Different types of timber framing in the construction sector

The vast majority of houses built in Quebec have a timber framing. Roof trusses, prefabricated walls, floor joists, all these elements are part of a building’s framework. They make up the structure of a building and ensure its sturdiness.

Certain types of wood are particularly effective as a building material for structural components.

Here are some of them.

Lightweight structural timber

The term lightweight structural timber refers to wood that has been sawed and planed to create boards, planks (2×4, 2×6 and 2×8 for example), beams or panelling. These products can then be used to manufacture structural and framing elements for residential, commercial, institutional and even agricultural buildings.

In Canada, timber is almost always sourced (about 98% of the time) from softwood trees such as spruce, pine and fir harvested from public forests. These timber species have the advantage of requiring very little processing before they can be used as a building material. In addition, they are a renewable natural resource.

Raw lightweight lumber

Some contractors may also choose to use raw lightweight structural lumber, i.e., wood that has not been planed. This avoids an additional step in processing, often making it less expensive.

However, planks and other products manufactured in this way are less common, which can make their use in some applications more complicated. For example, raw lightweight structural lumber could hardly be used to create machined structural products since they must have extremely precise shapes and dimensions.

Plywood and particleboard

Plywood and chipboard panels are also used as wood structures. They are primarily used to create prefabricated walls and are available in different thicknesses.

Plywood is made by gluing several layers of veneers (often pine or spruce), called folds, at right angles in odd numbers. Particleboard is obtained by placing wood particles and a binder (adhesive) under enormous pressure. The glues used in the manufacturing of these panels are generally phenolic and therefore release very few toxic products.

UsiHome timber framing products are made with top quality wood

In conclusion, most of the structural elements that can form a building’s framework are made from timber that comes from softwood trees and plywood or chipboard panels.

Moreover, at UsiHome, we do not compromise on the quality of the materials we use to manufacture our roof trusses, prefabricated panel walls and truss systems. To learn more about our products and how they can contribute to the success of your construction project, contact us!