Timber wall systems
Timber wall systems are wooden structural or non-structural assemblies used across a range of wall types in both residential and commercial buildings. They can be used for internal partitions as well as external wall applications, depending on the design and performance requirements of the project. When designed and installed correctly, timber wall systems can contribute to flexible space planning, and—when appropriately insulated with STEICO products—can support acoustic and thermal performance objectives.
What are timber walls made up of?
Timber wall systems are straightforward structures that are made up of the following parts:
- Header plate – A horizontal piece of timber which runs along the top of the wall. It provides structural stability and ensures loads are transferred securely.
- Sole plate – Performs the same function as a header plate but runs along the bottom of the wall.
- Timber studs – The timber studs run vertically between the header and sole plates. They are spaced out evenly and are the main support for the wall’s structure.
- Noggins – Horizontal timbers which brace the vertical timber studs, so the wall is stable. They help prevent twisting and are used to fix plasterboard or other wall linings too.
- Insulation – Installed in between the timber studs, insulation is important for achieving your desired acoustic and thermal insulation rating.
What STEICO products can be used to form timber wall systems?
STEICO provides a number of elements needed to form a timber wall systems on your project, including:
- Joists – STEICO I-joists are suitable for use as timber studs in the construction of your wall. They are made of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and wood fibre board to create a slimline joist. They can also play a role in your sustainability strategy through responsible sourcing, carbon binding and low thermal bridging potential due to the ‘I’ shaped profile. STEICO LVL can be used for high-capacity header and sole plates to allow greater loads to be transferred through the studs.
- Wood fibre insulation batts – STEICO wood fibre batts can be used as insulation in a standard timber wall system make up. STEICOflex batts have a bulk density of approximately 50kg per cubic metre which can help provide acoustic damping. They also bind 82kg CO2eq during Life Cycle Stage A1 as defined in EN 15804+A2 which can help you achieve your project’s sustainability goals.
- Air-injected insulation – STEICOzell is our air-injected insulation option for timber wall systems. It forms itself to the profile of the i-joist ensuring a fully filled and thermally efficient solution which contributes towards the U-value of the wall build-up.
What are the advantages of using timber wall systems compared to metal?
Timber offers a number of advantages over steel systems that make it a good choice for most wall solutions, including:
- Thermal performance – Timber has a lower thermal conductivity than metal. This property can be factored into the assessment of a building element’s energy-related performance and can help guide material selection.
- Ease of installation – Timber can be cut using standard DIY tools, which allows for straightforward site installation. These characteristics can be considered when determining suitability for different types of construction work.
- Responsible sourcing – If you choose timber from a PEFC-certified forest (PEFC/04-31-2550), it can play a role in your overall environmental strategy.
