11 Benefits of Timber Joists In Construction
As the population influx rises in the UK, the construction industry has a heavy workload ahead.
But as the cities expand, there’s a strong need for sustainable, efficient, and, at the same time, aesthetically pleasing structures.
The industry is coming up with innovative solutions—but the usage of timber joists in construction has probably gone beyond being “just a trend.”
Timber joists are horizontal beams made of wood that bridge open spaces to offer support for floors and sheathing. Not only do they add attractiveness to your construction, but they also provide solid structural strength and design variations.
The use of timber for construction in the UK goes back to the Mesolithic era, with timber joists being more sought after now than ever.
The government has allocated £7.6 million to support the development of innovative technologies and practices that promote the growth of domestic timber production—through the Woodlands into Management Forestry Innovation Funds.
In this read, we will explore 13 key benefits of using timber joists in construction and why they are so popular in the UK.
Strength
Beams made of timber joists might not look very strong, but you’ll be surprised by their durability.
The unique “I” shape allows timber joists to hold heavy loads without bending or buckling.
So, you can construct spacious rooms, sturdy floors, and roofs that can weather any storm without worrying about structural strength.
Modern treatments further boost this innate resilience, ensuring your joists withstand the test of time.
This also minimizes the need for replacements and costly repairs.
Whether it’s a cosy cottage you’re building or it’s your dream mansion, timber joists can offer a rock-solid foundation to your structure.
Design Freedom
Are you looking to build an airy, open-plan living space?
Or something along the lines of a cathedral-like ceiling with exposed beams?
For most designs you can imagine, timber joists can help you actualise them, offering unmatchable design freedom.
See, traditional materials limit your creativity, and there’s only so much you can do.
But timber joists bend over backwards (quite literally) according to your design needs.
So you can span your structures through long distances without extra support and create unique angles without worrying.
Airtightness
With the weather being nastier than usual, you don’t want chilly drafts of winds to whistle into your living or working space.
Timber joists offer unmatchable airtightness, creating a cosier, healthier, and more comfy environment for you and your loved ones.
Not only does it protect you from cold, but it also prevents other external substances from penetrating inside and triggering allergies.
Now, the timber itself doesn’t offer any airtightness as per the material itself.
Using specific timber boards or membranes acting as a vapour control layer and how these timber joists are installed determines the overall airtightness of the space.
Compliant
It’s almost impossible to alter the structural development of a city or even a specific part of a town in the long run once people are settled and living.
Thus, with the expanding construction scene, several legislations have been introduced to ensure that construction procedures meet global standards.
Using timber joists can save you from some hassle around construction compliance as they come with the necessary certifications—ensuring your project ticks all the right boxes.
Thus, you don’t need to be worried much about your structure meeting the government’s rules and regulations.
Predictable Costing & Timeline
Many say construction is a tricky affair where everything around money is highly unpredictable—and not all surprises are pleasant.
Once you start a project with estimated costs inside your head, you eventually come across expenses you didn’t plan for.
So is the issue with the predicted timelines. You think your project will be completed in the next two months, only to discover that it’s only gone halfway.
Well, timber joists remove that kind of burden from your end as much as possible.
The estimated timber joists cost is pretty accurate because these don’t fluctuate much.
Not only that but using timber joists has been proven to ensure that your build stays on time so you can complete your project sooner than expected—without surprises.
Lighter, Faster & Cheaper
Using traditional materials can drag your entire construction process.
Having stone or breaks makes it a heavy, time-consuming, and expensive endeavour.
But you don’t have to worry because timber joists are a lighter, faster and more affordable alternative.
Compared to concrete or steel, timber has a significantly lighter weight. This makes timber joists easier to transport, handle, and install.
This further reduces labour costs, as fewer workers are needed for handling and construction.
Moreover, the lighter weight puts less strain on foundations, potentially saving some bucks on materials and keeping the design simple.
Also, the modular nature of timber joists allows for faster construction times.
Prefabricated components can be quickly assembled on-site, reducing delays and disruption chances.
Sustainable
You don’t want to build your dream home at the expense of the environment.
That’s why using sustainable solutions in your construction methods is wise, and timber joists are perfect.
The timber is a natural carbon sink—absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and keeping it in its fibres.
This contributes to fighting climate change and reducing your project’s overall carbon footprint.
Also, timber is brought in via responsible sourcing, derived from forests managed with strict environmental practices. This ensures that there’s responsible harvesting and regeneration.
Thus, you contribute to reducing deforestation and promoting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
Premium Quality
Timber joists take the pressure off homeowners when it comes to budgeting.
These are cost-effective—ensuring that your project takes off and lands smoothly.
But beyond that, it doesn’t compromise on the quality itself.
Made from premium quality wood, timber joists are versatile for any use—whether constructing floors, walls, or door frames.
Unlike traditional materials that might change size or shrink, timber joists are made from premium quality wood.
They stay consistent, making the installation process easy and lowering the chances of problems like splits or twists in the boards.
Fire Resistance
Treated timber experiences thermal breakdown when exposed to heat during a fire. This results in a charred layer on the wood's burning surface.
This charred layer plays a crucial role in boosting timber's fire resistance compared to other materials.
Essentially, it acts as insulation, effectively delaying the heating of the core wood beneath it.
Thus, you get the fire resistance your structures need so you can relax and focus on sleek home designs without compromising safety.
SoundProof
Most of us start and end each day in our homes, and creating a peaceful home environment is important.
After all, home is where we rest our minds and bodies, and it's important to make it pollution-free—especially when it comes to noise pollution.
Timber joists are a smart choice to make your house soundproof. Timber excels in sound insulation, creating a peaceful and quiet home environment.
Whether you prefer a quiet reading nook or a peaceful bedroom, timber joists can reduce unwanted noise that would otherwise be a pain if you go for traditional materials.
A peaceful home can help prevent burnout and exhaustion while reducing stress levels.
That’s why using timber joists is very popular now—especially in busy, bustling metropolises.
Low Maintenance
The right construction materials don’t have to be only functional and aesthetically pleasant. You must also factor in the long-term value and the ease of maintenance.
We already know that timber joists and decking are highly durable and offer a long life if maintained and adequately treated.
Traditional materials can fall prey to rust and crackling, but timber’s inner strength and natural oils make it decay-resistant—having less wear and tear.
But beyond that, timber joists have a lesser risk of interstitial condensation, which means lower maintenance.
Moreover, the inherent characteristics of timber make it repair-friendly compared to other options since you can easily cut, shape, and join timber, allowing for efficient mending.
Good Luck With Your Construction Project
We hope our comprehensive convincing helped persuade you to use timber joists in your next construction project.
And why not, though?
Your dream home doesn’t have to be confined to traditional materials and the limitations that come with them.
Using timber joints allows you to enjoy all the mentioned benefits and contribute positively to your environment.
It’s all about building homes that align with the vision of a better future for the coming generations.
