Qualities of Good Timber | Basic Civil Engineering

Good timber is essential for construction due to its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. 

This article explains in detail the main characteristics and qualities of timber that we need to look for while choosing timber for engineering or construction purposes. 

1. Appearance

A freshly cut timber must have a surface that appears as hard and shining. 

2. Colour

A good quality timber must be dark in colour. A light colour usually indicates timber with low strength.

3. Shape

A good timber is capable of retaining its shape during conversion or seasoning. This means the processing of timber should not lead the timber to undergo bowing, warping or splitting. 

4. Smell

A good quality timber smells sweet.  An unpleasant smell indicates, decayed timber.

5. Sound

A good timber gives a clear ringing sound when struck (two pieces of timber struck together). A dull heavy sound indicates decayed timber. 

6. Structure

A good timber possesses a uniform structure. The fibres forming the timber are firmly added. The medullary rays should be hard and compact. 

7. Fibres

A good quality timber must have straight fibres. 

8. Strength

A good timber must be capable enough to work as a structural member, like a joist, beam or rafter. 

9. Toughness

A good timber should be tough enough to offer resistance to the shocks caused due to the vibrations.

10. Hardness

A good timber should be hard so that it would offer resistance when penetrated by another body.

11. Mechanical Wear

A good timber should not deteriorate easily due to mechanical wear or abrasion. 

12. Elasticity

Quality timber must return back to its original shape when the load causing the deformation is removed. 

13. Fiber Resistance

Timber is a bad conductor of heat. A dense wood offers good resistance to fire and requires sufficient heat to cause a flame.

14. Water Permeability

A good timber must possess low water permeability. Water permeability of timber is measured as the quantity of water filtered through a unit surface area of the specimen of wood. 

15. Weathering Effects

A good timber should withstand the weathering effects. A timber when exposed to weather undergoes colour fading and slowly turns grey.

16. Durability

A good quality timber must be durable enough to resist the actions of fungi, insects, chemical, physical and mechanical agencies.

17. Defects

Good timber must be free of serious defects like dead knots, flaws, shakes, etc.

Choosing the right timber for construction is crucial to ensuring the longevity, strength, and overall quality of any project. By paying close attention to these key characteristics and qualities, you can select timber that not only meets but exceeds the demands of your engineering or construction needs. 

Remember, good timber is the foundation of durable and aesthetically pleasing structures. Always take the time to carefully assess your timber choices to achieve the best possible results in your construction projects. Happy building!

Read More On: Structure of a Timber - Macrostructure & Microstructure