Structural Timber
Big River Group supplies a complete range of structural timber products for Australian construction – from framing timber in MGP10 and MGP12 grades to engineered LVL beams for long-span and heavy-load applications. We manufacture TruForm LVL and distribute leading brands including Carter Holt Harvey (hySPAN, hyJOIST, SmartLVL) and Hyne Timber.
All structural timber is available through our 20+ locations nationally with crane truck delivery direct to site.
Showing 11 products
ArmourPly Structural Plywood
Structural plywood for bracing, flooring, and general construction
Bracing and flooring substrate
Engineered Plywood Bridge Decking
Give timber bridges a new lease of life.
Bridge decking and infrastructure
Engineered Structural Kerbing
Engineered kerbing provides a visual and tactile path for a vehicle to travel across a bridge or separate pedestrian...
Structural kerbing for infrastructure
Formwork LVL
Big River supplies the widest range of formwork timber and related LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) in concrete structural...
Concrete formwork and accessories
Frame & Truss Solutions
Big River operates three state-of-the-art frame and truss manufacturing sites across Australia strategically located in Breakwater, Victoria, Dry Creek, Adelaide, Bellevue, Perth.
Framing
Scaffold Plank
Big River Group’s Scaffold Plank is recognised for its safe and dependable performance.
Scaffold planking
Structural Hardwood
AUSTRALIAN HARDWOOD – BEAUTIFUL & DURABLE Does your build require durable and aesthetic building materials? Are you...
Structural framing
Structural Pine Framing
MGP10 and MGP12 structural pine for wall frames and roof trusses.
Residential and commercial framing
Timber Fencing & Landscaping Products
Landscape & Fencing Supplies - Create Great Gardens When you need building products and timber for fencing and...
Structural framing
Timber Mouldings
Beautiful Timber Mouldings for all Styles Are you building a residence that’s nearing completion and needs finishing...
Decorative timber mouldings
TruForm LVL Beams
High-strength LVL beams for formwork and structural applications
Commercial formwork systems
How to Choose the Right Structural Timber
Framing Grades: MGP10 vs MGP12
Machine-graded pine (MGP) is the standard framing material for Australian residential construction, graded to AS 1748. MGP10 is the most widely specified grade – suitable for wall frames, roof trusses, and general-purpose framing. MGP12 offers higher stiffness and is specified where greater spanning capacity or load performance is required, such as long-span floor joists or heavily loaded lintels. Both grades are available in treated and untreated options from our locations.
When to Specify LVL
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is engineered for applications where sawn timber cannot achieve the required span or load capacity. TruForm LVL and distributed brands like hySPAN and SmartLVL are commonly specified for bearers, lintels, ridge beams, floor joists, and header beams over wide openings. LVL offers dimensional stability, consistent strength properties, and resistance to warping – critical for long-span residential and commercial framing.
Termite Treatment Levels
Hazard level selection depends on the application and location. H2 treated framing (including H2-S and H2 Blue) is specified for indoor, above-ground applications in termite-risk areas. H3 treatment is required for outdoor above-ground use such as deck bearers, veranda joists, and pergola beams. Always verify the required hazard level against AS 1604 and the NCC for your project location and application.
Timber Mouldings
Timber mouldings provide finishing profiles for architraves, skirtings, window reveals, and decorative trims. Available in primed pine and hardwood options, mouldings are specified alongside framing timber to complete interior fitout. Primed products reduce on-site painting time and deliver a consistent finish quality.
Compliance and Specification Support
All structural timber supplied by Big River meets the requirements of AS/NZS 1720 (timber structures) and AS 1684 (residential timber framed construction). LVL products are certified to AS/NZS 4357. Your local Big River location team can assist with grade selection, span table references, and treatment specification for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MGP10 and MGP12 framing timber?
MGP10 and MGP12 are machine stress grades for plantation pine framing. MGP10 has a minimum stiffness of 10,000 MPa and suits most residential wall frames, roof trusses, and general framing. MGP12 has a higher stiffness rating of 12,000 MPa, offering greater spanning capacity for floor joists, lintels, and applications where reduced deflection is specified. Both grades are manufactured to AS 1748 and designed in accordance with AS/NZS 1720.
What is LVL timber and what is it used for?
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product made by bonding thin wood veneers with structural adhesive under heat and pressure. LVL is specified for bearers, beams, lintels, ridge beams, floor joists, and header beams where sawn timber cannot achieve the required span or load capacity. It offers consistent structural properties, dimensional stability, and resistance to warping, making it a reliable alternative to steel in many residential and commercial framing applications.
What timber grade do I need for floor joists and bearers?
Floor joists in residential construction typically require MGP10 or MGP12 pine framing, depending on span and spacing as specified in AS 1684. For longer spans or heavier loads, LVL beams rated E13 or E14 are commonly specified for both joists and bearers. Bearer selection depends on the span between supporting posts and the load from above – refer to the relevant span tables or consult your Big River location team for specification guidance.
Is LVL stronger than solid timber?
LVL offers a higher and more consistent strength-to-weight ratio than most sawn timber because the manufacturing process eliminates natural defects like knots and grain deviation. An LVL beam can typically span longer distances and carry heavier loads than an equivalent-sized piece of sawn hardwood or pine. LVL also resists warping and shrinkage, providing more predictable long-term performance in structural applications.
Does Big River supply structural timber and LVL beams?
Big River Group manufactures TruForm LVL beams and supplies a comprehensive range of structural timber through 20+ locations nationally. The range includes MGP10 and MGP12 pine framing, LVL beams from Carter Holt Harvey (hySPAN, SmartLVL) and Hyne Timber, I-joists, laminated beams, and timber mouldings. Crane truck delivery is available direct to site across Australia.
Related Product Categories
Visit Your Local Big River Location
Find specialist building products and expert advice at your nearest Big River Location.