Efficient Exploitation of Beech Wood by Production of an Atypical Structural Element - a Hollow Wooden Post

The aim of the article is to quantify the financial cost of an atypical structural element - a hollow wooden post, and thus determine its market price. This price is subsequently compared to the prices of materials offered by the current market. The calculation of costs is generally defined as balancing costs, profits, and other variables per a labour unit producing the item. A hollow wooden post is a multifunctional construction member. A complex of physical, mechanical, operational and aesthetic properties makes it suitable for use indoors and outdoors, in combination with other materials, as well as for load-bearing and aesthetic purposes. The production of composite materials enhances efficient exploitation of wood raw material. Current advanced technologies not only allow to process less valuable wood assortments, but also wood waste materials from mechanical processing. Thus, the price depends primarily on the input material used, production technology, construction and final design with respect to the purpose of a product. The price of wood raw material is relatively low compared to that of other developed countries. However, the price of engineered wood is high. The price of solid structural timber (KVH) is around € 450.00/m3. In case of glued wood DUO, TRIO, the market price is € 650.00/m3. The cost of 1 m3 of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) of various materials is around € 1,850.00/m3. Thus, the price of wood materials with higher added value is considerably higher compared to materials from solid wood in the form of timber used for structural members. In case of hollow beech posts, as structural glued materials with added value, the calculated price is € 2,175.00/m3.