Timber remains a core material in many residential and commercial builds. Bowens stocks a broad range of timber options: framing, structural hardwood, LVL, LOSP-treated timber, cladding, decking timber and more.
But beyond having stock, the performance of that timber under site conditions (humidity, weather, movement) is what really separates good builds from trouble ones.
Bowens is no newcomer, they’ve been in the timber and building supply game since 1894. Over 130 years of experience means they’ve learned what causes failures, what customers expect, and how to support builders in real-world conditions, not just specs on paper.
Some of the extra services and advantages Bowens offers:
Because of this, your builder team spends less time juggling suppliers and more time building.
Moisture, humidity, and movement
Timber is hygroscopic, it absorbs and loses moisture with changes in humidity. That means dimensional changes (expansion, contraction, warping). Bowens addresses this in their blog on Avoiding Timber Moisture & High Humidity Problems, which recommends good ventilation and moisture control strategies.
Also, when laying flooring over a substrate, you need to ensure the moisture content of both substrate and boards are in sync. Bowens’ guidelines note that flooring boards are typically delivered at around 10–11 % moisture content and should be acclimatised to site conditions before installation.
Decking fundamentals
Flooring over concrete
When installing hardwood or engineered timber over concrete, the slab must be level (max 3 mm deviation over 3 m) and dry (moisture content under ~5.5 %) to avoid warping or mould issues.
Selecting the right grade and species
For exterior work (decking, cladding), you’ll want durable species (e.g. blackbutt, merbau) and proper treatment. Bowens stocks a good range of hardwood decking options.
Timber builds are subject to several codes and standards. As a TAG builder, you want to ensure you’re covered:
Bowens’ technical team can help you select timber that meets those code demands for your region.
When TAG members partner with Bowens for timber, you gain more than stock. You gain:
Confidence in sourcing the right species, grades, and treatment for each use case
Access to Bowens’ expert advice on moisture control, installation sequencing, and finishing
Strong logistics and deliverability (including regional support)
Streamlined procurement (one supplier for structure, decking, cladding, mouldings)
These advantages reduce errors, rework, and site delays – boosting your margins and client satisfaction.
Acclimatise timber on site before final installation – give boards time to settle into site moisture equilibrium.
Monitor substrate moisture and humidity before installation to avoid mismatch problems.
Store timber off ground, under cover, and ventilated to avoid moisture uptake before use.
When specifying decking or cladding, always include suitable expansion gaps, ventilation, and drainage.
Choose coated or stainless fixings for durability, especially near water or coastal areas.
Label or document treatment/grade on handover, helps with client education and reduces disputes.
Order your timber through Bowens via TAG and get the benefit of expert support, reliable delivery, and right-first-time material selections. Reach out via your TAG Relationship Manager today or speak to Huey and the team today to get your account set up and your timber needs sorted.
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