Assessment of the length of scantlings across timber markets in the north-central region of Nigeria

Abstract

The renovation of heritage and historical timber buildings will require the removal of decayed or deteriorated timbers and the replacement with new-strong timbers. The accuracy in estimating such timber renovation work largely depends on the knowledge of the estimator about the exact length of the timber scantling that will be supplied to the site. This paper aims to determine whether the timber scantlings sold across the timber markets in the north-central states of Nigeria are up to the standard length of 3.66 m. This research used a descriptive research design and quantitative research approach, to randomly select two shops from 3 timber markets located in the north-central region of Nigeria for data collection. 50 mm × 50 mm, 50 mm × 75 mm, 50 mm × 100 mm, and 50 mm × 150 mm timber scantlings were randomly selected and physically measured using a tape rule. Thirty-seven (37) samples of 50 mm × 50 mm, 50 mm × 75 mm, 50 mm × 100 mm, and 50 mm × 150 mm timbers were picked from each of the three markets. A descriptive analysis was used to determine the mean length of each size across the three surveyed timber markets. This study found that the average length of the timber sold across the markets was less than 3.66 m. The implication is that it becomes imperative for estimators to make inquiries concerning the average length of timbers scantling sold in the market before calculating the required quantities of any timber-related projects. Keywords: Timber scantling, Timber length, Standard length, Timber market