Types of Timber Used in Roofing

Before estimating quantities, let’s understand the different timber components in a standard roof:

Wall Plates – Horizontal timber supporting the roof trusses.
Rafters – Slanted beams from the wall plate to the ridge, carrying the roofing sheet.
Purlins – Horizontal wood running across the rafters, supporting the roofing sheets.
Tie Beams – Horizontal members connecting rafters to prevent roof spread.
King Posts – Vertical posts providing extra support to rafters.
Struts – Diagonal supports preventing collapse.

Timber Requirements for Each Bungalow Size

1-Bedroom Bungalow (Approx. 70 sqm roof area)

Timber Estimate:

Wall Plate: 15 pieces of 3”x4” timber.
Rafters: 20 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
Purlins: 40 pieces of 2”x2” timber.
Tie Beams: 15 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
King Posts: 10 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
Struts: 20 pieces of 3”x4” timber.

Cost Estimate:

3”x4” Timber: 15 pieces x ₦1,500 = ₦22,500.
2”x6” Timber: 55 pieces x ₦2,000 = ₦110,000.
2”x2” Timber: 40 pieces x ₦800 = ₦32,000.

Total: ₦164,500

2-Bedroom Bungalow (Approx. 100 sqm roof area)

Timber Estimate:

Wall Plate: 20 pieces of 3”x4” timber.
Rafters: 25 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
Purlins: 50 pieces of 2”x2” timber.
Tie Beams: 20 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
King Posts: 15 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
Struts: 25 pieces of 3”x4” timber.

Cost Estimate:

3”x4” Timber: 20 pieces x ₦1,500 = ₦30,000.

2”x6” Timber: 60 pieces x ₦2,000 = ₦120,000.

2”x2” Timber: 50 pieces x ₦800 = ₦40,000.

Total: ₦190,000

3-Bedroom Bungalow (Approx. 130 sqm roof area)

Timber Estimate:

Wall Plate: 25 pieces of 3”x4” timber.
Rafters: 30 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
Purlins: 60 pieces of 2”x2” timber.
Tie Beams: 25 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
King Posts: 20 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
Struts: 30 pieces of 3”x4” timber.

Cost Estimate:

3”x4” Timber: 25 pieces x ₦1,500 = ₦37,500.
2”x6” Timber: 75 pieces x ₦2,000 = ₦150,000.
2”x2” Timber: 60 pieces x ₦800 = ₦48,000.

Total: ₦235,500

4-Bedroom Bungalow (Approx. 160 sqm roof area)

Timber Estimate:

Wall Plate: 30 pieces of 3”x4” timber.
Rafters: 35 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
Purlins: 70 pieces of 2”x2” timber.
Tie Beams: 30 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
King Posts: 25 pieces of 2”x6” timber.
Struts: 35 pieces of 3”x4” timber.

Cost Estimate:

3”x4” Timber: 30 pieces x ₦1,500 = ₦45,000.
2”x6” Timber: 90 pieces x ₦2,000 = ₦180,000.
2”x2” Timber: 70 pieces x ₦800 = ₦56,000.

Total: ₦281,000

5-Bedroom Bungalow (Approx. 200 sqm roof area)

Wall Plate: 35 pieces (3”x4”)
Rafters: 40 pieces (2”x6”)
Purlins: 80 pieces (2”x2”)
Tie Beams: 35 pieces (2”x6”)
King Posts: 30 pieces (2”x6”)
Struts: 40 pieces (3”x4”)
Estimated Cost: ₦325,500

Timber Prices in Nigeria (2025 Estimates)

As of 2025, the estimated cost per piece of wood is:

2”x2” Timber – ₦800
2”x3” Timber – ₦1,000
2”x4” Timber – ₦1,300
2”x6” Timber – ₦2,000
3”x4” Timber – ₦1,500

Note: Prices fluctuate due to location, demand, and season.

Other Factors Affecting Timber Cost & Quantity

Roof Design
- Gable Roof (most common) – requires moderate wood.
- Hip Roof (more complex) – requires extra timber.
- Flat Roof – requires the least timber.
Wood Type
- Hardwood (e.g., Mahogany, Iroko) – more durable but costly.
- Softwood (e.g., Obeche, Pine) – cheaper but less durable.
Regional Price Differences
- Timber costs are higher in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt.
- More affordable in Benue, Cross River, Ondo (timber-producing states).
Labor & Miscellaneous Costs
- Carpentry work: ₦150,000 – ₦500,000 depending on house size.
- Transportation: ₦20,000 – ₦100,000 (location-dependent).

Final Thoughts

Roofing a bungalow in Nigeria requires careful budgeting. This guide provides a realistic estimate of timber quantity and costs based on market conditions. Prices may fluctuate, so it’s advisable to get quotes from local timber dealers before purchasing.

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