Attention to detail enables designers to considerably extend the life of timber components. Timber’s resistance to weathering, adverse atmospheric conditions and fungal and insect attack can all be influenced by detailing. Following some simple design principles for protecting timber can make a significant difference to the life expectancy of components at relatively little additional cost.

Some of the simple design principles for protecting timber are: Protect the top horizontal members, protect exposed end grain, avoid water traps and capillary, ensure surfaces are well ventilated and provide effective drainage from timber.