How should I protect or finish my Radial Timber?

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).

What Species are Available?

Most Radial Timber products are designed for external use and are generally sawn from hard wearing class 2 durability Victorian Hardwoods. All external products are designated by the Australian Standard AS 5604 to last 15-40 years above ground untreated. Generally, Silvertop Ash is used for screenbaords, weatherboards, shiplap and drop wedges. Yellow Stringybark (blond) and Southern Mahogany (red/brown) is used for decking. Refer to the Species Info page for species specifications.

How should I store my timber on site?

All products supplied by Radial timber should be stored on site in a level position and kept off the ground. Unseasoned or “green” boards 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 dried products should be kept covered and dry at all times and may require sufficient time acclimatise to local conditions before fixing.

What can I expect from my timber?

Tiber 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 soe 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.

What moisture content is the radial timber supplied at?

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% Moisture Content (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).

How do I remove stains or extractives from my Radial Timber?

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.

What should I do if I receive damaged or defective timber?

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: it is very important to refer to Radial Timber Product Specifications for full details on correct fixing procedures.