What actually is timber, and why is it such an important material in old buildings?In this first episode of our new Talking Conservation timber series, Rich and Stephen go right back to basics to explain how timber works, where it comes from, and why understanding it is essential before diagnosing any problems in historic buildings.From how trees grow, to the difference between heartwood and sapwood, to how timber is converted and used in buildings, this episode lays the foundation for everything that follows in the series.If you own, work on, or are interested in older buildings, understanding timber at this level will help you make better decisions when it comes to decay, repairs, and long-term performance.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:How trees grow and how timber is formedThe structure of timber (heartwood, sapwood and growth rings)What timber is made of and why it behaves differently to other materialsHow timber is converted from tree to usable building materialWhy timber is found in almost every part of an old buildingHow timber has been used historically (oak, softwood and changing practices)An introduction to dendrochronology and dating buildings using timberChapters00:00 Intro music.00:04 Welcome and intro to series.00:37 Is timber ubiquitous in historic buildings?03:52 How long timber can last.05:16 What is timber?06:13 What we will cover in this series.07:11 Understanding timber – what it is and the life cycle of trees.10:56 What is wood?15:40 Heartwood and Sapwood.17:06 Expertible Ad17:49 Dendrochronology.22:23 Hardwood and softwood.25:20 The importance of grain direction.28:42 Converting wood to timber – box heart.30:19 Chamfering edges.33:22 Converting wood to timber – drying.35:50 BE Conservation Ad36:32 Green, air dried and kiln dried Oak.41:28 Other timber species and brief history of use of different timber species.45:45 The use of finishes and paints.47:10 Architectural history and timber usage.47:44 Was dry rot imported?48:18 Introducing timber failure.49:28 Is historic timber better than modern?52:27 How design affects timber performance.53:14 Next episode teaser.54:09 Closing remarks.54:32 Closing music.🔜 Coming up in the timber series:Why timber rots (and how to stop it)Wet rot vs dry rotWoodworm and insect attackTimber repairs and when to replaceStructural movement in timber framesRoofs, floors, windows and common failure pointsInsulation and retrofit mistakes🎧 Talking ConservationTalking Conservation explores historic buildings, materials and defects through practical experience, expert insight and real-world examples.🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the rest of the timber series.💬 Got a question about timber in your building? Leave it in the comments, we read every one.🔗 Useful linksExpertible (book a 1:1 call with an independent expert):https://www.expertible.comStephen’s conservation training and CPD:https://www.beconservation.comhttps://www.thebesttraining.co.uk/#TalkingConservation #Timber #HistoricBuildings #BuildingConservation #OldHouses #HeritageBuildings