Timber posts

[bianca3920]

Timber ...and renovation novice here....

We are getting a lower ground floor extension put in, with a compressed fibre/tiled balcony on top of it. We are currently debating what kind of timber to use for the posts - half of these will be 'hidden' within the walls of the ground floor extension (attached to the concrete floor), whilst the other half will be exposed on the balcony - holding up the colorbond roof.

Any views on the benefits of treated pine vs hardwood (and I realise there are many species). Hubby wanted hardwood due to the 'look' - but I want whatever is the best for the job.

...We could also use one type of wood for the 'hidden' part and another for the exposed.

Thanks
Santina<!-- / message -->

[DvdHntr]

Hardwood is stronger but obviously more expensive. If you are going to use treated make sure it is treated to the correct level and it is not CCA treated if it is coming in contact with the ground.

I would personally go with hardwood but you have to be careful that the hardwood doesn't contain more than 20% sapwood (softer material).

[bianca3920]

Thanks for the advice. Will need to scope out prices. None of the posts will come into contact with soil - the bottom half of the lower ground floor has been built with concrete blocks.

Santina

[echnidna]

Hardwood is stronger but obviously more expensive. If you are going to use treated make sure it is treated to the correct level and it is not CCA treated if it is coming in contact with the ground.

I would personally go with hardwood but you have to be careful that the hardwood doesn't contain more than 20% sapwood (softer material).

what's wrong with cca being in contact with the ground?

[SilentButDeadly]

You can use pink primed pine posts (which needs to be painted), dressed oregon or cedar posts (which need to be sealed or painted) or hardwood, which will probably be rough sawn and green unless you pay a fortune for kiln dried.

Treated pine is unneccesary in this application....

[Chumley]

what's wrong with cca being in contact with the ground?

Echidna,
Nothing.
CCA treated pine H4 is suitable for in-ground use as per AS1604.
Cheers,
Adam

[DvdHntr]

There are certain studies that say that CCA treated timber can leach Arsenic into the ground.

[pawnhead]

You could probably do better if you shop around, but their prices are all on line;

100x100 Hardwood Green Sawn F14 $14.65
90x90 Rougher Headed F7 H4 CCA $15.50
http://www.barrenjoeytimber.com.au/price.cfm?CatID=5