Short Answer:

Timber is wood that is used for construction purposes. There are different types of timber used in construction, mainly classified into hardwood and softwood. Hardwood comes from slow-growing trees and is strong and durable. Softwood comes from fast-growing trees and is lighter and easier to work with.

Common types of timber used in construction include teak, sal, deodar, pine, and oak. Each type has its own properties and is chosen based on strength, resistance to termites, appearance, and purpose like framing, flooring, roofing, or furniture work in buildings.

Detailed Explanation:

Types of timber used in construction

Timber has been used in construction for centuries due to its natural strength, workability, and appearance. It is a renewable material and can be used in various parts of a building such as doors, windows, beams, floors, roofs, and furniture. Based on the tree source and properties, timber is broadly divided into hardwood and softwood, each having different uses.

Hardwood Timber:

Hardwoods come from broad-leaved, slow-growing trees and are generally dense, strong, and long-lasting. These are suitable for heavy structural work and fine finishing. Some commonly used hardwoods include:

Teak: One of the best-quality timbers. It is strong, durable, and resistant to termites and water. It is used in doors, windows, furniture, and marine construction.
Sal: Very strong and durable. It is mainly used for railway sleepers, beams, and heavy structural works.
Mahogany: Known for its smooth finish and reddish-brown color. Often used in decorative furniture and interiors.
Oak: Durable and moisture-resistant. Used in flooring and framing.
Sheesham (Indian Rosewood): Hard and termite-resistant. Used in furniture and carpentry.

Hardwoods are more expensive than softwoods but are preferred for works where strength and life are important.

Softwood Timber:

Softwoods come from coniferous (needle-leaved) trees, which grow faster than hardwoods. They are lighter, easier to cut, and are generally used for non-load-bearing applications. Examples include:

Pine: Easily available, soft, and cheap. Used in light furniture, paneling, and frames.
Deodar: Popular in India for construction and roofing due to its good strength and resistance to decay.
Cedar: Naturally resistant to moisture and insects. Used in outdoor furniture, wall cladding, and roofing.
Fir and Spruce: Commonly used in formwork, temporary structures, and interior works.

Softwoods are more economical and are widely used in residential buildings and general carpentry.

Engineered Timber (Processed Wood):

Apart from natural timber, construction also uses processed timber products like:

Plywood: Made by gluing layers of wood together. Used in doors, cabinets, and formwork.
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): Made from wood fibers and resins. Used in partitions and furniture.
Laminated Timber: Layers of timber bonded together for strength. Used in beams and trusses.

These materials provide uniform strength and reduce waste of natural wood.

Uses of different timbers in construction:

Teak and Sal → structural work, doors, windows
Pine and Deodar → roofing, paneling, furniture
Plywood and MDF → cabinets, partitions, decorative works
Oak and Mahogany → flooring, interiors

The choice of timber depends on cost, strength required, resistance to termites or water, and appearance. Proper treatment of timber with anti-termite and waterproof coatings increases its life in construction.

Conclusion:

Different types of timber such as teak, sal, deodar, pine, and oak are used in construction based on their strength, durability, and appearance. Hardwoods are strong and durable, while softwoods are lighter and easier to work with. Engineered timber products are also widely used. Choosing the right timber ensures strong, long-lasting, and attractive construction.