Although they are generally made with softwood and are used to make structures such as frames, bastaing and planks are distinguished by their size and their use.
How to use bastaing
The bastaing is a piece of wood generally rectangular in shape which, once sawn, has a width of between 155 and 185 millimeters and a thickness between 55 and 65 millimeters. In principle, the bastaing is used as a joist.
This piece of wood is placed horizontally against the beams or against the walls to form the floor in a house. However, it also happens that it is used in the construction of old-fashioned carpentry. It thus serves as a support for the roof as well as for the construction itself. Traditional framing comes in countless styles and sizes. In the pure tradition of carpentry, it is made by hand without a computer or sophisticated machinery.
What is a plank?
The plank is obtained from a plank of wood sawn relatively thickly compared to a bastaing. Its width is between 205 and 225 millimeters and its thickness between 75 and 105 millimeters. The plank is most often used in the context of heavy construction or carpentry work. When building a structure, it ensures the delimitation of spaces and also has static functions.
Unlike logs, the plank has been recut to reveal flat faces. Note that it is also possible to use them by stacking to build the walls of a wooden house. This construction technique is unique. It influenced the development of wooden architecture in Europe.
Softwoods to make a plank and a bastaing
Spruce, Douglas fir, larch, Scots pine… softwoods come in many species and remain popular in the manufacture of bastaings and planks for their innumerable qualities.
Among their advantages, softwoods offer optimal comfort in the house thanks to their significant insulating capacities. In winter, they make it possible to fight against heat losses which are most significant at the level of the roof and which lead to a sharp increase in the cost of heating. In summer, this type of wood manages to regulate the interior temperature so that it is cooler and more pleasant.
Last but not least, softwoods are also renowned for their excellent quality/price ratio, which is ideal for those on tight budgets. Since they are light and easy to work with, they can be suitable for self-build projects.
In terms of durability, softwoods need appropriate treatments to extend their lifespan. In this way, they will withstand extreme temperatures and various weather conditions. Note that like the different varieties of wood, softwood also needs a minimum of maintenance over the years. Varnishes must be carried out at least every ten years to ensure the durability of the structure.