Timberrrrrr!!!!!!
If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? The old philosophical thought experiment is not supposed to have an answer. It’s meant to evoke thoughts about unperceived existence and metaphysical reality. Very heady stuff. Those who have been to the forest and have spent any amount of time around trees, however, know the answer to this question. The answer is yes. Trees do indeed make a sound when they fall – a loud, cracking thunder that announces their presence with authority – regardless of whether or not an egghead philosopher happens to be nearby to witness the spectacle.
Trees are impressive – natural wonders that inspire awe and that have been the lifeblood of human kind since we started forming communities. Even the stodgiest metaphysical philosopher would agree. When lumberjacks yell “timberrr!!” at the top of their lungs when a tree is about to fall, they do so because of the massive power and presence of the tree. It is truly a sight to behold. However, you don’t have to live in the forest to experience the awe and beauty of large timbers. Architectural timbers are quickly becoming a popular building material for homeowners who want to bring the impressive nature of large lumber to the comforts of home.
Architectural Timbers: The Long and Short
Timber, in essence, is the same as traditional lumber – only much bigger. More of the original slice of wood is preserved in oversized pieces and beams. While it doesn’t have the flexibility of use that traditional construction lumber enjoys, it is preferable for certain types of projects due to its impressive, bold appearance. Wood that is considered a “timber” comes from the same source trees as smaller lumber. It is available in Redwood, Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, Douglas Fir and just about any other standard construction wood. Each type of wood has its own benefits and features.
Douglas Fir is one of the strongest timbers available and its workability, strength, and beauty make it the most popular choice for construction projects.
Redwood is durable, gorgeous and a California classic – not to mention one of the state’s most renewable resources. Redwood timbers bring an undeniable richness to any project and any home.
Western Red Cedar is one of the world’s most beautiful woods. Add that to the fact that it’s decay and bug resistant, light, durable and easy to work with, and you have an unmatched timber for any project.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar is known for the beauty of its uniform yellow color, the strength of its fine even-texture and straight grain, and durability in outdoor applications making it a great choice for large timber projects.
Get Inspired
Architectural timbers are big woods for big projects. They create truly grand structures that convey a powerful, natural presence – projects that are bold and memorable. Here are a few projects that use architectural timbers:
Patio Covers
Sure, you can build a gorgeous and functional patio cover with standard cuts of wood, but when the sky is literally the limit, why not reach for the stars? Utilizing long, uncut woods gives you the ability to build taller, bigger, and more visually stunning patio covers that will make you feel like your patio is actually in a Redwood forest.
Retaining Walls
Building a retaining wall using timbers not only creates a more natural look but makes for a stronger wall as well. They will last longer, too, as the lack of breaks in the construction keep the structure stable.
Exposed Ceilings
The drop ceilings of the 1980s seem like a terrible design choice today. To get modern inspiration, we now travel far into the past. Open beam ceilings were standard in the early days of America, mostly due to functionality. Today, the open beam ceiling is just as functional – and much more visually desirable. With architectural timbers, you can give your home a rustic look that will last a lifetime.
Mantles
Your mantle is often the centerpiece of the main room of your home. Whether it’s over a fireplace, or used as an entertainment center, your mantle is something that both you and your guests will spend a lot of time looking at. It’s a great place to make an impression. Building a mantle out of a single piece of timber, as opposed to piecing together multiple boards, is a far superior option. With a single piece of wood, each eye and imperfection stand out to create a unique piece.
Dream it, Build it
With architectural lumber, if you dream it, you can build it (or have someone build it for you). Inspiration can come from literally anywhere – including the fictional world of fantasy. Craftsman and builder Mark Moran, one of J&W Lumber’s best customers, conceived and built a full-sized, livable “Hobbit House” inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings trilogy for one of his clients. It’s a stunning example of what you can create with a little ingenuity – and a lot of gorgeous wood.
If you want to learn more about architectural timbers, or brainstorm some projects with the J&W team, contact us or stop into one of our showrooms!