---
title: "Merits of timber over steel"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 7
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:merits-timber-over-steel"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/merits-timber-over-steel
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Merits of timber over steel

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 7: Timber

- Asked in: 2078 Bhadra, 2 marks
- Video: [Steel vs timber](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1JVTb6tKj8) — Buildi
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/merits-timber-over-steel
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-7

## Question

What are the merits of timber over steel in civil engineering construction works?

## Short answer

Timber is lighter, easier to work and repair, and often cheaper than steel. It provides good thermal and electrical insulation, does not corrode, absorbs shock and sound, and is renewable. In fire, a large timber section chars slowly while steel loses strength rapidly.

## Answer

Merits of timber over steel:

1. **Light weight**, so it is easy to handle, transport and erect.
2. **Easy to work** with simple tools (cut, nail, join), and easy to repair or modify.
3. **Cheaper** in initial cost in many regions, and locally available (as in Nepal).
4. **Good thermal and electrical insulation:** it is a poor conductor, so buildings are more comfortable.
5. **Does not corrode**, and resists many chemicals and acid fumes.
6. **Good shock and sound absorption**, and an attractive natural appearance.
7. **Renewable**; also, in a fire a large timber section chars on the surface and keeps a sound core, so it holds its strength for some time, whereas steel loses strength quickly when heated.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Timber differs from steel in that it
   A. Does not corrode
   B. Rusts
   C. Conducts electricity
   D. Is heavier
   Answer: A. No rusting. (Key point: Corrosion)

2. Timber is
   A. Heavier
   B. Lighter and easier to handle
   C. Harder to work
   D. Not renewable
   Answer: B. Light. (Key point: Weight)

3. Large timber sections in fire
   A. Melt immediately
   B. Explode
   C. Char and keep a core retaining strength for some time
   D. Become stronger
   Answer: C. Charring protects core. (Key point: Fire)

4. Timber is a
   A. Good conductor
   B. Good heat conductor only
   C. Magnetic
   D. Poor conductor of heat and electricity
   Answer: D. Insulator. (Key point: Insulation)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [Important properties of civil engineering materials](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aimportant-properties-civil-materials) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 1, asked 8×
- [Importance and scope of civil engineering materials](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aimportance-scope-subject) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 1, asked 8×
- [Classification of civil engineering materials](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aclassification-civil-materials) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 1, asked 2×
- [Why timber is used; seasoning method](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aseasoning-method-and-timber-use) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 7
- [Merits and demerits of lime mortar](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Alime-mortar-merits-demerits) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 6
- [Seasoning of timber and its necessity](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aseasoning-meaning-necessity) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 7, asked 8×

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- [Contract types in civil engineering; govt works](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Acontract-types-government) — Construction Management, chapter 5
- [Storing and stacking of civil engineering materials](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Astoring-stacking-materials) — Construction Management, chapter 3
- [Consultant and quality of construction works](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Aconsultant-role-quality) — Construction Management, chapter 1
- [Scope and importance of geology in civil engineering](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Ascope-and-importance-of-geology) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 1, asked 24×