Timber Values for Home Builders & Contractors

For home builders and contractors, choosing the right timber is crucial for ensuring structural integrity and longevity in construction projects. Timber values, which include design values for different timber grades and species, provide essential information to make informed decisions. This guide will delve into timber values, focusing on design values for beams, stringers, posts, and timbers. By understanding these values, you can select the best timber for your projects, ensuring safety and quality.

Understanding Timber Values

Timber Design Values Overview

Timber design values are measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and cover various factors such as bending strength, tension, compression, shear, and elasticity. These values differ based on timber species, grade, and intended use (e.g., beams and stringers vs. posts and timbers).

Beams and Stringers Design Values

Beams and stringers are essential components in construction, providing critical support and stability. Here are the design values for various grades and species:

		Extreme fiber bending	Tension parallel to grain	Comp. parallel to grain	Horizontal shear	Comp. perp. to grain	Modules of Elasticity
Species	Grade	Fb	Ft	Fc	Fv	FcL	MOE
Douglas fir	Dense Select Structural	1900	1100	1300	170	730	1.7
	Select Structural	1600	950	1100	170	625	1.6
	Dense #1	1550	775	1100	170	730	1.7
	#1	1350	675	925	170	625	1.6
	#2	875	425	600	170	625	1.3
Hem fir*	Select Structural	1300	750	925	140	405	1.3
	#1	1050	525	750	140	405	1.3
	#2	675	350	500	140	405	1.1
Eastern White Pine	Select Structural	1050	725	675	125	350	1.1
	#1	875	600	575	125	350	1.1
	#2	575	275	400	125	350	0.9
Port Orford Cedar	Select Structural	1500	725	1100	155	470	1.4
	#1	1250	525	900	155	470	1.4
	#2	825	325	600	155	470	1.1
Western Cedars**	Select Structural	1150	675	875	140	425	1.0
	#1	975	475	725	140	425	1.0
	#2	625	325	475	140	425	0.8
Western Woods	Select Structural	1050	625	625	125	345	1.1
	#1	900	450	450	125	345	1.1
	#2	575	300	300	125	345	0.9
Redwood	Select Structural	1100	750	425	140	925	1.0
	#1	950	850	425	140	800	1.0
	#2	750	400	425	140	550	0.8
Cypress	Select Structural	1150	750	1050	200	615	1.3
	#1	1000	675	925	200	615	1.3
	#2	625	425	600	175	615	1.0

Posts and Timbers Design Values

Posts and timbers are crucial for vertical support in structures. Here are the design values for different grades and species:

		Extreme fiber bending	Tension parallel to grain	Comp. parallel to grain	Horizontal shear	Comp. perp. to grain	Modules of Elasticity
Species	Grade	Fb	Ft	Fc	Fv	FcL	MOE
Douglas fir	Dense Select Structural	1750	1150	1350	170	730	1.7
	Select Structural	1500	1000	1150	170	625	1.6
	Dense #1	1400	650	1200	170	730	1.7
	#1	1200	825	1000	170	625	1.6
	#2	750	475	700	170	625	1.3
Hem fir*	Select Structural	1200	800	975	140	405	1.3
	#1	975	650	850	140	405	1.3
	#2	575	375	575	140	405	1.1
Eastern White Pine	Select Structural	975	650	725	125	350	1.1
	#1	800	525	625	125	350	1.1
	#2	400	300	325	125	350	0.9
Port Orford Cedar	Select Structural	1400	775	1150	155	470	1.4
	#1	1150	625	1000	155	470	1.4
	#2	675	375	700	155	470	1.1
Western Cedars**	Select Structural	1100	725	925	140	425	1.0
	#1	875	600	800	140	425	1.0
	#2	550	350	550	140	425	0.8
Western Woods	Select Structural	1000	675	800	125	345	1.1
	#1	800	525	700	125	345	1.1
	#2	475	325	300	125	345	0.9

*includes White Fir
**includes Yellow Cedar, Western Red, and Incense Cedar

Understanding the Tables

Fb (Extreme Fiber Bending): Measures the wood’s ability to resist bending forces.
Ft (Tension Parallel to Grain): Measures the wood’s ability to resist tension along the grain.
Fc (Compression Parallel to Grain): Measures the wood’s ability to resist compression along the grain.
Fv (Horizontal Shear): Measures the wood’s ability to resist shear forces.
FcL (Compression Perpendicular to Grain): Measures the wood’s ability to resist compression perpendicular to the grain.
MOE (Modulus of Elasticity): Indicates the wood’s stiffness.

For Additional Resources, refer to National Lumber Grade Authority or the American Wood Council

Need Help with the Right Timber?

Selecting the right timber for your construction projects is vital for ensuring safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Understanding timber design values helps home builders and contractors make informed decisions, ensuring that the chosen timber meets the required performance criteria.

At Reliance Specialty Building Products, we offer a wide range of high-quality timber products tailored to meet your specific needs. Our expert team is ready to assist you in selecting the best timber for your projects. For more information, visit our Timber Trusses page and Contact page.

By choosing Reliance Specialty Building Products, you can be confident in the quality and performance of your timber, ensuring the success and longevity of your construction projects. Explore our offerings today and let us help you build better.

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22 May Timber Values for Home Builders & Contractors