Timber plays an essential role in Australian residential construction, from house frames to flooring systems and structural beams. With a growing range of both traditional and engineered options on the market, it can be hard to know which product is best suited for the job.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the difference between construction timber vs engineered wood, their most common applications, and how to choose the right product based on your project requirements. Whether you’re a builder, designer, or specifier, understanding how these materials perform can lead to better results on site.
What is Construction Timber?
Construction timber typically refers to solid wood products that are milled, graded, and treated for structural use. It also refers to machine-graded pine (MGP10/MGP12), available in different grades, each suited for different structural applications. These are natural timber sections, often used for house framing, roofing, and decking, and are available in a variety of species and treatment levels.
At ATS Building Products, the construction timber range includes:
MGP10 and MGP12 Pine – Machine-graded pine suitable for wall framing, trusses, and other structural elements
F7 and F8 Hardwood – Common in structural applications needing greater durability
Untreated – For indoor use where insect or decay protection isn’t required
H2 Treated – Protected against insects and decay, suitable for internal structural applications. View our H2 V H3 Guide
H3 Treated – Treated for outdoor above-ground use, resistant to weather and insects
These products are widely used in framing, beams, rafters, battens, lintels and general structural applications.
MGP is a high-quality timber designed specifically for numerous construction applications. The feature that makes this pine different from the other options available is that it goes through a detailed machine grading process that gives this pine consistent strength, durability, and stiffness.
You can rest assured about its stability and safety, which is why many builders feel confident while using it. MGP pine has different grades, each suited for different structural applications.
What is Engineered Wood?
Engineered wood products are man-made timber components created by bonding together layers of wood or wood fibre with adhesives and resins. This results in products with high dimensional stability and uniform performance, ideal for structural applications where span length, strength, and consistency are essential.
At ATS Building Products, the engineered wood range includes:
LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) – Such as Metsä Kerto® LVL, used in joists, beams, rafters and lintels
I-Joists – Metsa Finnjoist, lightweight, dimensionally stable flooring solutions with OSB webs and Kerto LVL flanges
LVL E9.2 – Metsa LVL E9.2 T-Stud, perfect alternative product to MGP for load-bearing and non-load-bearing internal and external walls.
Particleboard Flooring – Such as STRUCTAflor, Suitable for residential and commercial flooring bases
Engineered wood is commonly used where long spans, predictable strength, and ease of handling are key requirements – particularly in mid-floor systems, wide-open plan designs, and roof structures.
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Key Differences & Strengths of Each Material
Both construction timber and engineered wood have unique benefits depending on the application. Here’s how they compare across common considerations:
Strength and Span Capability
Engineered products like LVL and I-Joists are designed for consistent strength and longer spans, making them ideal for larger openings and modern floor plans. Construction timber, such as F7 and F8 hardwood, also performs well in structural applications and remains a common choice in residential builds.Dimensional Stability
Engineered wood tends to offer greater uniformity, as it is factory-produced and less prone to twisting or warping. This is particularly useful in flooring systems and roof trusses.Installation and Handling
Both product types are available in a wide range of sizes, with engineered timber often offering lighter, easier-to-handle options for spanning large distances. Construction timber remains a dependable and accessible choice across most build types.Product Availability and Sizing Options
Solid timber is available in common sizing formats, while engineered timber often provides additional flexibility in dimensions and performance ratings.
Where Each Product Excels:
Rather than viewing one material as better than the other, it’s more practical to match each product to its strengths.
- Choose construction timber when working on conventional wall frames, rafters, or decks, especially when sourcing is straightforward and durability is a priority.
- Choose engineered wood for mid-floors, long lintels, or roof beams where longer spans and lighter handling make a difference.
In many projects, both material types are used together, for example, MGP10 or solid timber in wall framing and both LVL and Finnjoist in flooring systems. It’s not about one or the other, it’s about the right combination.
Standards and Certifications
Both construction and engineered timber products at ATS Building Products meet Australian standards and quality requirements.
Construction Timber Standards:
AS 1684: Residential timber-framed construction
AS/NZS 1748: Mechanically stress-graded timber
AS 1604: Preservative treatment of timber
MGP10
- Certified to Australian Standards AS 1720.1 -Timber Structure AS/NZS 1748.1
- Timber Solid Stress Graded for Structural Purposes AS/NZS 4063.1
- IS0 9001 Quality Assurance
OREGON F8 & F7- AS 2858: Softwood Visually Graded for Structural Purposes Certified to Australian Standards AS 2858-2004 Timber
- IS0 9001 Quality Assurance
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Engineered Wood Standards:
AS/NZS 4357: Structural laminated veneer lumber
AS/NZS 4063: Characterisation of structural timber
ISO 9001: Quality management (Metsä production)
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Additionally, many engineered products are FSC® and PEFC™ certified, supporting responsible sourcing and environmental performance.
Metsä Kerto® LVL & Finnjoist®
- Kerto LVL products are CE and UKCA marked, and design to EN 14374 standards.
- Kerto LVL AS/ANZ 4357.0 Structural LVL compliant.
- Kerto LVL AS1720.1 Timber Stress Grade compliant.
- Finnjoist is CE marked and the design properties are determined according to ETA 02/0026.
- Finnjoists have BM TRADA Q-mark certificate.
- Kerto LVL and Finnjoist production is to ISO 9001 Quality Assurance.
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management standards. PEFC Certified.
ATS Building Product’s Range of Timber Products
At ATS Building Products, we supply both construction timber and engineered wood products across our warehouses in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.
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Construction Timber: MGP10, MGP12, F7, F8 hardwood, treated pine (H2/H3), battens and rafters
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Engineered Wood: Metsä Kerto® LVL, Finnjoists (I-Joists), LVL E9.2 T-Stud, particleboard flooring, bracing and cladding panels
Our team can help you match the right timber products to your project needs, whether you’re designing for strength, span, or environmental resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H2 is suitable for protected internal use (resistance to insects), while H3 is used for outdoor above-ground exposure with added protection against moisture and decay.
Some engineered products can be used in external applications if properly treated and protected, but always consult product specs or a supplier.
Many engineered timber products, including H2-treated LVL, offer protection against termite attack. Always check treatment specifications before use.
Both construction timber and engineered wood serve vital roles in Australian construction. Whether you’re after traditional durability or modern structural performance, the key is selecting the right product for the job.
At ATS, we supply a full range of both construction and engineered timber products, and we’re here to help you choose the right combination for your next project.
