Walk onto almost any residential building site in Australia and the frame going up is likely timber. Steel framing has grown in popularity in some areas, but timber still dominates Australian house construction because it's cost-effective, widely available and familiar to every trade on site.
But framing timber is not all the same. The timber used for house framing Australia-wide comes in different:
Each exists for a specific purpose. Choosing the wrong combination can mean structural problems, moisture damage, termite issues or a frame that doesn't comply with Australian standards. Here's what actually goes into a typical Australian timber house frame.
Framing timber in Australia falls into two broad categories: softwood and hardwood. Softwood dominates standard residential construction because it's lighter, easier to work with and more affordable.
Radiata pine is the main timber used for house framing Australia-wide. It's plantation-grown, readily available and used in most:
Builders use radiata pine because it machines cleanly, holds fasteners well, comes in consistent sizes and grades, and is relatively lightweight. Most residential framing timber sold in Australia is treated radiata pine.
These species are commonly grown in Queensland and northern NSW. They perform similarly to radiata pine but are better suited to warmer growing climates. They're regularly used in framing throughout northern Australia.
Cypress pine is different from plantation pines because it has natural termite resistance. It's an Australian native softwood with:
Unlike standard pine framing, cypress often requires less chemical treatment. Builders in regional areas have used cypress for generations because it performs well in harsh conditions and has excellent durability characteristics.
Hardwood framing is less common in standard suburban construction but still used where additional strength or durability is needed. Common Australian framing hardwoods include:
Hardwoods are stronger, denser and more durable but they are also heavier, more expensive and harder to cut and install. Hardwood framing often appears in bearers, joists, posts and structural support members rather than complete house frames. For most residential construction, treated plantation pine remains the primary timber used for house framing Australia homes rely on.
Not every piece of framing timber is equally strong. Structural grading tells builders and engineers how much load a timber member can safely carry. Australian framing timber must be structurally graded before it can be used in residential construction.
Most softwood framing timber in Australia uses the MGP grading system. Each piece is machine tested for stiffness and structural performance before receiving a grade.
The standard grade for most residential wall frames and roof structures. Commonly used for wall studs, plates, ceiling framing and general structural framing. MGP10 is the most widely used framing grade in Australia.
A stronger and stiffer grade used where longer spans are required, higher loads are involved, or additional structural performance is needed.
A higher-performance grade generally reserved for more demanding structural applications. Less common in standard residential homes.
Hardwoods and some structural softwoods often use F-grades instead. The "F" rating refers to bending strength measured in megapascals. Common examples include:
Every piece of structural framing timber should carry a visible grade stamp or identification mark. If the timber is ungraded, it should not be used in structural framing.
Untreated pine framing does not perform well long term in Australian conditions. Without treatment, timber is vulnerable to termites, borers, rot and moisture damage. Australia uses a hazard class system to classify timber treatment levels.
The standard treatment level for enclosed house framing in termite-prone areas. Suitable for internal wall framing, roof trusses and protected structural framing. H2-treated timber is commonly identified by a blue tint.
A framing-specific treatment classification developed for enclosed structural framing systems. It protects against termites and borers in dry internal environments. H2F is now extremely common in residential framing timber.
Designed for external above-ground applications exposed to weather. Common uses include pergolas, fascias and deck framing.
Designed for in-ground structural use where timber remains exposed to constant moisture. Typical uses include posts, retaining walls and structural landscaping. For residential framing specifically, H2 or H2F treatment is generally the minimum standard across most of Australia.
Australian framing timber comes in standard dimensions used throughout residential construction.
The most common structural framing size in Australia. Typically used for external wall studs, load-bearing walls and top and bottom plates. This is the primary timber used for house framing Australia-wide.
Commonly used for internal non-load-bearing walls and partitions.
Used for lighter internal framing applications.
Sizes such as 140 x 45mm, 190 x 45mm and 240 x 45mm are commonly used for lintels, beams, headers and structural spans specified by engineers. Stud spacing is typically 450mm centres for external walls and 600mm centres for internal walls, although engineering requirements can alter this.
Solid timber can only span so far before engineered products become necessary.
LVL is manufactured by bonding thin timber veneers together under pressure. Compared with solid timber, LVL is stronger, more dimensionally stable and better suited to long spans. LVLs are commonly used for beams, lintels, garage openings and structural headers.
Glulam uses multiple layers of solid timber bonded together into large structural sections. It's commonly used where both structural strength and architectural appearance matter at the same time. Exposed timber beams in modern homes are often glulam products. These engineered products support the standard timber used for house framing Australia builders rely on rather than replacing it entirely.
Timber framing remains the standard across Australian residential construction because it offers a strong balance of availability, cost efficiency, structural performance and ease of installation. The system works because every component is structurally graded, properly treated and sized for its intended load.
In most modern Australian homes, that usually means treated plantation pine, MGP10 structural grading, H2 or H2F termite protection and standard 90 x 45mm framing sizes. Nothing overly complicated. Just the right species, the right grade, the right treatment and the right structural design working together to create a frame that lasts.
Founded in 1986, our company produces prefabricated timber wall frames, timber roof Trusses and Flooring components for residential projects both in Sydney and NSW.
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