When it comes to choosing timber for your project, understanding the differences between softwood and hardwood is crucial. At International Timber, we’re committed to helping our customers make informed decisions about their timber needs.
Softwood, derived from coniferous trees like pine, spruce, and fir, is generally lighter, more affordable, and easier to work with. It’s an excellent choice for construction framing, outdoor projects, and furniture making. Softwoods tend to grow quickly, making them a more sustainable option in many cases. However, they’re typically less dense and durable than hardwoods.
On the other hand, hardwood comes from deciduous trees such as oak, maple, and walnut. These timbers are known for their strength, durability, and beautiful grain patterns. Hardwoods are often chosen for high-end furniture, Flooring, and architectural details. While they’re generally more expensive and harder to work with than softwoods, their longevity and aesthetic appeal make them a popular choice for many applications.
At International Timber, we offer an extensive range of both softwoods and hardwoods to suit various project requirements. Our softwood selection includes treated timbers perfect for outdoor use, as well as construction-grade lumber for building projects. For those seeking premium hardwoods, we stock a variety of species known for their exceptional quality and beauty.
When choosing between softwood and hardwood, consider factors such as:
Project requirements: Is strength or workability more important?
Budget: Hardwoods typically come at a higher price point.
Aesthetics: Do you prefer the rustic look of pine or the rich grain of oak?
Durability: Will the timber be exposed to the elements or heavy use?
Our Expert team at International Timber can guide you through these considerations, helping you select the perfect timber for your needs. We pride ourselves on sourcing sustainably harvested timber, ensuring that whether you choose softwood or hardwood, you’re making an environmentally responsible choice.
Remember, both softwood and hardwood have their place in the world of timber. The key is understanding their unique properties and choosing the right type for your specific project. With International Timber’s wide selection and expert advice, you can be confident in making the best choice for your timber needs.
Timber cladding has become increasingly popular in modern architecture, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and functional protection. At International Timber, we’re proud to offer a diverse range of timber cladding options to suit any architectural style or project requirement.
Timber cladding serves multiple purposes in Buildingdesign. It provides an additional layer of insulation, protects the building structure from weather elements, and significantly enhances the visual appeal of any property. Whether you’re looking to create a rustic charm or a sleek, contemporary look, timber cladding offers versatility that few other materials can match.
At International Timber, we stock a variety of timber species suitable for cladding, including:
Western Red Cedar: Known for its natural resistance to decay and insects
Siberian Larch: Offers excellent durability and a beautiful, rich colour
Thermowood: Heat-treated timber with enhanced stability and resistance to decay
Oak: Provides a classic, timeless appeal with exceptional durability
Each timber type has its unique characteristics, allowing architects and builders to choose the perfect option for their specific project needs. Our expert team can guide you through the selection process, considering factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic preferences.
One of the key advantages of timber cladding is its sustainability. At International Timber, we’re committed to sourcing our timber responsibly, ensuring that our cladding products are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Many of our timber options are FSC or PEFC certified, guaranteeing they come from well-managed forests.
Installation is a crucial aspect of timber cladding, and we offer comprehensive advice on best practices. From proper ventilation to correct fixing methods, we ensure that our customers have all the information they need for a successful installation. We also provide Guidance on maintenance, helping to ensure that your timber cladding retains its beauty and functionality for years to come.
For those seeking a unique look, we offer various profiling options for our timber cladding. From traditional tongue and groove to more contemporary shadow gap profiles, we can help you achieve the exact aesthetic you’re aiming for.
Choose International Timber for your cladding needs, and benefit from:
High-quality, sustainably sourced timber
Expert advice on timber selection and installation
A wide range of species and profiles to choose from
Competitive pricing and excellent customer service
Timber cladding is more than just a building material; it’s a way to make a statement with your architecture. With International Timber’s extensive range and expertise, you can elevate your building’s aesthetics while ensuring long-lasting protection and performance.
For retirees in Medicare the tax of IRMAA is happening and at a more alarming rate than ever before, so much so that the future of IRMAA will impact many more retirees than anyone is planning for. The 2025 IRMAA brackets are expected to affect even more retirees than the current brackets. Each IRMAA tier has a corresponding marginal tax rate that determines the additional premium part B and part D surcharges.
In 2007, when IRMAA first came into existence, roughly 1.7 million Medicare beneficiaries were hit with this tax.
Today, in 2023, the amount of people in IRMAA is over a staggering 6.8 million. This is an increase of 9.00% annually from 2007 and the future doesn’t look like it will decrease either.
What is the Future of IRMAA?
According to recent reports from the Trustees of Medicare, by 2030 there will be at least 12.8 million or 25% of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries in IRMAA.
This amount of Medicare beneficiaries who will be in IRMAA, according to the Trustees, must occur, regardless of what the IRMAA thresholds may become as the program itself (Medicare) will be insolvent in just a few years without it.
IRMAA is simply a revenue source for both the Medicare and social Security Programs, without it both programs will be in serious jeopardy. The Social Security Administration uses your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to determine your IRMAA tier and corresponding marginal tax rate.
What is IRMAA?
IRMAA, short for Medicare’s Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, is a surcharge on to of Medicare Part B and D premiums for those who earn to much income. The income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) is based on your modified adjusted gross income.
IRMAA is a tax on income.
If you earn an income over a certain limit, then your Medicare premiums will increase accordingly. The more you make in oncome the higher your premiums will be. Your adjusted gross income, as reported on your tax return, is used to determine if you are subject to the income-related monthly adjustment amount. The marginal tax rate for IRMAA can be as high as 85% for the highest income tier.
Compounding this issue of IRMAA and its surcharges is that any surcharges you are hit by will reduce your Social Security benefit too.
You pay for your IRMAA surcharges through your Social Security benefit.
So, the more income you earn in retirement the more your Medicare premiums will be and the lower your Social Security benefit will be too. For married couples filing jointly, the IRMAA threshold is higher than for single filers. The Social Security Administration determines your IRMAA tier and premium part B and D surcharges based on your taxable income.
IRMAA 2025 and into the Future:
Today, in 2024, the IRMAA Thresholds and surcharges are:
Single
Couple MAGI
Part B
Part D
< $103,000
< $206,000
$174.70
Premium (varies)
$103,000 to $129,000
$206,000 to $258,000
$244.60
$12.90
$129,000 to $161,000
$258,000 to $322,000
$349.40
$33.30
$161,000 to $193,000
$322,000 to $386,000
$454.20
$53.80
$193,000 to $500,000
$386,000 to $750,000
$559.00
$74.20
> $500,000
> $750,000
$594.00
$81.00
By next year the Thresholds, if inflation remains constant, IRMAA 2025, according to the Trustees of Medicare, will increase to:
Single
Couple MAGI
Part B
Part D
< $105,000
< $210,000
$185.00
Premium (varies)
$105,000 to $131,000
$210,000 to $262,000
$259.00
Premium + $13.70
$131,000 to $163,000
$262,000 to $326,000
$369.90
Premium + $35.30
$163,000 to $196,000
$326,000 to $392,000
$480.80
Premium + $57.00
$196,000 to $500,000
$392,000 to $750,000
$591.90
Premium + $78.60
> $500,000
> $750,000
$628.90
Premium + $85.80
How many people will reach IRMAA 2025?
The Trustees of Medicare are reporting through its annual report that next year IRMAA 2025 will impact roughly 8.3 million retirees. This is an increase of over 10% from 2023 annually.
These 8.3 million retirees who will hit IRMAA 2025 will pay an extra $23.7 billion in surcharges because they earn too much income, and the amounts are just going to get bigger each year.
IRMAA is a revenue generator for both the Medicare and Social Security programs. The marginal tax rate for each IRMAA tier determines the premium part D surcharge and total drug costs in the coverage gap.
What is income for IRMAA 2025?
When it comes to IRMAA 2025 everything is about your income and the government defines your income as your adjustable gross income (AGI) plus any tax-exempt intertest you may have. Your modified adjusted gross income is used to determine if you are subject to IRMAA surcharges.
To figure out your amount of IRMAA income simply look at lines 2a and 11 of your 2022 IRS form 1040. Your gross income, which includes all taxable income before any deductions, is the starting point for calculating your adjusted gross income. Your IRMAA tier and marginal tax rate are based on your taxable income.
At the cutting edge of steel fibre technology, Optimised Fibres International delivers groundbreaking solutions for concrete reinforcement and refractory applications. Our flagship HCA steel fibres are engineered to significantly boost the performance and durability of both reinforced concrete and refractory materials.
Revolutionising Refractory Manufacturing
In the refractory industry, Optimised Fibres International’s HCA steel fibres have transformed production processes. These steel needles provide unparalleled reinforcement, offering:
Superior heat and corrosion resistance
Exceptional load distribution and crack mitigation
Improved matrix adhesion through innovative anchor designs
Optimised Fibres International’s refractory steel fibres are utilized across diverse sectors, including steel production, foundries, cement manufacturing, and petrochemical facilities.
Elevating Concrete Performance
Optimised Fibres International’s concrete steel fibres excel in various applications:
Industrial Flooring: Delivering unmatched resilience in high-stress environments
Tunnelling and Shotcrete: Providing superior resistance to cracking and water infiltration
Precast Elements: Enhancing structural integrity and longevity
Tailored HCA Steel Fibre Solutions
Optimised Fibres International offers a range of HCA steel fibres, each designed for specific uses:
0.55 x 12mm HE for applications requiring precision
0.55 x 25mm HE as our versatile standard option
0.7 x 35mm HE for high-demand environments
The Future of Construction: Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete
Optimised Fibres International’s steel fibre reinforced concrete offers numerous advantages, including enhanced tensile strength, improved ductility, increased impact resistance, and streamlined construction processes. These benefits make it ideal for industrial flooring, tunnelling, shotcrete applications, and precast elements.
Collaborate with Optimised Fibres International
Choose Optimised Fibres International for state-of-the-art steel fibre solutions that elevate your concrete and refractory projects. Our dedication to quality, innovation, and customer Support ensures that your reinforcement needs are met with precision and expertise.
Experience the Optimised Fibres International difference in your next project. For more information on how our advanced steel fibre solutions can transform your construction or refractory applications, visit