Cost factors

Question 1

How is quality of Timber examined?

Answer 1

• It is graded and priced by quality. High-quality timbers will have fewer defects, such as knots and splits.
• Plywood is graded from A to D, with A being the best quality- it is free from defect and has an even grain and colouring.

Question 2

How does the manufacturing processes affect the cost of timbers?

Answer 2

• Each process (such as felling and seasoning, or the need of specialist equipment) that is carried out on timber has an inevitable cost.
• For example, rough sawn softwoods are generally inexpensive as they had the least amount of processing. Planed timber is more expensive.

Question 3

How does the treatments applied affect the cost of timbers?

Answer 3

• Each treatment applied on timbers affect its costs
• For example, tanalised timber has pressure treated with a preservative to make it suitable for use as patio decking
• Fire-retardant paints and coatings can be applied to Timber to help slow down of fire in timber-framed buildings

Question 4

Define tanalising?

Answer 4

Pressure treatment of Timber with preservatives to improve its resistance to weathering

Question 5

What is the most common rank of timber?

Answer 5

C16, C24