Green Building Forum - Re-using Timber for Extension Build Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:36:38 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Re-using Timber for Extension Build https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=303958#Comment_303958 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=303958#Comment_303958 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 16:47:19 +0100 sgt_woulds
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]]> Re-using Timber for Extension Build https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=303960#Comment_303960 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=303960#Comment_303960 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 17:54:46 +0100 Peter_in_Hungary
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.]]> Re-using Timber for Extension Build https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=303961#Comment_303961 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=303961#Comment_303961 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 18:40:38 +0100 fostertom Re-using Timber for Extension Build https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=303975#Comment_303975 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=303975#Comment_303975 Sat, 21 Oct 2023 14:01:40 +0100 tony Re-using Timber for Extension Build https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=303980#Comment_303980 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=303980#Comment_303980 Sat, 21 Oct 2023 16:45:08 +0100 revor Re-using Timber for Extension Build https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=304005#Comment_304005 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=304005#Comment_304005 Mon, 23 Oct 2023 10:41:00 +0100 sgt_woulds
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.]]> Re-using Timber for Extension Build https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=304016#Comment_304016 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=304016#Comment_304016 Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:47:43 +0100 owlman 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.]]> Re-using Timber for Extension Build https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=304017#Comment_304017 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=304017#Comment_304017 Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:57:03 +0100 fostertom Re-using Timber for Extension Build https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=304032#Comment_304032 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=304032#Comment_304032 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 18:42:12 +0100 revor 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.]]> Re-using Timber for Extension Build https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=304033#Comment_304033 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18003&Focus=304033#Comment_304033 Tue, 24 Oct 2023 18:53:09 +0100 fostertom