Timber framed conservatory.

[Icandoitmaybe]

Hi guys, I'm wanting to build a timber framed conservatory using 8x4 timber. I cant afford oak so any issues in using a treated soft wood or Larch? There are lots of timber described as sleepers that are the right size ie 8x4 or 8x6 and 2.4mtrs length.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[foxhole]

Seems very heavy for framing timber ?

 

[^woody^]

8x4 timber for what, the frame or the cladding?

 

[Icandoitmaybe]

this is the type of look I'm after

 

[^woody^]

Larch may be Ok, but not treated softwood - which is typically red or white wood.

You need to consider stability of the timber not just durability, and I doubt timber cut and sold as sleepers would be stable, also if the timber contains sapwood it would be less stable and less durable, so you would need timber selected, seasoned and cut specifically for framing.

 

[Notch7]

Douglas fir?

There is a company on ebay that imports them from France (location is Outwood Surrey).

Timber sleepers sold for garden landscaping are likely to be very wet and poor grain -liable to suffer shrinkage and movement. If you use such a product, keep them stacked up for a while to stabalise.

A structural framed conservatory needs very careful design to ensure water shedding and avoid moisture being trapped, esp as joints will open up. Ive seen plenty of prime oak structures that have leaked

 

[Icandoitmaybe]

So larch or Douglas fir MIGHT be ok but the whole thing could leak like a colander!

I was hoping for, " it'll be fine just use lots of glue and water repellent wood treatment ".