Construction Timber Prices: Cost Per m³, Types & Building Uses
What Is Construction Timber?
Construction timber refers to wood used in framing, roofing, flooring, and structural components of buildings. It includes both structural and non-structural timber types.
Factors Affecting Construction Timber Prices
- Timber type: Softwood or hardwood
- Grade: Structural vs non-structural
- Moisture content: Kiln-dried timber costs more
- Treatment: Treated timber increases durability and cost
- Market demand: Construction booms raise prices
Construction Timber Prices Per Cubic Meter
| Timber Type | Average Price (USD/m³) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood Timber | $250 – $450 | Framing, roofing |
| Structural Timber | $350 – $650 | Load-bearing structures |
| Treated Timber | $400 – $750 | Outdoor construction |
| Hardwood Timber | $600 – $1200 | Floors, beams |
Construction Timber vs Engineered Wood Prices
Traditional Construction Timber
Cost: $250–$1200/m³
Strength: Natural variation
Consistency: Variable by piece
Best for: Standard framing, traditional construction
Engineered Wood Products
Cost: $400–$1500/m³
Strength: Predictable & consistent
Consistency: Uniform across pieces
Best for: Long spans, precise engineering
Engineered wood products such as LVL and glulam often cost more but provide better strength, consistency, and longer spans compared to traditional timber.
How to Reduce Construction Timber Costs
- Choose softwood where possible
- Buy standard sizes to reduce waste
- Compare treated vs untreated options
- Plan purchases during low-demand seasons
- Consider local timber to save on transport
- Buy in bulk for larger projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Structural timber is graded and certified for specific load-bearing capacities, with controlled moisture content and strength testing. Non-structural timber is used for decorative or non-load-bearing applications and isn't tested for specific strength requirements. Always use structural timber for framing, beams, and other load-bearing elements to ensure building safety and code compliance.
Always use treated timber for: outdoor applications, ground contact, areas with high moisture (bathrooms, basements), and termite-prone regions. Untreated timber is suitable for indoor, dry applications where it won't be exposed to moisture or insects. The 20-50% cost premium for treated timber is worth it for applications where moisture resistance is needed.
Not necessarily. While hardwood offers superior strength and durability, softwood is lighter, easier to work with, and more cost-effective for most structural applications. Softwoods like pine and spruce are excellent for framing, while hardwoods like oak and maple are better for visible elements like flooring, stairs, and decorative beams where appearance matters.
Timber prices typically rise during peak construction seasons (spring and summer) and may be lower during winter months. Weather conditions affecting logging operations, transportation costs, and regional demand all influence pricing. For cost savings, consider purchasing during off-peak seasons if your project timeline allows for proper storage.
Yes, and it's often cost-effective to do so. Use structural-grade softwood for framing and hidden structural elements, treated timber for outdoor and moisture-prone areas, and hardwood for visible finish work. This approach optimizes both budget and performance. Just ensure all structural elements use properly graded timber regardless of type.
Conclusion
This construction timber price guide helps you compare costs by type and use. Selecting the right timber ensures safety, durability, and cost-efficiency in any building project.