Timber Wood

From light to solid: picking the right timber wood

Choosing the right timber sounds simple until you realise how many factors — species, grade, moisture content, treatment and finish — influence performance. A durable coastal cladding needs very different characteristics to interior panelling. Below we break down the key considerations so you can approach suppliers with confidence.

1. Understand the timber spectrum

• Light wood timber such as balsa (density around 160 kg/m³) is prized for model making, acoustic panels and non-structural feature walls where weight matters.
• Medium-density softwoods like radiata pine (≈ 500 kg/m³) dominate New Zealand framing and joinery thanks to local availability and easy machining.
• Hardwoods — for example cherry wood timber (≈ 580 kg/m³) or kwila (≈ 880 kg/m³) — deliver higher strength, rich colour and long-term wear for flooring, stair treads and benchtops.

If you need a quick reference, the New Zealand Building Code cites minimum density and treatment requirements for structural applications.

2. Match uses of timber wood to performance

Typical project goals and the timber attributes that support them:

• Structural strength: look for SG8 or SG10 graded timber wood for load-bearing walls, beams and lintels.
• Fire resistance: dense species slow charring, but remember untreated material = wood that still needs surface protection in certain fire zones.
• Visual warmth: cherry and American oak add character in hospitality fit-outs where patrons notice texture and colour.
• Sustainability: FSC-certified pine or bamboo-laminated boards satisfy many Green Star targets.

3. Interior versus exterior considerations

Timber flooring, cabinetry and wall linings live in controlled environments; moisture content should be 10–14 %. Exterior cladding and decks, on the other hand, must withstand UV, rain and wind-driven salt. Specify H3.2 treatment or naturally durable species for outside use. Never burn treated timber in a wood burner — the chemicals are hazardous and it is prohibited by most councils.

4. Key questions to ask suppliers

1. What is the density of timber wood in kg/m³ for this species and grade?
2. Is the product kiln-dried, air-dried, or supplied green timber?
3. How is it packaged and stored to prevent movement on site?
4. Can you provide matching mouldings or profiles for a seamless finish?

Comparing products on ArchiPro

ArchiPro lists everything from rough-sawn framing to pre-finished architectural panels. Use the filters to narrow by material = wood, species, thickness and finish, then hit “Compare” to view dimensions and price indications side by side. If a particular timber wood for sale meets your brief, send a single enquiry and our platform routes it to the relevant supplier — no phone tag required.

Related surface solutions

Still exploring options beyond authentic timber grain? Visit our wallpapers for bold patterns, wall fabrics for acoustic softness, or decorative plaster for seamless texture. You can always return to wall & ceiling finishes to see the full palette.

Pricing and availability

Current market prices vary from NZ$4 per linear metre for standard pine weatherboards to over NZ$250 /m² for engineered wide-plank oak flooring. Factors influencing cost include:

• Imported versus locally grown material
• Board width, length and thickness tolerances
• Grading — clear versus feature knot
• Pre-finishing such as UV-cured oil or fire-retardant coatings

Lead times range from 48 hours for in-stock profiles to 12 weeks for custom machining. Plan early, particularly for large commercial volumes.

Installation tips

A successful outcome starts with acclimatisation. Stack timber wood on site for at least seven days, keep spacers between boards, and maintain ambient humidity around 50 %. Use stainless-steel fasteners within 10 km of the coast to avoid staining. Finally, seal all cut ends before installation to minimise moisture ingress.

Next steps

Ready to specify? Explore the curated selection of solid timber wood, engineered boards and specialty profiles on ArchiPro. Compare, shortlist and connect — every project begins with the right material.