Old vs. New Timber In Construction

Timber framing has long been a common construction practice in Australia. In the early 1800s, locally sourced hardwoods such as Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, and Jarrah, along with softwoods like Cypress Pine, were widely used in home building. However, forests were initially exploited unsustainably; most cedar had been depleted by 1880, and many other species became increasingly difficult to access. Softwood plantations were first trialled in the 1860s, and several fast-growing species were soon identified as effective for general-purpose timber use. While today's construction timber is efficient and widely available, old-growth timber possesses unique characteristics that are now rarely seen in modern materials.

The keen difference in appearance of old-growth timber (right beam) and our modern timber (left beam) can be seen in the photos below.

1. The Strength of Slow Growth

• Tighter grain: You can see in the photo how close together the growth rings are on the old timber. This density means greater structural strength and resistance to warping or cupping.

• Harder wood: Slow-grown timber is usually harder and more durable. It's less likely to dent, split, or rot over time.

In contrast, the newer timber has much wider growth rings, indicating rapid growth most likely from a plantation-grown softwood like Radiata Pine. While faster and cheaper to produce, this wood lacks the density and longevity of its older counterpart.

2. Durability and Resistance

Old-growth timber tends to have natural resistance to pests and rot. Many species like old Douglas fir, cypress, or hardwoods developed a dense heartwood over time that acts as a natural preservative.

Today’s plantation timber is harvested within 20–30 years, far too soon to develop these characteristics. As a result, it needs chemical treatments to achieve the same level of durability. Even then, it doesn’t quite match up.

3. The Look and Feel

From a craftsman’s perspective, there’s no mistaking the difference in quality. The older timber often has more character: tighter grain, richer colour, and fewer defects. It was also typically quarter-sawn or rift-sawn, making it more stable and beautiful when used in visible applications. Newer wood, while easier to work with and more available, often lacks these aesthetic qualities and requires more finishing work to look as good.

4. Sustainability Note

It’s worth acknowledging that old-growth forests are now heavily protected and rightly so. Sustainable forestry and the use of plantation timber are important for environmental health. But it does mean that, when we uncover older timber in buildings or salvage yards, we’re often looking at wood that simply can’t be bought new anymore.