Working with Construction Contractors

Tiny home conversions generally use a pre-fabricated option as the shell for the home. These shells tend to be garden sheds or caravans. Though these shells do save you money compared to building a tiny home from complete scratch, they will need some conversions to be a suitable long-term living option. One of the materials you can use in the conversion is timber. Here are some dos and don'ts of using timber for your tiny home conversion to ensure durability and longevity.

Do Use Treated Timber

When you start to look at timber options, you will see treated and untreated. Treated timber usually refers to pressure-treated timber. This timber has chemicals that have been pressured into the wood to help preserve it. It's primarily a technique that is used on wood that will be exposed to the ground or to insects. Since your tiny home will have portions exposed to the elements more often, for example, having the windows and doors open for ventilation or using small window units for cool air, then treated timber is ideal.

Do Consider Reclaimed Timber

Reclaimed timber has several benefits. This type of timber is usually reclaimed from old barns and houses that have been demolished. It can also be reclaimed from homes where old wood flooring has been removed or replaced. True reclaimed timber is timber that was harvested from mature trees, has been treated and used over decades or longer, and is already tempered for daily exposure and use. This type of wood is more durable and solid than some of the newer timber options you can purchase.

Don't Use Used Wood Pallet Timber

Wood pallets are considered by some to be a go-to for tiny home conversions on a budget. Though they are easy to come by and easy to break down and use for your conversion, the timber used in used wood pallets may not be suitable or durable enough for your tiny home. The wood for used wood pallets can be damaged, have wood rot or lack durability. Overall, it can help your budget in the beginning, but you may find yourself needing to replace it at a higher cost later.

By keeping these dos and don'ts in mind, you can prepare the wood and pick the timber that best suits your needs. If you are ready to start stocking up on the timber and timber supplies you need for your tiny home conversion, contact your local timber supplier. Also, check for cutting and finishing services they may have to make your conversion easier.