The UK construction industry is constantly going through transformations, whether those be new technologies being invented and implemented or certain materials becoming more frequently used in projects. At BS Fixings, we have picked up on the growing resurgence of timber. This once-traditional material is being re-embraced for its sustainability and low environmental impact, showing that this new boost in popularity is not merely down to a trend but instead is a means for builders to take steps towards an eco-friendly future.
What is Timber?
Timber is wood that has been processed for use in building and construction, typically coming from pine and spruce trees, which are known for their straight trunks and fast-growing speeds. After harvesting, the wood is dried and then enhanced with methods such as heat treatment, chemical insertion, and waxing, helping increase its durability and viability for modern construction.
What Was Favoured Before?
Historically, UK construction has heavily relied, and still does to some extent, on brick, stone, concrete, and steel. These materials are known for their strength and fire resistance. Brick is especially popular due to its weather-resistant properties and ease of manufacture, as are steel and concrete for their abilities to support more complex structures, like bridges and skyscrapers.
Over time, however, it has become clear that, whilst strong, these materials come with major environmental drawbacks. The production of concrete is one of the largest contributors to emissions worldwide, being responsible for 4-8% of the world’s CO2 levels. Brick, although extremely durable, is resource-intensive to manufacture as well.
The growing emphasis on sustainability in recent years has inevitably led to a greater demand for greener building materials, such as Timber.
Why is Timber Gaining Popularity in the UK?
Sustainability
The use of timber in the UK can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, this material is highly sustainable, being one of the few building materials that is renewable. Forests can be replanted, and sustainable logging practices ensure that trees are harvested responsibly. Additionally, timber stores carbon throughout its life, meaning that using it in construction can also help reduce the CO2 levels in the surrounding atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency
As well as being sustainable, timber is also an excellent insulator, naturally regulating the temperature within buildings, which reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling systems. Not only does this decrease energy consumption, but it can also lower the costs associated with heating and cooling, making it an attractive option for energy-conscious builders.
Cost-Effectiveness
The long-term savings provided by timber can be quite substantial. Because this material is lightweight, easy to work with, and requires less specialised equipment, labour expenses may be reduced. As well as this, timber’s energy efficiency can also translate into lower utility bills.
New Innovations
New innovations have further boosted the popularity of this building material. Techniques such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) allow for the creation of large, strong panels that can rival steel and concrete in terms of load-bearing capacity. These kinds of innovations have granted new possibilities for timber construction, giving builders more opportunities to work with this material on larger scales.
Whilst being a material that has been used for centuries, timber is still shaping the future of UK construction. Its sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency make it a clear choice for modern builders. As the UK construction industry continues to shift towards greener practices, it can also be expected that timber will take on an even greater role for years to come.
Build Greener with BS Fixings
At BS Fixings, we stock a range of fixings and decorating materials for timber-based construction projects. From woodwork paintbrushes to chisels and wood screws, you have a large selection of items that can aid you in your mission to build and beautify your next timber construction project.
Our timber tools and fixings are only a fraction of what we offer, however. We want to provide you with a versatile product range, which is why we also have a vast array of fasteners, building materials, and decorating tools that can help you tackle projects involving other materials like brickwork and masonry. Discover our full range today, or email info@bsfixings.co.uk if you have any questions.
