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General: Re-using Timber for Extension Build

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorsgt_woulds
    • CommentTimeOct 20th 2023
     
    Hi All - a long time since I've logged in here, but I've been lurking regularly.

    As part of my extension works the original 1960 roof was taken off, which has left me with a pile of fantastic quality, highly seasoned, and dead straight timbers.

    Once de-nailed they seem perfect for internal partition walls, but will this cause any issues with BC?

    I won't try to use them for any structural elements - even though they probably exceed C24 by a wide margin
  2.  
    I can't see what the BC could complain about. Reusing perfectly good material rather than land fill or November 5th seems what we should all be about.

    PS do you know if the timbers have been treated? If so you shouldn't use it in places where it will come in to contact with food.

    BTW there are thriving businesses selling reclaimed floorboards and they cost a fortune.
    •  
      CommentAuthorfostertom
    • CommentTimeOct 20th 2023
     
    There are websites that tell you how to visually stress-grade timber (based on flaws, knots etc), provided the species is known, and you could assume a fairly lo-to-mid-strength species of softwood. The Bldg Insp ought to have some idea of that already, and if you seem competent he should accept your demonstration - or he'll just say it looks better than anything available nowadays.
    • CommentAuthortony
    • CommentTimeOct 21st 2023
     
    Definitely reuse it.
    • CommentAuthorrevor
    • CommentTimeOct 21st 2023
     
    If your BCO is still visiting your build ask his opinion. I would definitely reuse it.
    • CommentAuthorsgt_woulds
    • CommentTimeOct 23rd 2023
     
    Thanks, everyone.

    I guess my concern is that the timber is untreated and since its appearance is quite obviously different from modern timber they might object - not seen it before = object seems to be a common BC trait.

    I'd rather not treat the timber -it has not had any issues in the last 60 years after all!

    I have a problem cutting it - it is so dense my circular saw struggles and I have to take it much more slowly than the loose grained modern stuff.

    I don't know what species it is, (it has a reddish tint) but I will look up websites as suggested and have a go at grading, just as a matter of personal interest.
    • CommentAuthorowlman
    • CommentTimeOct 23rd 2023
     
    Unless you've got something really exotic it's quite likely to be Douglas Fir. It's straight grained and can be quite hard.
    Sometimes the giveaway would be weeping gum pockets, you may find dried residues. BTW the good, (hard), stuff is often resistant to any preservative treatment.
    I've just finished working with the same for T&G boarded entrance gates.
    •  
      CommentAuthorfostertom
    • CommentTimeOct 23rd 2023
     
    Doug Fir doesn't need preservative - it's classed 'semi durable' - which means it's rot free as long as it can drain and dry after wetting i.e. not sitting on the ground. Great stuff!
    • CommentAuthorrevor
    • CommentTimeOct 24th 2023
     
    Posted By: fostertomDoug Fir doesn't need preservative - it's classed 'semi durable' - which means it's rot free as long as it can drain and dry after wetting i.e. not sitting on the ground. Great stuff!


    I agree best softwood for exterior work have made exterior doors and gates with it some 30 or more years ago and they are still in excellent condition. Also most expensive of softwoods and dearer than some hardwoods certainly a few years ago when last bought some.
    •  
      CommentAuthorfostertom
    • CommentTimeOct 24th 2023
     
    I use it sawn green from local mill - seems fine for structural beams, columns, trusses, exposed rafter ends etc - any shrinkage/movement makes no problem. Yes, seasoned and planed I guess would be expensive.

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