| Timber is used extensively in the Australian domestic building industry, both as a structural material for framing, and internally for floors and panelling. Timber adds individual style, warmth and character to people’s homes. Examples of What Timber is Used for • Roof frames – battens, rafters, underpurlins, struts or trusses • Wall frames – studs, noggings, top and bottom plates or prefabricated frames • Floor frames – bearers, joists • Pole houses • Joinery - door and window frames • Decking for verandah, alfresco areas, or around pools • Flooring • Lining boards or panelling • Bracing panels • Furniture and cabinetry • Stairs Some members in domestic construction have only structural performance requirements – for example, roof, wall and floor framing elements. In most cases, the structural timber in housing is hidden, so has no appearance requirement, and can appear quite rough. Other members, such as flooring, stairs etc have both structural and appearance requirements. Where a high level of finish and structural performance is required, designers can select materials with a clear appearance in a high strength species. Possibilities • Interior timber finishes give a spectacular finish and a unique character and charm. • Exposed timber beams express the structure, yet with warmth • Timber structural members add flexibility to building form • Timber is recyclable |