Many different kinds of building supplies and materials are needed to complete a home. Timber supplies are one of the most common supplies you'll need for your home construction project. They have a wide variety of uses in residential construction, including piling systems, wall frames, roof trusses, floor coverings, and more. The timber materials and products you use to build your home can make or break the project, so it's important to choose the right supplies, no matter how difficult that might be.

There are several factors to mull over when it comes to getting the right wood supplies for your construction job. Here are some key questions to ask a prospective building supplies company before you can decide to buy from them:

Where do you source your supplies from?

All timber supplies are sourced from logging activities. Timber supply companies can either source materials from large tracts of privately managed forested areas or from smaller proprietors selling timber from their own private property. Tree growth in these places is pre-purposed for logging, hence there's no impact on the natural environment. 

Sourcing timber material from native forests is considered as an illegal logging activity because it involves the logging of protected tree species. 

How is your wood harvested?

Timber harvesting provides the raw wood material required for the manufacture of a wide range of timber products, including those used in construction. There are a variety of methods for harvesting timber. The three major tree harvesting techniques utilised today include:

• Clear cutting
• Selection cutting
• Shelterwood cutting

Each timber harvesting practice is different and suited to specific forest types. Ultimately, the best method of harvest depends on several factors, both environmental and economic. The timber used in construction should be harvested in a manner that allows quick and sustainable regeneration of the trees.

How do you protect your wood?

Timber supplies are susceptible to rot, warping and insect damage. Before you can purchase yours from a local supplier, you should find out how they're protected against the elements.

Quality timber should be pressure-treated or treated with chemical preservatives to extend its lifespan. It should also be kept in a dry, shaded area — preferably off the ground — to prevent moisture and insect damage.

Working with a general contractor can help you choose quality timber supplies for your residential construction project. Keep in mind that timber supplies can be bulky and expensive to transport to your site, so it helps to get yours from a local supplier. Look for a professional who provides building supplies to see what is available.