Beam: what it is, types, application

A beam is a material made of wood of rectangular or square cross-section with sides with a width of 100 mm or more. It is used in construction for the erection of building structures, in the manufacture of furniture. Consider the features of the beam, types and methods of application.

Features of the bar

The main characteristics of the bar:

• Raw material - wood of coniferous species. It is inexpensive, weighs a little.
• Types of beams differ, depending on the raw material and technology. From solid wood, round-shaped products are made. The beam glued from boards is the most common.
• Lumber of the highest quality without defects. Lumber of lower quality with knots and cracks.
• The strength of the lumber is influenced by the grade and thickness of the wood.
• Density determines the thermal conductivity, strength and how difficult it will be to process the material. The highest density is in larch timber, while the lowest density is in pine, spruce or fir.
• The humidity of the timber should not exceed 15%, otherwise the material shrinks and deforms when it loses moisture. Before using the timber, it is stored for several weeks indoors so that the humidity is reduced. If the lumber is fresh wood, mold can form in the lumber due to moisture. To avoid this, the material is stored in a well-ventilated room.

The timber is profiled with a complex cross-section. Thanks to this, two elements can be combined so that they will fit tightly together. At the same time, there is no need to fill in gaps. This material can shrink when drying, so it is not used immediately after purchase. It requires time for preliminary drying.

Glued timber is made under pressure, using well-dried plates of wood. This is a very strong material. It practically does not give shrinkage. Therefore, it is suitable for the construction of stairs and other structures with a high load.

Thermobrus - this is not a completely natural material. Wooden strips he has only on the outside and inside. And between them there is polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam. It is these fillers that give high thermal insulation. However, polymeric materials can emit harmful vapors.

Application of timber

This material is used depending on its type, grade and other characteristics. Natural moisture lumber is used to build rafters, beams, bases for roofing and other elements of the frame of the building. From profiled glued laminated timber create various elements in shipbuilding and for the construction of houses.

Application of lumber:

• Base and decor in the construction of houses, baths, farm buildings, gazebos and greenhouses.
• Manufacture of sea vessels: their boards, masts, decks.
• In the furniture industry, lumber is used as a basis for sofas and beds.
• Lumber is used to build the walls of houses.
• Lumber is used to make benches, benches, swings or decorative frames for inflatable pools.

Lumber is available with a smooth or convex face. Convex lumber creates the effect of a house made of logs from the inside or outside. Round timber can be used to create the effect of a house made of wooden logs from all sides. The surface can be painted or left in its natural shade and insulated with varnish.