The TimberHub

08/09/2018

A little creativity goes a long way in explaining the inherent fire resistance character of mass timber to those who don't believe. This inspiring photo shows a barbecue grill constructed from CLT (Cross laminated timber) panels and was made as a demonstration by XLAM, a New Zealand and Australian CLT manufacturer. It graphically shows the basic principle and theory behind the performance of timber buildings under fire conditions. To all the doubters out there about the growing use of solid timber building construction in multi storey buildings for both offices and apartments, think again and save some time and money for you next project.

29/09/2017

Sadly, at the end of July 2017, the TimberHub Timber showroom and the free Advisory Service at Blackburn has closed. Nearly 45 years of providing expert advice on the application and use of timber in building and decorative applications, similarly the timber products showroom is no more. All you can do now is rely on the knowledge of your local TMA member timber merchant for advice. Farewell!!

19/04/2017

Wood is such a versatile material! How about making a dress out of wood? Well it has been done very successfully by a specialist veneer wood worker in California - Paul Schurch. He has made an award winning formal gown using figured Maple veneer. The dress is clad with 1,380 lacquered wood scales supported by a veneer harness sewn onto fabric. It allows ample movement and flow for a full range of motion. It is flexible enough to sit in, is comfortable, and shows the flashy wood grain, as the dress moves. It's a unique project, exceeding expectations as a functional and wearable piece of clothing!! Maybe a local Aussie dress designer might take up the challenge, it is possible!

29/03/2017

Now it's official - WOOD IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH! - a new report by Planet Ark - 'Nature Inspired design'was launched on 21 March, which just happened to be " World Wood Day ". The report highlights the benefits of the interior use of wood to the occupants of a building for interior design and fit out where we live, work and play leads to improved health and well being (according to the evidence presented in the Planet Ark report. The use of wood internally may see a reduction in heart rate and better stress response for students and workers, maybe even speed up recovery after surgery and encourage interaction between residents in aged care facilities.According to David Rowlinson, Planet Ark's 'Make It Wood' campaign managerit has been established that workers are less stressed and more productive, students learn better, patients heal faster and people are generally happier and calmer in indoor areas that contain wood elements. So if you're not designing and using wood (timber) in your new house or renovation, why aren't you? Contact the TimberHub, 180 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn, Tel: 03-9875 5000 for information on effectivey using timber indoors and out doors in your home. As they say, "Wood Is Good "!

22/03/2017

Problems with timber deck installations can usually be traced back to some fundamental design faults and/or failure to observe some basic rules. We are constantly contacted by many people, home owners particularly, experiencing problems with their new or near new timber deck. A high proportion concern cupping (which is the timber board developing a concave shape, such that the edges lift up and water just sits in the middle and doesn't drain away. This condition doesn't have to occur! There are some fundamental rules that should be followed for best practice to happen. So we decided to produce a new Information Sheet "How To Avoid Deck Problems ". It is freely available by either calling into our TimberHub Timber Display Showroom, located at 180 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn Vic., open 9am - 5pm weekdays and 9am - 4pm Saturday, closed Sunday. Or by email at :
[email protected]

03/03/2017

Termites ! Those ugly little 'critters' that can attack your house. Have you ever had your house inspected for any sign of termite infestation? No? Well, maybe, it's time to do this. A homeowner at Parkdale in Melbourne had a rude shock when she happened to rub what looked like a simple scratch on some internal timberwork and dozens of white ants (termites) tumbled out!! Subsequent investigation showed the the culprit was an old tree stump that was buried under her house and the termites had eaten their way up into the house! The moral of this story is - don't be complacent - arrange a regular visual inspection in and around your home. If you suspect there is any termite activity, organise a full termite inspection by a qualified pest expert. Also contact your local Council for any advice on whether Termites are prevalent in the municipality. Our 'cousins' in the USA have a "Termite Awareness Week" during March this year, maybe we should do the same!1

21/12/2016

The town of Alexandra honours its timber heritage

16/12/2016

"TIMBER CAN KICK-START A WHOLE NEW BUILDING CRUSADE IN AUSTRALIA" says Tony Arnel, director of sustainability with global engineering consultancy Norman Disney & Young. Tony stated 'that no other material can help meet the challenges of sustainable construction nearly as well as timber! On May 1 this year, the National Construction Code (NCC) introduced a new 'deemed-to -satisfy'provision for timber buildings up to 25m or 8 stories high, provided they include a raft of requirements such as fire sprinklers and fire resistant cladding.These changes to the code will accelerate the use of prefabricated and modular construction technique and design which will result in a range of benefits. Don't overlook the fact that timber is around 30% lighter than concrete or steel, potentially cutting crane, scaffolding and foundation costs. The TimberHub message to architects and designers out there is to make the effort to really consider heavy timber construction products in designs. For more information on what might be available, call us at the TimberHub on 03-9875 5000 and talk to Eric Seigers.

23/11/2016

Haymes Paints & Finishes have added two new products to their excellent range of timber coating products. Now available from Haymes Paint dealers such as Paint Rite Stores, the new Non-slip Finish comes in two forms: 1). as an additive for use with their Simply Woodcare range and ideal for stairs, walkways and interior flooring where a slip resistant finish is specified or required and 2). It is also available as a ready mixed finish in their Easy Floor Stain and Aqualac Floor coatings. The additive can also be added to their decking finishes Dexpress and Uvex for outdoor application on decks and ramps etc. The finish complies with AS.4586: 2003 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials. The final coat will achieve a P4 rating. Drop into the TimberHub Timber Display Centre at 180 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn to view a sample or call us on 03-9875 5010 for a brochure.

23/11/2016

Haymes Paints & Finishes have added two new products to their excellent range of timber coating products. Now available from Haymes Paint dealers such as Paint Rite Stores, the new Non-slip Finish comes in two forms: 1). as an additive for use with their Simply Woodcare range and ideal for stairs, walkways and interior flooring where a slip resistant finish is specified or required and 2). It is also available as a ready mixed finish in their Easy Floor Stain and Aqualac Floor coatings. The additive can also be added to their decking finishes Dexpress and Uvex for outdoor application on decks and ramps etc. The finish complies with AS.4586: 2003 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials. The final coat will achieve a P4 rating. Drop into the TimberHub Timber Display Centre at 180 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn to view a sample or call us on 03-9875 5010 for a brochure.

24/10/2016

Come see this machine in the TimberHUb, it saves 2 hours per job so well worth it.. its on special through the hub $1499.00 (RRP is $1890!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzK4rnPr7DM

Lay Floors Faster

14/10/2016

The world's tallest timber building has just been finished construction in Vancouver, Canada four (4) months ahead of schedule!! Constructed for student accommodation, this unique building stands 18 stories tall and is the first mass wood, steel and concrete hybrid project taller than 14 stories. By using timber extensively throughout the project for walls, floors, partitions etc. it has been estimated that instead of using other common building materials, it's like taking 500 cars off the road and resulting in a reduction of 2,432 metric tonnes of carbon! The floors sections and walls are constructed using CLT (cross laminated timber) and the support columns are glued laminated timber. This design has exceeded the required fire ratings and standard seismic safety requirements .Truly, the building material of the future is HERE NOW! Contact the TimberHub for further information about CLT and GlueLam structural timber products. Call us on 03 9875 5010 or email at: [email protected]