Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Oct 04, 2008 3:23 pm What type of timber is best for windows and internal doors? Obviously hardwood but there seems to be many many types of hardwood around. I've been told that Meranti is no good and to say away from Maple which is the same as meranti. Has anyone heard of Durian?
Also, how does KD or Tassie Oak compare to Durian? Does anyone know? Re: Timber species??? help! 3Oct 04, 2008 10:34 pm The Maple that you've been told to stay away from is probably Pacific Maple, which is a generic name for timbers such as Meranti.
KD stands for kiln dried, which is a process not a timber, but possibly is being used to describe KDHWD (kiln dried hardwood). KD, tassie oak, mountain ash, oak, hardwood etc ; people use these terms to describe the same thing which is basically aussie hardwoods from the eucalypt family. As I_Build said, there's nothing wrong with Meranti. Apart from the fact that it's highly likely to be logged unsustainably by some corrupt S.E Asian outfit, but hey I'm no greenie ( an amateur woodworker in fact ) so that's an observation not an accusation. Durian I've never worked with, so can't comment. What's the "best" timber ? Depends upon your requirements. Like I_Build said, are you going to paint or stain it ? If it's paint grade then you shouldn't give a rat's about the type of timber, MDF would do fine and it's dimensionally stable. If it's stain grade, then you've got some other criteria; if you don't mind the doors being heavy then go an aussie hardwood, if you want them lighter then maybe go western red cedar. Is budget an issue ? If so maybe that puts you straight back to a cheap Meranti product. It's like asking what's the best car, you could say an armoured humvee or a porsche 911 - it depends upon what your requirements are. Cheers, Justin. Re: Timber species??? help! 4Oct 06, 2008 6:33 pm In softwood your choices are basically radiata pine or western red cedar, you would only be looking at these really if your after a clear/ stained finish.
There is nothing wrong with meranti (Pacific Maple) doors if you do want a solid core hardwood door. An alternative is Vic Ash/ Tassie Oak Aussie hardwood which will be a fair bit dearer. As the others said, if your painting them hollow core mdf etc if fine. Engineering timber is certainly a less fuss option, times cheaper to supply and install and better withstands humidity. 1 15909 Thanks Pulse, thats really helpful and very much appreciated. Also thanks for the pointer on sheathing, thats me watching too many american youtube videos! 6 2803 Thanks Simon, I guess I'm no concerned with the volume of the noise rather that dead and hollow sound and feel that is associated with floating floors. But I'm not sure… 3 6146 |