Should I Use Treated Or Untreated (Sawn) Structural Timber?
Sawn timber is structural and not treated for outdoor use, whereas treated timber is. This is the core difference between the two. Both are structurally graded to either C16 or C24.
Choosing the right structural timber is crucial for the success and longevity of your construction projects. Structural timber serves as the backbone of various applications, including framing, roofing, flooring, and general construction. It provides stability, strength, and durability to ensure the project’s structural integrity. Selecting the appropriate timber not only ensures safety but also influences the overall quality and longevity of the structure.
Overview of Sawn and Treated Structural Timber (C16/24)
When it comes to structural timber, two commonly used classifications are C16 and C24 All of our Timber is C16 at minimum if not C24 Graded. These classifications indicate the strength and load-bearing capabilities of the timber.
- C16 Timber: C16 timber is suitable for applications where moderate strength is required. It is commonly used in internal construction, such as non-load-bearing partitions or non-critical structural elements. C16 timber is less expensive compared to C24 and is suitable for projects with lower load requirements.
- C24 Timber: C24 timber offers higher strength and is ideal for applications requiring greater load-bearing capacity. It is commonly used in structural components such as beams, joists, and columns, where strength and stability are essential. C24 timber is recommended for projects with higher load or increased structural integrity requirements.