Fast Facts

We all know that Timber Frame is the only way to build, but do you really understand wood as a material?...

Wood from well managed forests is environmentally friendly and uniquely renewable
It reduces the effect of global warming as trees and wood products act as carbon sinks
It reduces energy use for heating because of its thermal efficiency
It is recyclable
At the end of its use, it can be used as a bio-fuel
Most wood used in the UK comes from Europe, where well-managed forests are typical and where forest mass is increasing annually by an area the size of Cyprus (source: State of Europe's Forests. MCPFE report on sustainable forest management in Europe, UNECE/FAO 2003)
For additional reassurance, look for timber carrying credible third party certification, like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
Wood has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Strength for strength, pine and spruce are 16 times lighter than steel and 5 times lighter than concrete
Wood has good fire performance. When timber burns it builds up a protective char layer which insulates the remaining section. This and its low co-efficient of expansion mean its mechanical properties are less affected by fire than other materials like steel, which can buckle and collapse at temperatures little higher than the ignition point for timber
Rot is caused by wood remaining wet and poor maintenance. It can easily be prevented by allowing wood to dry properly and treating with recommended stains, paints and preservatives.
The UK is 1% of the world's population and yet we produce 2.3% of the world's CO2.
In the UK the biggest source of CO2 is from burning fossil fuels - like coal, gas and oil - in power stations
The UK has - in the form of wind power - the largest renewable energy resource in Europe.