Dave asks: I am building a cottage near Coffs Harbour, using poles with cob or mud brick as infill. Where can I find information (publication, online resources etc.) about the durability and sizing of timber poles in local hardwoods?

AS1684 – Residential timber-framed construction (it has 4 parts – design, cyclonic, no-cyclonic and simplified/non-cyclonic). Appendix H Clause H2.10 Column 10 ­Durability class – a table of durability values. More information here: www.woodsolutions.com.au

SAI Global (www.saiglobal.com, 1300 65 4646) sell the standards. However, in NSW you can access the standards online – for free – at your local library. Check other state libraries for a similar service.

You may also want to get hold of the Pocket Span Table Book from the Timber Merchants Association. www.timber.asn.au

Keith R. Bootle’s book ‘Wood in Australia – Types, properties and uses’ would also be a useful reference. http://www.booktopia.com.au/wood-in-australia-keith-r-bootle/prod9780071014014.html