Design for durability

Regardless of the durability qualities of a material type, it is important for the designer to consider the level of maintenance, repair or replacement that may be required within the design life of the structure.

Designing durable timber structures includes an assessment of the building material properties and preservative treatments that may be applied to those materials. It also includes an assessment of potential service hazards that may impact on the timber building elements.

This datafile provides guidance on the durability of timber in a wide range of applications. Not every application is considered, as some are not appropriate for timber use.

Where designers or specifiers require more information, they should contact the Timber Advisory Services, listed on the back page of this datafile.

Design for Durability

Good construction detailing can enhance the performance of timber in resisting biological and insect attack.

Guidance on building practices is provided in Australian Standard AS 1684 and in Timber Datafile - Design for Durability