What is the difference between a timber and a board? Regular timber or profiled timber: which is better to choose?

What is the difference between lumber such as boards and timber? What lumber is widely used in the construction of log houses? You can read the answers to these questions in our short note.

What is the difference between timber and board?

Let's start with what a timber is. Timber is a wood material made from logs by cutting off their sides (edging). Depending on the number of the latter, 2, 3 and 4 edge beams are distinguished. The exception is the so-called one, which is made by connecting several lamella boards. Boards are made from logs or beams; depending on the processing, they can be edged or unedged.

In general, to the question “What is the difference between timber and board?” It is not so easy to give a definite answer. It's not just the size of the lumber, but also the purpose for which it will be used. Most often, timber is used as a material for the construction of fencing or load-bearing structures. This could be the walls of a house made of timber, a roof, a skeleton frame construction. In turn, the main purpose of the boards is finishing work.

Judging by the size of the lumber, a thickness-to-width ratio of less than 1/2 means that this is a board (with a thickness of up to 100 mm). If this ratio is greater than or equal to 1/2, we have a beam. However, in the latter case, a distinction is also made between timber and block. If, with the above parameters, the thickness or width is less than 100 mm, then it is a block. Everything else is called bars. For example, 100x200, 150x150, etc.

Lumber used in house construction

Depending on the goals pursued and wood processing technologies, a whole range of lumber is distinguished. Each type of product is used for its intended purpose. Thus, timber is most often used for load-bearing structures. Boards are also used for finishing works, both indoors and outdoors. Below we have presented a small table with the main range of lumber used in the construction of log houses.

Building materials made from wood differ not only in their size, production technology, but also in characteristics that allow them to be used in different areas construction. When looking for differences between timber and boards, they first consider the intended use of these materials, and only then talk about their geometric dimensions.

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Answer

How does a timber differ from a board? What is the difference between lumber such as boards and timber? What lumber is widely used in the construction of log houses? You can read the answers to these questions in our short note. What is the difference between timber and board? Let's start with what a timber is. Timber is a wood material made from logs by cutting off their sides (edging). Depending on the number of the latter, 2, 3 and 4 edge beams are distinguished. The exception is the so-called laminated timber, which is made by connecting several lamella boards. Boards are made from logs or beams; depending on the processing, they can be edged or unedged. The difference between a beam and a board In general, to the question “What is the difference between a beam and a board?” It is not so easy to give a definite answer. It's not just the size of the lumber, but also the purpose for which it will be used. Most often, timber is used as a material for the construction of enclosing or load-bearing structures. These could be the walls of a house made of timber, the roof, or the skeleton of a frame building. In turn, the main purpose of the boards is finishing work. Judging by the size of the lumber, a thickness-to-width ratio of less than 1/2 means that this is a board (with a thickness of up to 100 mm). If this ratio is greater than or equal to 1/2, we have a beam. However, in the latter case, a distinction is also made between timber and block. If, with the above parameters, the thickness or width is less than 100 mm, then it is a block. Everything else is called bars. For example, 100×200, 150×150, timber 200×200, etc. Lumber used in the construction of houses Depending on the goals pursued and wood processing technologies, a whole range of lumber is distinguished. Each type of product is used for its intended purpose. Thus, timber is most often used for load-bearing structures. Boards are used for finishing work, both indoors and outdoors. Below we have presented a small table with the main range of lumber used in the construction of log houses. Materials used in the construction of houses from timber Boards Thickness up to 100 mm, width exceeding the thickness by more than 2 times Arrangement of floors, finishing of walls and ceilings Timber Width and thickness greater than or equal to 100 mm. The ratio of thickness and width is greater than or equal to 1:2 Construction of load-bearing structures: floors, walls, etc. – as well as use for decorative purposes, it does not matter whether it is profiled timber or ordinary timber. The same as timber, but the thickness is less than 100 mm Finishing work Croaker Depends on the technology of lumber production, because are a by-product when receiving beams Installation of lathing under the roof Quarter Quarter log - Plate Half log - Building materials made from wood differ not only in their size, production technology, but also in characteristics that allow them to be used in different areas of construction. When looking for differences between timber and boards, they first consider the intended use of these materials, and only then talk about their geometric dimensions.

The choice of lumber for building a house or other structures will turn the head of any average person. I want to buy the best and not go wrong. Let's talk about timber, its varieties and features. Let's answer the question: timber or profiled timber, which is better?

Understanding the timber

People hear the word “timber” quite often. But some consumers don’t think about how many varieties modern material has:

• edged, unplaned;
• planed;
• polished;
• profiled;
• glued.

Sometimes it is difficult for a person to remember these names, and he will not be able to say which of the presented names is better. Let's talk about the differences between timber (plain, unplaned, sanded, profiled) and the quality characteristics of lumber. The timber is made from solid logs. By running it on the machine, the slab is removed from the log from four sides. A slab is an untreated board that has a convexity on one side. Most often, the bark of the tree remains on the slab, protecting the core of the wood from rotting and pests. The beam turns out smooth rectangular shape. On initial stage it remains unplaned. Its size depends on the diameter of the trunk. Sometimes such a detail is compared to a board. He looks like edged board, but the size (section) is larger than that of the board.

Considered standard following parameters for timber: 100/100, 100/150, 150/150 mm, etc. in increments of 50 mm up to parameter 300/300. Sometimes manufacturers cut timber to order bigger size. Growers can cut the log on three sides, leaving the outer convex shape.

At this stage of production simple timber ends. IN natural form, most often unplaned and natural humidity, it goes on sale. It is very popular for the construction of low-rise frames: bathhouses, gazebos, country houses and even houses for permanent residence. Not all blanks go on sale.

A good timber is subjected to further processing - planing. We get next variety planed timber. The treatment is done on one side, usually the inside, going into the house. It is possible to process all sides, then the price of the workpiece will be higher, but the attractiveness will also increase. An unplaned frame will require processing at the finishing stage. Hardly anyone wants to have splinters. Additionally, the workpiece is ground, giving a smooth surface. Upon completion construction work At the finishing stage, no additional processing of the polished surface will be required. We especially note the profiled timber. Its production requires more time and responsibility. On special machine a lock connecting the elements is formed in the wood. A recess is made on one side, the so-called groove, and on the other side a protrusion is made - a tenon. During assembly, the tenon slides into the groove, forming a strong and tight connection. The lock improves the properties of the parts, allowing you to build reliable walls from them.

Humidity of timber

All wood has moisture. After harvesting, the tree begins to lose moisture. Different types Trees undergo the drying process in different ways. So the timber is subject to loss of moisture naturally or artificially.

Natural humidity

The concept talks about natural process moisture loss. Sawn workpiece in original form goes on sale or placed on a flat surface for uniform drying. It is important to lay out the details correctly here. Any displacement will lead to curvature of a simple or profiled link. Most often, the process of moisture loss occurs when a house or other structure is assembled from the material. The frame will shrink naturally, under the influence of all factors:

• natural phenomena;
• pressure of the upper rims on the lower ones;
• location on the ground.

Regular and profiled timber with natural moisture costs less than kiln-dried timber.

Artificial drying process

They use cameras with soft temperature conditions. Load any timber: regular, planed, profiled, and leave until maximally dry. Unlike solid logs, timber blanks dry better. In the future, parts that have undergone chamber drying are less susceptible to shrinkage and deformation. The shelf life of the box is reduced and the ability to move into the house is reduced. The downside is the cost of the product. For some, this is an insignificant drawback.

Analysis of the properties of simple and profiled timber and houses made from them

We looked at the types of blanks according to the production method. Let's move on to analyzing the quality characteristics of products and houses built from such materials.

Simple timber

The most affordable building material for those who want to build wooden house or other design. He has natural properties wood because it is not treated with synthetic compounds. Preserves the aroma, warmth, and structure of wood. Assembling a box from ordinary timber is simple and quick. On this positive traits are ending. The unplanned appearance of the walls is not impressive. Accordingly it is required decorative design both indoors and outdoors. A simple beam of natural moisture can become deformed during the shrinkage of the box.

Cracks will appear, which will reduce the heat retention in the room. Only caulking will correct the deformation of the walls. It is better to use regular timber, dried in a chamber. This will not reduce the possibility of cracks appearing, but it will reduce the process of shrinkage of the house or other structure. The house is suitable for permanent residence if the walls are insulated. For this purpose, insulation is used inside or outside the box. The aesthetics and environmental friendliness of wood is reduced. Is there then a need to use conventional lumber for construction? individual house. It is better to use it for a dacha or summer cottage.

Profiled timber

It differs from a simple one by the presence of a connecting lock - a profile. The timber is profiled on special equipment. A groove is selected on one side, a tenon on the other, and a profile is obtained. The lock ensures a secure connection. The part will not budge under any circumstances. The wall will be smoother and denser. There will be no need for large quantities interventional insulation. Profiled ones will better retain heat in the house. In terms of external indicators, it does not cause any complaints. The house does not need decorative finishing. Natural shade and the drawing will create a special atmosphere for household members.

To build a house for permanent residence, experts recommend taking a blank with a cross-section of at least 200/200. A smaller section may not withstand winter frosts. A additional insulation walls will prevent you from enjoying the original appearance of the house. From the outside, it can be difficult for a non-specialist to distinguish a profiled beam from a solid log if, when running on the machine, one side (outer) remains convex. Natural design preserved, and there are no problems with uneven log projections inside. Any furniture will ideally take its place without forming false panels. When choosing profiled lumber, do not forget about the moisture content of the wood. Manufacturers produce parts with both natural humidity and chamber drying. This significantly affects the price and construction time of the structure.

The house or bathhouse needs shrinkage. For parts with natural moisture, the process will take a year or more; with chamber drying, the process will speed up twice as fast. It will not be possible to avoid cracking of parts, but with artificial drying there may be fewer cracks. Let's talk separately about the planed and polished look. What's better? Both materials deserve attention. But you can cut costs if you have an electric planer and sander at home. You can treat the surface yourself. Only ordinary can be unplaned. Profiled before the formation of locks undergoes full processing, because it is often used to create finished projects. The surface can be planed or additionally polished. Any processing increases the cost. Assembling a house from a profiled blank is as simple as the children's designer. It is up to the buyer to decide whether it is better to choose profiled timber or regular timber for construction. To make it more convincing, we present comparison table pros and cons of both blanks.

Having examined the features of each type, we can answer the question posed at the beginning of the article: timber or profiled timber, which is better. You can confidently give preference to profiled ones for the construction of serious buildings. When planning to build small structures: summer house, barn, gazebo, buy a simple one, process special composition. Buy it planed and sanded or take it untreated - it's up to you.

The eco-friendly boom is gaining momentum! Humanity wants to wear natural clothes, eat natural food and live in eco-friendly homes.

Popularity wood construction today is obvious, and many, as a rule, who decide to build a wooden house, ask the question “what is better: timber or logs?” Let's try to figure this issue out together.

Buildings made of wood, and more specifically, from solid logs, have long story. Since ancient times, log houses have been built on the territory of Mother Russia, and some of them can still be seen today.

The craftsmen of that time used only an axe. Such craftsmen (cutters) still exist today. But this process is very long, labor-intensive and, naturally, expensive.

Log

Advantages of log houses:

• the presence of a protective outer layer rich in tree resins;
• a log processed by hand will crack less;
• reliability of a log house.

Disadvantages of log houses:

• high cost of construction and long duration of work;
• shrinkage can occur up to two years and reach 12%.

The rounded log is prepared using modern factory technologies. The trunk then has the same caliber and aesthetic appearance, but loses its protective layer, which allows buildings made from solid logs to stand and please the eye much longer. Modern ones come to the rescue protective equipment for wood, allowing the rounded log to compensate for this disadvantage.

Advantages of houses made of rounded logs:

• assembling such a house takes significantly less time than assembling a log house and, as a fact, construction costs less;
• the appearance of such houses is impeccable, allowing you to see the unique texture of the wood.

Disadvantages of houses made of rounded logs:

• a common disadvantage, as in a log house, is long term shrinkage;
• low protection of logs from weather factors;
• a significant number of cracks.

timber

A review of wooden construction led us to talk about houses made of timber. Construction from timber is convenient and rational. No need for adjustment wooden elements, more possibilities For interior decoration, which gives scope for individual design solutions. IN modern construction The following types of timber are used: regular, profiled and glued.

Regular timber

Buying regular timber is not difficult, as many companies sell it. This is an eco-friendly look building material, which was not subjected to additional processing. The appearance of unplaned ordinary timber is not as presentable as, for example, glued timber and therefore requires external finishing work.

Pros:

• Low price (the production process is quite simple)
• Ease of construction
• Availability on the construction market and short delivery times

Minuses:

• The appearance of cracks (after shrinkage, additional cladding on the outside may be required)
• The appearance of gaps due to the deformation of ordinary timber, which entails distortion of the walls of the building
• The likelihood of “blue staining”, which can be avoided by promptly treating the wood with an antiseptic

Profiled timber

Profiled timber is very popular. As they say, it’s a pleasure to work with him, because it is the presence of the profile that allows you to assemble it like a construction set, without modifying the openings. Its smooth surfaces have a neat appearance, which makes it possible to do without additional cladding. Houses made from profiled timber have an attractive appearance.

Pros:

• Presentable appearance
• Rigidity of the structure and tight connection, which does not allow moisture to get between the beams and eliminates rotting
• No need for additional finishing after shrinkage
• Good wear resistance and thermal insulation
• Economical construction (little waste after assembly)

Minuses:

• Shrinkage time is required, but less than that of a simple beam
• The inevitable appearance of cracks during the drying process

Glued beam

If we focus on the advantages, then laminated veneer lumber deserves special attention. Eco-friendly, beautiful, reliable and durable houses made from laminated veneer lumber practically do not shrink, which makes their popularity undeniable. There is no deformation or cracks, which means that you can move into such a house as soon as construction is completed. The seismic resistance of buildings made of laminated veneer lumber is quite high.

Pros:

• Minimum shrinkage
• No deformation of laminated timber buildings
• No difficulties in assembly and additional finishing work
• High thermal insulation characteristics
• Ability to implement complex projects

Minuses:

• High cost (approximately two to three times higher than construction from conventional timber)
• Despite the use of environmental glue, this type of timber still loses in the fight for “naturalness” compared to others

It's not that easy to tell the difference between timber and logs.. It all depends on your preferences and finances. After all, the issue of price is often the main argument in choosing a material for construction. Someone is ready to wait a couple of years for “shrinkage” to enter the original Russian log house. And some are captivated by the speed and aristocracy of buildings made of laminated veneer lumber.

Choice wood material depends on the object itself, which you have planned to build: this construction will be country cottage, baths or just country house. For example, for the construction of a summer house, the period of residence in which is limited from spring to mid-autumn, inexpensive ordinary timber is perfect.

Conducting comparative characteristics Before you buy materials for construction, pay attention not to “more expensive - cheaper”, but to the quality of wood harvesting, be it timber or logs.

During construction work it is necessary to determine which material is best suited for this project. A private developer is often stupefied when faced with a choice between completely different properties and appearance materials. But more a difficult situation arises when it is necessary to choose between materials of the same type. What is the difference between profiled and laminated timber? Let's figure it out.

So, laminated veneer lumber.

This is prefabricated wooden product, made from dried and antiseptic-treated boards, which are glued together under a press with synthetic waterproof glue.

In addition to standard beams, they can be insulated and profiled. In the first case, the product is assembled so that a cavity is formed inside the beam, which is subsequently filled with polyurethane foam. And in the second, standard laminated veneer lumber is profiled, resulting in the formation of ridges on the side edges. Typically, the dimensions of such bars are 6-12 meters, but they can reach longer lengths.

Its advantages:

• Minimal shrinkage. Houses made from laminated veneer lumber shrink by only 1-3.5 cm during the first year.
• Fire resistance. Unlike solid wood These beams are not as susceptible to burning.
• Easy to use, significantly reducing the construction time of a house.
• Strength. Glued laminated timber is 50-70% stronger than solid timber.
• Good thermal insulation characteristics.

Flaws:

• The need to ensure “clean” work. It is difficult to fulfill this condition on a construction site, but without it, dirty spots remain on the product.
• Efficiency in construction. After delivery of the material, it is necessary to immediately begin construction of the facility in order to prevent the influence of dampness and temperature changes on the material.
• Tendency to deformation. Low quality raw materials and non-compliance with technology can result in an unpleasant surprise.

About profiled timber.

This is a product made from solid wood, profiled on the side edges to form ridges for reliable connection during construction. Such beams are divided into dry (12-18%) humidity and natural (80-87%). The rate of shrinkage of the house depends on this parameter. When using bars with more high humidity this process may take a long time.

Its advantages:

• Possibility of ensuring a strong connection between the beams.
• The air tightness of the material is higher than that of laminated veneer lumber.
• Ecological cleanliness. Unlike laminated veneer lumber, no artificial substances are used here.

Flaws:

• Due to temperature changes and weather conditions the timber may become deformed and become cracked.
• The need for insulation. This only applies to timber with a thickness of less than 220mm.
• The density of this material is lower than that of glued material.

Now that all the advantages and disadvantages of two similar materials have been considered, we can summarize and confidently make a choice. No matter which way it goes, a house made of timber will delight you with its warmth, strength and service life.