House is an abode that can last for as long as 50 years and above. But does this means that a house built with substandard materials can stand this long? Well, your guess is as good as mine- It will crash in no time.
Out of the various materials used in house construction, wood is one crucial component that must be carefully chosen and sorted.
The reason for this is not far-fetched. Selecting quality and suitable wood material for a house construction guarantees safety, also it makes the building aesthetically appealing. Most importantly, it determines the shelf-life of the house.
Compared to other building materials, woods have the lowest carbon emission; therefore, they are environmentally friendly. Besides, woods are obtained from a natural source which means it is biodegradable and renewable.
Using a suitable wood for the wrong purpose during house construction can lead to forfeiture of those mouth-watering benefits. That said, here are the different types of wood used in house construction:
- Cherry Timber:
Cherry timber is a unique variety of hardwood. The material is strong, smooth, and can be easily be machined into various kinds of woods, which can then be used for multiple purposes.
One thing that makes cherry timber stand out is its high threshold for shock. Therefore, it is suitable for making furniture, cabinet, and others.
- Oak:
When you talk about strength and toughness, oak is one hell of a wood that easily possesses these characteristics. It is used in structural construction of a house.
Also, it helps in enhancing the aesthetic appearance of a house; however, its use for external purposes is quite limited due to the difficulty in maintaining the building material
- Douglas fir:
It is the wood of choice for flooring, furniture, pergola, and cabinet making; therefore, it is perfect for constructing residential and commercial houses.
Its great strength and endurance makes it a suitable material for the construction of houses in windy areas. However, the wood is not resistant to termite invasion, so it should be avoided in areas that are prone to pest infestation.
- Western red cedar:
Western red cedar is an excellent material for building houses frameworks. Its high resistivity to insects, moisture, and harsh weather condition makes it suitable for this purpose. Lastly, most builders love to use the softwood as a building material due to its high strength and its innate ability to extend the longevity of a house.