5 Best Timbers for Sustainability and Environment
At WL West Timber we are very aware of the importance of selecting timber that supports your overall environmental goals. We are committed to helping sustainability initiatives wherever possible. Supporting a healthy planet not only has all the usual benefits, such as helping nature to thrive and the survival of the human race, but it’s key to our business. Without a healthy environment we have no timber, and without future timber stocks we have no business!
Generally, wood is a fantastic material to use. It is naturally renewable and stores carbon that would otherwise be in the atmosphere. There is very little waste associated with using wood, as all offcuts and sawdust can be used for another purpose.
Another great benefit of wood is that it can be recycled or repurposed, and wood occurs naturally meaning there is no energy intensive process to produce wood unlike other building materials.
However, there are some timbers which outperform others when it comes to sustainability, so we’ve rounded those up below.
Sycamore
Sycamore (also known as Sycamore Maple in the USA) is a hardwood species where the sapwood is most commonly used instead of heartwood. With similar characteristics to Ash, Sycamore is considered a good replacement alternative due to the dieback of Ash from fungal disease.
As Sycamore is a large and fast growing tree, it can be considered a good sustainable option. Common uses for Sycamore include joinery, furniture making, flooring and firewood.
Oak
Known as the King of English trees, Oak is a strong and durable hardwood that is naturally water-resistant. It is extremely dense and resistant to fungal attacks, meaning it is less likely to rot and decay. Oak is usually used for timber structures, flooring, cabinet making and furniture.
Oak is a good sustainable option due to its longevity. Products and structures made of Oak will not require regular repairs or replacements, meaning less impact on the environment when compared to materials that will not stand the test of time.
Larch
Larch, although technically a softwood, is considered one of the hardest softwoods available. Homegrown British larch is a sustainable timber and offers excellent value. The high resin ratio in larch makes it a durable timber, perfectly suited for outdoor applications in the UK, including; fencing, decking and cladding. Fresh sawn, this species is also an excellent choice for structural work, roofing and flooring.
Beech
Beechwood is a popular hardwood due to its low price, hardness and bending capabilities.It is in plentiful supply in the UK and makes for fantastic firewood.
Beech is perfectly suited for furniture or household items due to its strength and non-toxic properties. When kept indoors and sealed, products made of Beech can be expected to last decades, making it a fantastic sustainable option.
Douglas Fir
Homegrown Douglas Fir is a valuable softwood with good durability, density and strength. Douglas Fir has a fast rate of regeneration and can be air-dried, skipping the need for a kiln and the energy required to use one, making it a very sustainable option. This useful timber is often used to make beams, cladding, flooring, decking and furniture.
At WL West Timber we pride ourselves on using sustainably sourced timber from responsibly managed forests. With the focus of our business being a renewable resource, we are committed to looking after the environment, you can find out more in our Environmental, Sustainability and Corporate Social responsibility policy.
Get in touch today to discuss your next project and allow us to assist you in finding the right timber for your needs.
WL West Timber is a family-owned sawmill & timber merchant in West Sussex with over 155 years’ industry experience. We provide a wide range of air-dried oak and kiln-dried oak timber products and supplies. We also build and install custom projects for our customers.
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