It is important to buy and use British timbers for many reasons. Key benefits include supporting British industry, reducing emissions when timbers don’t travel around the world, and locking carbon in our own forests.
A recent report published on the website of the UK government states that 80% (or more) of the UK’s used wood is imported. A new initiative by the government aims to increase UK timber production and to develop our forests to reduce our dependence on imported wood. The timber industry still demands an enormous amount of imported timber. For Timber Merchants London, visit www.timbco.co.uk/timber-merchants-london
Timbers that are grown in different climates have different strengths. Anyone who works with wood will be familiar with this. Timber choice is influenced by many factors, including boat building, cabinetry, furniture, worktops or cladding for structural beams, and kitchens.
The amount of character is the most common difference between British woods and their international counterparts. Most of the imported timbers are from foreign forests and have been grown with an emphasis on their specialist use. The heartwood of imported timbers is usually wider and more consistent. The British equivalents have more knots and larger knots when they are wild-grown as opposed to being cultivated.
The consistency of clearer wood is considered “better” in terms of strength, stability, and appearance. But what if you prefer the look with character?
Here are some of the top woods that show the difference:
English, European and American Oak
It is likely that the very few English Oaks left in our woods have been grown wild, and not as cultivated as their European and American counterparts. English oak has a wild, swirling grain pattern and will often have interesting knots or pips. You will find words like ‘pippy’ oak and ‘catspaw’ to describe the character and holes in the wood. European Oak has similar character traits and comes in a variety of grades. The varieties are classified according to their characteristics. American oak is the least interesting of the three varieties. Even in lower grades it will have less knots and a more straight grain.
Siberian Larch and British Larch
The British are more likely to have knots which have or will fall out. These knots are called ‘drop’ knots and can reduce the durability of cladding. British Larch is more cost-effective and sustainable, so it may be more economical to add 10-20% waste to reduce drop knots. The lifespan of Siberian Larch can be doubled if it is not treated.
North American Douglas Fir and British Douglas Fir
North American boards are mainly 90/10, with approximately 10% of the board containing knots. The product is very clear, making it very attractive on modern architecture. It’s also very stable. The British variety has more knots but is similar to the North American in colour. The knots of the homegrown are often larger in diameter, giving it a rustic look.
