Timber beam

Timber beam/purlin: a quality load-bearing component

For your construction projects, opt for the Woodup timber beam/purlin. Our timber pieces are rough-sawn, in solid Douglas fir. The Woodup timber beam/purlin is naturally resistant to fungi and insects. Choose construction elements sourced directly from PEFC-certified French and European forests. Enjoy home delivery of your timber beams and purlins and payment in three interest-free instalments.

What is a timber beam or a purlin?

A timber beam/purlin is a large-section component. Timber beams and purlins are designed to support other framing, flooring and construction elements. These timber pieces are larger than planks and rafters. They are used in the construction of garages, terraces and lean-to structures. Timber beams and purlins serve as structural elements in the construction of building floors and ceilings.

How to choose a timber beam/purlin?

Choose your timber beam/purlin according to its intended use: interior or exterior construction. Once the use class has been determined, you will need to calculate the purlin load or the beam load. This calculation allows you to buy your purlins and beams at the right section.

Use class of timber beam/purlin

For roof structure construction, a beam or purlin of use class 2 is suitable. Untreated Douglas fir meets the constraints of interior construction and renovation. For exterior construction (carport, terrace), opt for class 3 or 4 purlins and beams (pressure treatment).

Section of the timber beam or purlin

Always choose structural quality timber (C18). Purlins and beams are components that bear the weight of other structural elements (planks, rafters, flooring). Calculating structural loads (in daN/m²) determines the section of purlins and beams. Our professionals can help you.

Characteristics of timber beams and purlins

The section of a timber beam/purlin is rectangular or square. Depending on the model, the length ranges from 3 to 15 metres (long-span purlins and beams). The timber beam/purlin is available in solid wood, glued laminated, with or without treatment. Most beams and purlins are in fir, Douglas fir, oak or ash.

Lengths of timber beams and purlins

Standard timber purlins are sold in different lengths: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 metres. The length of timber beams is greater and ranges from 7 to 9 metres. Some timber beams and purlins are available as long-span products (from 13 to 15 metres).

Section of timber beams and purlins

Purlins have smaller sections than beams. The section of purlins is, for example, 100 × 300, 200 × 200, 150 × 300 mm. Beams are more substantial structural elements. Their sections range from 280 × 100 to 400 × 120 mm.

Timber species for beams and purlins

Most timber purlins and beams are in fir and spruce. Our superior quality purlins and beams are in Douglas fir. For particular renovation work, the use of oak purlins and beams is necessary. However, the price of hardwood construction elements is significantly higher than that of softwood.

Timber beam/purlin: treatment and use class

Timber beams and purlins are available either untreated or treated. Superficial treatment is by dipping or spraying (use class 2 or 3a, for framing). In-depth treatment is pressure treatment (use class 3b, exterior use). The natural durability of Douglas fir is class 3.

The different models of timber beams and purlins

The standard timber beam/purlin is solid wood. Certain specific products (long span) are in finger-jointed or glued laminated wood. There are four types of finish:

rough-sawn purlin and beam;
planed-all-round purlin and beam.
chamfered-edge purlin and beam;
right-angle purlin and beam.

The Woodup timber beam/purlin: a high-quality Douglas fir product

Woodup has been a specialist in timber construction for three generations. Based in the foothills of Auvergne and Loire, we offer purlins and beams directly from our sawmill. Our purlins and beams are in untreated Douglas fir, rough-sawn or planed all round. We offer a wide choice of sections and lengths. All our products are designed for fitting out, renovation and construction.

Why buy your Woodup timber beams and purlins online?

Support the French timber industry with Woodup. Enjoy beautiful products from PEFC-certified forests in France and Europe. Benefit from a wide choice of products. Order your beams and purlins and take advantage of home or on-site delivery. Delivery costs vary with the weight of the order. Do you have questions? Ask them directly to our experts via our contact page.