Wood is known to be one of the top building materials and has been used for construction for more than thousands of years now. It is a recyclable resource and is readily available.

It is important to choose the right kind of wood material for the construction of your home. Choosing the right wood will be an economically wise choice, ensure safety and will also increase the value of your home.

There is a wide range of woods available in the market, and you have to choose the right one for your construction project based on the strength, flexibility and quality of the wood. Each wood has different qualities than the other, some are more suitable for building projects than others.

What are the advantages of using wood as a building material?

Wood has always been a preferred building material. But in recent years many people decided not to depend on the Earth’s forests to meet construction demands and opted for steel or aluminium. Though the intention of this decision is appreciated, the advantages of using wood as a building material overshadow the other available building materials.

  • Renewable:

Wood is a renewable building material, unlike concrete or steel. Trees can be grown and regrown by natural procedure; this will also help to reduce carbon dioxide from the environment.

  • High Insulation and Low Electric Cost:

Wood is a high insulating material, which means that wooden houses will require less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. This reduces energy usage in homes and also saves money on electricity bills. 

  • Biodegradable:

Decomposition of building materials like concrete or steel takes up a long time when they are discarded. Wood decomposes comparably faster if exposed to natural climate conditions and will restore the soil in this process.

  • Better Quality of Air:

Studies show that woods have fewer toxic emissions than any other building material and wooden buildings have better air quality than any building.

  • Noise Reduction:

Wood absorbs sound instead of reflecting or amplifying it, this minimizes echo and noise levels which increases comfort between rooms.

  • Beauty:

Wood gives buildings a more sophisticated and aesthetic appearance, with its wide range of attractive colours and also provides thermal and environmental benefits.

In this article, we will make the unnerving task of looking for the best wood for your new home easier.

Building wood can be classified into two types:

  • Hardwood:

Hardwood is obtained from trees that shed leaves every year. These trees grow slowly and therefore are heavier and more expensive.

  • Softwood:

Softwood is obtained from trees that are evergreen. These trees are straight and fast-growing, and thus it is less expensive than hardwoods.

Below mentioned are the type of woods that are considered the best for building purposes:

  • Oak:

Oak is a type of hardwood and is known to be one of the hardest and strongest woods in the world. Its strong quality makes it suitable for construction and is highly recommended by builders. Oak wood is known for its moisture resistance quality and distinctive appearance which enhances the beauty of a home. Oak is more expensive than any other woods as it is available only in certain regions.

  • Spruce:

It is a type of softwood and is considered as a soft and lightweight wood, spruce is highly resistant to cracking and this feature is what makes it suitable for construction projects.

  • Western Red Cedar:

Houses built of western red cedar are strong and long-lasting compared to any other softwood. This wood is resistant to rot and releases an aromatic oil that drives insects away. Cedar is an ideal building wood for houses that are exposed to heat, rain and cold throughout the year. It is renewable, biodegradable and has an attractive appearance, which made western red cedar a favourite choice in timber homes. 

  • Teak:

Teak is called the ‘king of hardwoods’ because of its durable and tough features. It is naturally resistant to clammy weather, water and does not decay easily. Teak is a highly recommended choice for decks, outdoor furniture and window frames. Teak is usually a light brown colour but under sunlight, the colour becomes darker.

  • Douglas Fir:

It is a high-grade wood and is highly preferred by residential builders due to its strength. Douglas fir is light yellow to reddish-brown in colour and has the ability to adapt to all sort of weather conditions. It is decay resistant and a popular choice for buildings in regions with high wind and earthquakes. This wood is popularly used in flooring and furniture because of its perseverance and strength.

  • Hickory:

This wood is a well-known wood and it is used in a wide range of building and home improvement projects. This is an outright favourite wood type of builders who are looking for wood materials that have remarkable strength and durability.

Before you start building your beautiful wooden home, consult with a construction company to choose which type of wood will be suitable for your home depending on the location and weather conditions. We have told you about the leading wood types available in the market now for building homes. Choose one that meets your requirements and start building your dream wooden house.