Timber vs. Lumber: A Practical Guide for Canadian Builders
Key Takeaways:
- The primary difference between timber and lumber is in their stage of processing
- Canadian grading terminology clearly distinguishes timber from lumber by its thickness and grade
- Selecting among the two depends on the requirements of individual projects
Timber and lumber are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they do not refer to the same thing. In today’s blog, Fonthill Lumber Inc., one of Ontario’s largest lumber yards with 75 years of experience in the industry, will explain how the two are different from each other and what builders need to know before ordering any one of them.
What Is Timber?
Timber can be a tree, a log, or a processed piece of wood, depending on the context in which the term is used. That is to say that timber can actually refer to unprocessed wood as well, unlike lumber, which is used specifically for construction purposes only.
Timber Meaning in Construction
In the world of construction, timber relates to any wood that can be used as a building material, especially larger structural materials. Common examples include beams, posts, and other heavy framing components.
Timber as Standing Trees, Logs, and Processed Wood
Timber also refers to existing trees or felled logs in their natural, unprocessed state. On the flip side, it can also cover a sawn piece of wood that is ready to be used in construction. Its meaning truly depends on the region one is in, as local terminology can alter what it stands for.
Common Applications of Structural Timber
As for applications of structural timber, it is used to create beams, posts, heavy framing components, and other load-bearing applications. Builders may find engineered wood products designed for demanding structural applications specified as timber as well.
What Is Lumber?
Lumber strictly refers to processed wood that is expressly used for the purpose of construction such as boards, planks, and framing members. In Canada, the word lumber is frequently used to denote materials that are used for residential construction or renovation projects.
Lumber Meaning in Construction
When it comes to construction, lumber refers to sawn wood products that are used as building, framing, and woodworking components. Dimensional lumber is a leading example of construction lumber. Builders can gain greater clarity by familiarizing themselves with beginner’s lumber terminology.
How Logs Are Processed Into Lumber
Timber logs are sawn into boards, planks, etc., after which they are graded and prepared for sale. This process may further involve drying, bonding, or chemical treatments, depending on the wood’s intended application.
Common Lumber Types Used in Residential Construction
Types of lumber that are a common fixture in residential construction include dimensional lumber for framing walls, boards for general construction, and treated lumber for outdoor projects.
Timber vs Lumber: What Are the Key Differences?
Timber vs. lumber differences are not always easy to define. There is generally some overlap between the two terms, which means local context can influence their meaning to a great extent.
However, grading systems may attribute a specific meaning to each. Furthermore, the processing stage, dimensions, and intended application of timber vs. lumber can be useful in clarifying which product is being referred to.
Differences in Meaning, Processing, and Dimensions
While timber covers trees, logs, and structural wood, lumber exclusively refers to sawn wood materials that are ready for use in construction. It is important to note here that regional conventions and technical conventions may change these definitions.
Timber vs Lumber: Side-by-Side Comparison
We have prepared the following table to help builders and contractors understand the core differences between timber and lumber:
Timber vs Lumber in North American and British Usage
As we mentioned, geographical difference is everything when it comes to what timber and lumber stand for.
In Canada and the United States, lumber is the commonly accepted term for sawn wood products. Whereas in British English-speaking countries, timber is used to refer to construction wood materals.
Is Timber the Same as Lumber in Every Context?
Truth be told, no. They are not universally interchangeable terms. Context is everything, which is why a wood’s technical grades and dimensions must be accounted for before using any of these terms. Checking a product’s label can help builders understand what they are buying.
What Do Timber and Lumber Mean in Canadian Construction?
Now let’s talk about what each of them means in Canadian construction. Canadian construction terminology often includes both timber and lumber and applies them to specific materials. Builders must educate themselves about the differences between them so they can choose products that meet their requirements.
Canadian Terminology for Boards, Lumber, and Timber
Canadian grading terminology defines boards as 2 inches thick. Meanwhile, lumber is categorized as 2 to 5 inches thick, and timber as material over 5 inches thick. However, these are technical classifications only and not universal definitions of the two.
Nominal Dimensions vs Actual Lumber Dimensions
Nominal vs actual dimensions also play a role in understanding lumber thickness. For example, lumber labelled 2×4 generally measures 1½ × 3½ inches. In fact, nominal dimensions are just that – names assigned to lumber sizes. Actual dimensions describe its real measurements. Our detailed dimensional lumber grades guide covers the difference between them.
How Lumber Grades Affect Construction Applications
Lumber grades play a huge role in the long-term performance of construction projects. In fact, their grades indicate their strength and their intended use. Builders must make sure that they use appropriately graded materials for structural applications instead of fixating on their dimensions alone.
When Should Builders Use Timber vs Lumber?
What to use between timber and lumber depends on a project’s structural, load, dimensional, and design requirements. As long as each of these is strictly adhered to, builders will end up using the right material by default.
Choosing Lumber for Wall Framing and General Construction
When it comes to applications such as wall studs, plates, and other residential framing components, builders are better off using dimensional lumber. However, they must stick to the grades and sizes specified in the plans of their project.
Using Structural Timber for Beams, Posts, and Large Spans
Timber or engineered wood products are often the smarter choice for large beams and posts, thanks to their innate thickness and strength. That said, factors such as span, loading, connections, and material specifications should be accounted for during material selection.
Understanding Timber and Lumber in Roof Structures
Roof structures can actually make use of either large timber members, engineered wood, or dimensional lumber depending on what the project demands. In fact, they may make use of metal as well. Knowing the difference between timber vs. metal trusses can help builders make an informed choice. So can analyzing the following table:
How to Select the Right Lumber for Your Project
Before builders place their order with a lumber yard, they must assess their own lumber requirements to determine exactly what they need for their project. Once they have finalized the application, they can compare products available in the market and see which one better meets their project requirements.
Step 1: Identify the Structural or Non-Structural Application
Evaluating whether the wood is supposed to carry loads or merely serve as a decorative element supports the selection of the most appropriate wood products.
Step 2: Confirm Required Dimensions and Span
Builders must use their project’s proposed plans to figure out required sizes, spans, and spacing. Basing dimensional lumber on appearance alone can compromise the performance and safety of the entire project, which is why specifications must be accounted for.
Step 3: Check Grade, Strength, and Moisture Requirements
Confirming appropriate grades, species, moisture conditions, and exposure suitability can speed up the lumber purchase process. Especially for projects on a tight deadline. Builders who are confused can check our quality construction lumber guide to identify the traits of lasting wood products.
Step 4: Compare Product Specifications and Availability
Construction lumber is expensive. So reviewing product specifications and availability with your local supplier beforehand is a simple and effective way to prevent material wastage. As for figuring out which lumber is best when comparing products, builders can use our lumber selection guide to determine material suitability.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between timber and lumber in local contexts and construction terminology can help builders procure the products for their project. That said, before purchase, builders must confirm dimensions, grades, and intended applications.
Need additional guidance? We can help you! Fontill Lumber Inc.’s lumber products cover an extensive selection of building materials that cater to the demands of Ontario construction projects. Contact us to find the best wood items for your project.
FAQs
How is timber different from lumber?
Even though the terms overlap, the main difference between timber and lumber lies in the fact that timber can be used to refer to unprocessed wood, existing trees, and logs. Meanwhile, lumber only refers to processed construction materials.
Is timber stronger than lumber?
No. The strength of each depends on its individual characteristics such as its species, grade, dimensions, moisture content, etc.
What is lumber used for in construction?
Applications such as framing, sheathing, roofing, flooring, etc., are covered by lumber and lumber products.
Dimensional lumber vs timber - what is the difference?
Again, dimensional lumber is sawn wood available in standardized sizes. Timber can refer to anything from beams to felled logs and beyond.
Which term is used in Canada - timber or lumber?
Both terms are used in Canada. However, lumber is used for construction products, and timber refers to broader wood materials.
