Characteristics of A Good Timber
For good construction, the quality of the timber should be good. Following are the 14 quality or properties or characteristics of a good timber:
1. Hard and Shiny
A good timber will be enough hard and shiny.
2. Colour
The colour of timber is an indicator of its strength. If the colour of timber is dark, it indicates high strength and light colour is indicative of low strength.
3. Smell
There is a sweet smell in a good timber and a bad smell indicates decayed timber.
4. Defects
There will be no defects in good timber, they should be free from any types of defects such as flaws, knots, shakes etc.
5. Sound
A good timber emits a clear ringing sound when struck each other, but a dull heavy sound indicates decayed timber.
6. Water and Moisture absorption
A good timber should not absorb water and moisture from the atmosphere.
7. Toughness
It should be enough tough so that it can resist the shocks due to the vibrations.
8. Durability
Durability is the most important quality of timber. Good durability property of timber ensures its capability of resisting the action of fungi, chemical and mechanical agencies.
9. Fire Resistance
A good timber should be well resistant to fire, and it needs enough heat to cause a flame.
Read Also: Timber Lintels
10. Shape
Good timber should be able to hold its original shape during seasoning.
11. Weight
A good timber will always be heavyweight, and lightweight timber is never good. A heavy-weight timber indicates its good strength and sound quality.
12. Season
It should be suitable for all seasons.
13. Elasticity
A good timber means that it has good elastic properties by which it can return to its original shape when the load is removed from it.
14. Permeability
A good timber should be impermeable. If the water permeability is more, the wood will be damaged. So, timber should have low water permeability.
Read Also:
Characteristics of First Class Bricks