If you are building a wooden outdoor structure as part of your landscaping project, plan on purchasing the right timber supplies. The quality of materials will affect the strength and resilience of the built feature. Moreover, the appearance of the wood will depend on the specific lumber. Therefore, consider and compare the options on the market and purchase the best match for your project. Here are essential guidelines for timber material selection.

Consider the Wood Type

Compare the different wood types available from local and online stores before choosing. Local materials are cheaper and more readily available, so opt for such timber products. Keep in mind that both hardwood and softwood timber pieces are suitable for landscaping uses. The best choice will depend on your budget and preference. Hardwoods are favoured because the materials produced are tougher and more resistant to adverse conditions. Some popular hardwoods to consider include mahogany, spotted gum and merbau. Softwoods are more available from local stores. The best choices are cedar and pine.

Think About Chemicals

The chemical treatment of timber ensures durability after installation. In simple terms, the use of these compounds minimises the probability of material damage due to pest infestation, mould growth and even water ingress. However, when using timber for a landscaping structure, consider the effect of chemical use on your property. If you are constructing a deck, the treatment is favourable for protecting the house from termites. However, if you are building a bench for your organic garden or creating a birdfeeder, the chemicals might be detrimental to your end goals. Therefore, think about the potential benefits of using treated wood and the associated risks.

Check the Lumber Size

The sizing of timber pieces is not considered important because the material can be sawn into shorter sections. However, the choice of unsuitable lumber sizes can make your project unnecessarily costly. Simply speaking, poor sizing will result in more wasted wood. Therefore, where possible, choose timber pieces that are perfectly suited for your applications. If this is not an option, measure the available items and find the sizing that will allow for maximum utilisation. For instance, consider if the timber can be cut into two or a remaining shorter piece can be used for another project. Remember, waste wood left on your property could cause problems like attracting termites.

Finally, inspect your wood for damage before finalising the purchase. If you cannot check the timber materials beforehand, ensure the success of the sale is contingent on the condition of the building supplies.

Contact a building supplies provider to learn more.