Why We Like Charred Timber
We love designing buildings and have developed clear design ideas and material choices that shine through in our work.
A building material we often enjoy designing into our schemes is charred timber, which you can see in the image below:
Charred timber has a unique, darkened appearance that adds a striking visual element to a building. It offers a natural and rustic aesthetic that we enjoy. But, apart from the visual appeal, some other benefits of charred timber make it a strong choice of material, including:
1. Improved durability: Charring the wood surface creates a protective layer that enhances its resistance to rot, insects, and decay. The charred layer acts as a natural barrier against these elements, increasing the lifespan of the timber.
2. Fire resistance: Charred timber has increased fire resistance due to carbonisation. The char layer acts as a barrier, preventing flames from spreading and reducing the risk of fire damage.
3. Enhanced stability: Charring wood can reduce water absorption and improve dimensional stability. This factor makes charred timber less prone to warping, shrinking, and swelling, which benefits long-term structural integrity.
4. Low maintenance: Charred timber requires minimal maintenance compared to untreated wood. The charring process increases the wood's resistance to weathering, reducing the need for frequent painting, sealing, or staining.
But, and there's always a but, there are some drawbacks too:
1. Initial cost: Charred timber may be more expensive than untreated wood. The additional processing and treatment of wood charring can contribute to these higher material costs.
2. Limited availability: Finding charred timber may be more challenging than conventional wood products. The specialised treatment and the demand for this type of wood can limit its availability.
3. Surface smudging: The charred surface of the timber may rub off slightly, especially during the initial installation or when touched. This can result in smudging on adjacent surfaces or clothing. However, proper sealing or finishing can help minimise this issue.
4. Maintenance challenges: While charred timber requires less maintenance overall, touching up or refinishing the charred surface can be challenging. When repairs or refinishing are needed, achieving a consistent charred appearance may require expertise and matching techniques.
So, there you have it. Could charred timber be the right choice for your scheme? Get in touch if you'd like to learn more about charred timber or discuss a project you are working on.