be re-sanded. Hardwood can have the very top removed by re-sanding, exposing a fresh woodgrain surface. But bamboo is made of fibres. Any attempt at re-sanding will destroy the top protective layer and simply expose the rough fibres beneath.

One promising possibility is strand woven bamboo. This is much harder that earlier type of bamboo flooring, being highly compressed when manufactured.

If you are interested in bamboo flooring then stand woven bamboo seems the most durable option.

Floor Sanders Sydney

Hardwood timber remains the best option for long term flooring. It will last for decades, even when re-sanded.

Alternatively, cheaper flooring options can be used and replaced after a generation, though these will not have the appearance, natural appeal or selling advantage of good hardwood.

Have your hardwood floors periodically re-sanded, and essentially have a new floor.

Air Pollution

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The air of many buildings and homes will contain many pollutants and chemicals. These some from cleaning products, furniture, building materials, and some other sources. Flooring materials like carpet are one sources of chemical pollutants.

Flooring materials may contain formaldehyde, which will seep into the air. This is probably the most common household pollutant. In moderate doses formaldehyde will cause repertory problems, eye irritation and constant lethargy. Some people are more sensitive to formaldehyde than others, though all people will suffer if the exposure is more than moderate. Individuals with allergies may find that the formaldehyde will aggravate the allergy.

There is not positive aspect to chemical exposure. So it is best to keep the chemicals content of the air as low as possible.

Floor Sanding Sydney

Timber floors are healthy because they are a natural product with minimal processing. This means they are unlikely to cause allergies, and will have no artificial chemicals outside of any protective coating (which is optional)

Polyurethane protective floor coatings will release some chemicals into the environment. It is best to let these coating air out for a few days before using the room.

Other floor materials.

Most other floor materials like carpet or synthetic products will release chemicals into the air when they are first installed.

Reduce air pollution by:

  • Always air out rooms when the home is new or after renovations. New carpet are renovations, as is fresh paintwork.

Open windows and doors in the home or renovated room, use fans to circulate the air.

  • Cover new carpets with bi-carb of Soda for a few days, then vacuum.
  • Use an electronic air filter a few times per week
  • Indoor plants help clear the air. And they require minimal maintenance.
  • Use environmentally friendly cleaning products whenever possible.
  • Never mix chemical cleaners- this can create toxic compounds.
  • Store chemicals in a ventilated outdoor area.
  • Install exhaust fans above stoves, and in bathrooms and toilets.

Floor Sanding Northern Beaches

Natural timber flooring is one of the most environmentally sound building materials. Timber contains no artificial chemicals and will cause no health problems.

Timber can be re-sanded to restore its original appearance. Timber floors will easily last a century even if they are re-sanded every decade.

Cuts of Grain

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Woodgrain and Floor Sanders Sydney

Part of the attraction of timber is the woodgrain pattern. This is a natural pattern that is similar but never identical across multiple pieces of timber. Stains and other treatments can enhance the look of natural grain.

The way a piece of wood is cut from the tree trunk will significantly affect the appearance of the grain. Wood that will be used for decorative purposes, that will have the grain on display, will be cut in a way that optimizes the grain even as it wastes some wood material. Other cheaper cuts of wood, which will be painted or covered by carpet, are cut from the tree in a more economical way because the woodgrain finish is less important.

Quarter Saw

This cuts a tree trunk from the outer rim towards the centre.

This gets a consistent and attractive grain pattern from each plank. But some wood is between the planks is wasted.

These planks will be of optimal strength or this type of timber.

Plain Saw

This cuts a tree trunk in parallel planks from top to bottom.

This type of cut will waste very little wood, but the grain pattern will vary in shape and quality. Any plank cut through the centre of the tree will have good grain pattern.

These planks will vary a little in strength, depending if the cut was made through the centre of the tree or along the top or bottom.

Floor Sanding Sydney

You can have your timber floors re-sanded, and have them looking like new.