Timber vs Lumber: Wood Products and Their Uses

What Is Timber?

1. Timber is referred to as wood after any tree has cut down.
2. Mainly timber is a raw material, but we use it after several processing. Processed timber is good to use.
3. Timber is eligible to yielding in the minimum size of the dimension.
4. Timber is naturally produced from growing wood.

Properties of Timber

Timber has various kinds of properties, those are-

1. Colour
2. Appearance
3. Specific Gravity
4. Moisture Content
5. Grain
6. Shrinkage
7. Density
8. Toughness
9. Durability
10. Soundness
11. Quality

1. Colour.

There are many variations of colour in different types of wood. The light colour indicates that timber is weak. Freshly cut wood like teak, deodar, walnut is the golden yellow, dark brown and whitish colour shade.

2. Hardness.

Hardness is one of the most important properties of timber; good timber indicates much more hardness.

3. Appearance.

Good timber has a specific appearance, and it has a unique aroma.

4. Specific Gravity.

The specific gravity of timber depends upon the pores of that wood. Generally, the specific gravity of timber varies from 0.3 to 0.9.

5. Moisture Content.

Naturally timber is hygroscopic, but if a timber more moisture content, there is a higher chance of fungal attacks and it destroys that timber.

6. Grain.

Grain arrangement of timber is many types. It may be straight or course or interlocked.

7. Shrinkage.

After cutting operation when the timber is starting to lose moisture, then shrinkage will happen. Shrinkage mainly happens after cutting procedure. Good timber does not show shrinkage property.

8. Strength.

A good timber is recognised by its strength. If the timber has more strength, then it can carry more loads. The strength of a good timber is 500 kg/sq cm to 700 kg/sq cm.

9. Density.

The first-grade timber has more density. If a timber conserves moisture content, then the density of that wood is less.

10. Toughness.

A good timber can bear jerks and shocks.

11. Durability.

A good timber is a very durable material. It lasts many days without any fungal attacks.

12. Soundness.

Good quality timber creates a good sound.

13. Quality.

Good timber is resisted abrasion property.

What Is Lumber Wood?

Lumber is a type of wood, which are processed into beams and columns and used only for structural purpose.

Lumbers are mainly two types-

1. Softwood
2. Hardwood

1. Softwood

Cedar, pine, source, for wood are in the softwood category. Softwood absorbs moisture easily. It’s only used in home construction. Softwood is cheaper than hardwood.

2. Hardwood

Oak, mahogany, maple are the types of hardwood. Hardwood doesn’t dent easily. It’s used in cabinet, flooring and other wood working. Hardwood requires much investment than softwood.

Properties of Lumber

1. In lumber wood texture is clearly visible, it’s the key part of the lumber.
2. Lumber wood is mainly used for structural projects.
3. That lumber woods which are used as beams must have required density.
4. For aesthetic appearance grains in lumber, wood is required.

What Is Timber Used for?

There are various uses of timber

1. Fuel
2. Construction Purpose
3. Fibre Boards
4. Pulp & Paper
5. Synthetic Textiles
6. Other Uses

1. Fuel.

The primary usage of timber is for fuel; there are 40% of timber around the world is used for fuel purpose. Timber is a good alternate of coal.

2. Construction Purpose.

There are other uses of timber is in construction. Instead of using reinforced concrete, we can use timber.

3. Fibre Boards.

Fibreboard and particleboard are the another uses of timber. It’s made from sawdust, pulp and other materials. It’s used in furniture and internal construction.

4. Pulp & Paper

In the pulp and paper industry, timber has a high demand. The timber contains cellulose and lignin, which are the main components of the paper industry. Hardwood is mainly used for this type of industries.

5. Synthetic Textiles.

wood cellulose is known as rayon which is synthetic textiles. This rayon is used to produce artificial silk.

6. Other Uses.

In the chemical industry, there is wide use of timber. Timber is also used as a terrace, deck, balconies, etc. Timber is also used for sports good, musical instrument and building blocks for ships, buses, train, etc.

It’s also used as a decorative purpose in-home and offices. Timber is widely used for making doors, windows, fencing, gates, electric pole, etc.

What Is Lumber Used for?

There are various uses of Lumber

1. Firewood.
2. Building Beams.
3. Building Scaffolding.
4. Plywood and Veneer.
5. Celling Plank.
6. Treehouses.
7. Animal Shed.
8. Canopies and Gazebos.
9. Food Industry.
10. Rail Sleepers.
11. Docks.
12. Tool Handle.

1. Firewood.

Firewood is produced from lumber, and it’s the primary use of fuel.

2. Building Beams.

There are some building components like beams, columns, trusses are made from lumber. Good quality lumber is durable and long-lasting capacity.

3. Building Scaffolding.

Nowadays building scaffolding is done by steel, but in the previous time it’s done with wood.

4. Plywood and Veneer.

Lumbers is pieced in thin slices and filed them together, which is used as door, cabinet, wall decoration, plywood, etc.

5. Celling Plank.

Celling plank, which is used to decorate the ceiling, is made from lumber.

6. Treehouses.

Treehouse is an attractive think of all kind of age people. It’s made of lumber.

7. Animal Shed.

There are different animal shed like dog houses, chicken coops, rabbit churches are made of lumber.

8. Canopies and Gazebos.

These are made of concrete, but if you made it by lumber, it’s looking attractive and decorative.

9. Food Industry.

Lumber has a vast use in the food industry.

10. Rail Sleepers.

In the previous time, most of the rail tracks are made of lumber.

11. Docks.

Boat docks should be stronger to resist water. Redwood, white cedar, red cedar is used to construct the port.

12. Tool Handle.

In this industry, lumber is widely used. There is massive use of lumber in the pencil industry, the musical instrument industry, sports good making industry, wooden toy, wooden sculpture, etc.

Standard Wood Size

1. In India, wood is referred to as nominal size, but in the wood cutting industry or lumber mill the piece of wood is trimmed, and for that reason, the size of wood is reduced, termed as actual size.
2. The actual size of wood is always lesser than the nominal size.
3. Here is the chart of nominal size and actual size of Indian standard wood-

Difference Between Timber and Lumber

Lumber Vs Wood

Lumber 

1. Lumber is the processed wood product.
2. Lumber is commonly used in home construction.
3. Lumbers may be rough finished or smooth finished.
4. From lumber, we get particleboard, plywood, veneer, etc.
5. Structural beams and joists are made of lumber.
6. In lumber wood texture is clearly visible, it’s the key part of the lumber.
7. Aesthetic appearance and for decoration grains in lumber wood is required.

Wood

1. Timber is termed as wood when it’s just harvested, so it’s a totally undisturbed sample.
2. Timber retains its bark, but lumber doesn’t.
3. Woods are available in the market in various size and their growth pattern.
4. Woods are used in boat making industry.
5. These are chemically treated so they can easily prevent environmental vulnerability.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for the article comparing Timber and Lumber:

What is the difference between timber and lumber?

Timber refers to wood in its natural state, typically after being cut from trees but before significant processing. Lumber, on the other hand, refers to processed wood products used for construction, furniture making, and other purposes.

How are timber and lumber used differently?

Timber is often used in its raw form for fuel, construction purposes, and as a raw material for various wood products like fiberboards and pulp. Lumber is processed further into beams, boards, and other structural components used in building construction, furniture, and decorative items.

What are the properties of timber and lumber?

Timber properties include color, hardness, moisture content, grain patterns, shrinkage, and durability. Lumber properties emphasize visible texture, structural strength, density requirements, and aesthetic appeal.

Which industries use timber and lumber?

Timber finds application in fuel production, construction, fiberboard manufacturing, pulp and paper industries, synthetic textiles, and various other sectors requiring wood-based raw materials. Lumber is predominantly used in structural projects, furniture making, plywood production, and decorative applications.

How does timber differ from lumber in terms of size and processing?

Timber is typically larger in size and less processed compared to lumber, which undergoes cutting, planing, and other treatments to achieve standardized dimensions and smooth finishes.

What are the geographical differences in the usage of timber and lumber?

The term ‘timber’ is more commonly used in regions like the UK and Australia, while ‘lumber’ is predominantly used in the US and Canada to describe processed wood products.

What are some specific examples of timber and lumber products?

Timber products include logs for fuel, construction beams, and raw materials for pulp and paper. Lumber products encompass structural beams, plywood, veneer, and finished wood products like furniture and cabinetry.

How does the terminology of timber and lumber reflect historical and regional influences?

The term ‘timber’ has historical roots dating back centuries and is used more broadly in some regions to denote wood in its natural state. ‘Lumber’ originated later and is associated with processed wood products, particularly in North American usage.

What are the environmental considerations related to timber and lumber use?

Both timber and lumber can impact the environment through deforestation and processing emissions. Sustainable forestry practices and certifications help mitigate these impacts by promoting responsible wood sourcing and processing.

How do timber and lumber contribute to economic sectors worldwide?

Timber and lumber play vital roles in global economies by supporting industries such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture (e.g., animal shelters), and consumer goods production (e.g., paper and textiles).