Perhaps I am getting bit old and cynical, but I believe after being nearly 50 years in the building supply business (and still learning), if there is a fair bit of ambit in many of their so called expert claims.
I work on a formula when establishing a situation that I am confronted with when trying to establish what products or advice is suitable for a project/job I am confronted with. This is particularly important if the product specified is not readily available or there is a more cost effective alternative available that will do the job required.
This formula I call Fit for Purpose Selling which follows the following criteria;
• Establish the use.
• Is it to be used externally or internally.
• If externally, is it to be used in ground, above ground, a bush fire rating required, immersed in salt or fresh water, are termites an issue.
• Once the above has been established have a knowledge of the various cost effective timbers available referring to Australian Standard AS 5604—2203 for an the appropriate durability rating.
• Or understanding the various treated pine levels of treatment H1 through to H6. • Are there structural considerations.
• Understanding heart/heartwood in timber, particularly posts.
• When to use recycled timber, keeping in mind there is usually a price penalty.
• If the specie specified or suggested will leach out sap stain. (eg. Merbau)
• How to nullify/minimise leaching.
• If used internally, determine the finish required.
• Is hardness a consideration particularly if used as a flooring. This means having a knowledge of established janka ratings for the various products on the market.
• Does the product need to be dry. In big sections, particularly posts, recycled timber is often a good use.
• Understanding moisture in timber and how can the loss/gain of it be minimised or controlled.
• The importance of air movement, particularly in sub-floor and sub-deck situations and knowing what specie of timber and other procedures can be used if air flow is compromised.
Perhaps some will say I am going a bit over the top, however, I am the one that usually gets called out to inspect problem jobs when things go wrong. Many of these situations could have been avoided if the appropriate materials and advice was originally obtained.
I hasten to add, don’t expect your sales representative to know all the above if you are seeking help, but their usual response is to make further enquiries and get back to you with the appropriate information. This would apply whether the query is on timber or any product we sell. If it is a timber query, contact me direct on 0412550740.
My final suggestion on this subject is to ensure any advice you wish to take up is sound, (perhaps seek a second opinion) whether it from us or a competitor because at the end of the day you are the building practitioner who has to carry the guarantee.
In our case I can assure you it is offered in good faith, with the best intentions for a good outcome.