Thank you for considering products from Radial Timber Sales. Most of our products are milled from either native regrowth or plantation Victorian hardwoods using the patented radial sawing process. Radial sawing is a unique Australian developed technology that produces more timber from smaller trees. Unlike conventional sawmilling, this process involves cutting sawlogs into wedge sectors much like cutting up a pizza. Radial cutting patterns work with the natural principles of a log and have many advantages over conventional sawing

Wedges and Boards

Sawing timber radially reduces wastage by evenly releasing natural growth stresses and producing quarter sawn wedges that exhibit consistent growth ring alignment. By slicing a log into thin wedges, RADCON Natural and Straight Edge weatherboards can be produced. Thicker wedges can be cross cut (back sawn) to become decking, cladding, flooring etc. Radially back sawn boards behave consistently and can be identified by the alignment of growth rings, which are basically parallel or run across the broad face of the board.

What can l expect from my timber?

Timber is a natural product and as such, will vary in colour, grain and general appearance (additional features may include gum veins, small knots, pin holes and some surface checking). As a natural product, it is quite normal for timber to swell, shrink, split, or change colour. The extent to which these characteristics are displayed will depend on the species, growing conditions of the tree, the local environment, whether a finish has been applied and exposure to effects such as sun, wind and rain.

Species

Radial timber products designed for external use are generally sawn from hard wearing Class 2 durability hardwoods such as Silvertop Ash, Brown Stringybark or Mountain Grey Gum (all designated by AS5604 to last 15-40 years above ground and untreated). Other species used for internal products include plantation grown Mountain Ash or Blue Gum. Species sawn by Radial Timber tend to range in colour from light blondes to deeper tans and honey browns

Shrinkage and Swelling

Radial Timber products can be supplied either "green" (unseasoned) or dry (seasoned or kiln dry). Green products will generally shrink between 5 and 10% (depending on the species) and will season with minimal or no distortion as a result of the consistent growth ring alignment. Air seasoned products are generally dried to between 14 and 18% MC so some shrinkage may occur in low humidity climates or over the warmer months. It is important to remember that timber will also absorb moisture and tend to swell in higher humidity climates or over the wetter months Internal products are generally kiln dried to between 10 and 12% MC (ie. as required by the relevant Australian Standards/Building Code). While kiln drying helps to stabilise timber, a particular product may still require on site acclimatisation (ie. exposure to sun, artificial heating/cooling, rain/moisture etc. may effect product performance).

Storage on Site

All products supplied by Radial Timber should be stored on site in a level position and kept up off the ground. Unseasoned or "green" board products should be kept wrapped in plastic and strapped or weighted down to prevent uneven drying, surface checking and cupping. Weatherboards should be left "in the log" until required and can remain uncovered for long periods (may be advisable to cover with a tarp if remaining on site for more than 2-3 months). Air seasoned or kiln dry products should be kept covered and dry at all times and may require sufficient time to acclimatise to local conditions before fixing.

Finishing

All exposed, externally fixed hardwood will tend to fade to a silver grey colour if left uncoated. The degree of greying will vary depending on the amount of exposure to sun, wind and rain. Timber under eaves and veranda overhangs will tend to darken in colour but may not necessarily go grey. Radial Timber products are naturally durable and when used in conjunction with good building practices, should generally not require additional treatment against decay. We recommend that all external timber be given at least one coat of an oil based sealer or decking finish. This application is especially important if the timber is unseasoned or fixed during extreme weather conditions. There are a variety of treatments, stains and coatings available and most can be applied prior to or shortly after fixing (consult manufacturers for recommended application procedures).

Extractives & Stains

It is normal for hardwoods to leach red/brown extractives during heavy rain periods. Extractives tend to be less prominent in lighter species such as Silvertop Ash but it may be advisable to cover or protect walls and paving until the extractives have finished leaching (can vary depending on rainfall but leaching will generally continue for up to 6 months). It is not uncommon for light coloured timbers to stain black when in contact with metal (ie. direct contact with steel or indirect contact from grinding, cutting or weld splatter). These black stains and other general discolouration can be removed with a timber cleaning product such as Oxalic Acid.

Damaged or Defective Goods

If notified within 14 days, defective or damaged goods will be replaced by Radial Timber Sales providing it can be proven that the damage or defect was sustained prior to receiving the goods (replacement costs are for materials only and do not include any labour). It should be noted that Radial Timber Sales makes a small allowance for unseen defects by supplying additional timber in most orders.

NOTE: please refer to Radial Timber Product Specifications for full details on fixing