Timber is a major building material that is renewable and uses the Sun’s energy to renew itself in a continuous cycle. While timber manufacture uses less energy and results in less air and water pollution than steel or concrete, consideration needs to be given to deforestation and the potential negative environmental impact the use of timber can have on communities and wildlife.

• Characteristics of natural timber: hardwood and softwood

• Characteristics of man-made timbers

• Treating and finishing timbers

• Recovery and disposal of timbers

• Characteristics include tensile strength, resistance to damp environments, longevity, aesthetic properties

• Design contexts in which different timbers would be used

Timber is a major building material that is renewable and uses the Sun’s energy to renew itself in a continuous cycle. While timber manufacture uses less energy and results in less air and water pollution than steel or concrete, consideration needs to be given to deforestation and the potential negative environmental impact the use of timber can have on communities and wildlife.