wood
INFO
RM
ATIO
NSection 2/3 Sheet 10Subject: Timber - General
Revised June 1999Amended October 2002
CI/SfBYi
Uniclass P51UDC 699.11
Timbers - theirproperties and usesThe characteristics and uses of a broad rangeof species seen in the UK are contained inthis Wood Information sheet. A companionsheet Wood decorative and practical includescolour illustrations and brief details of 48 ofthe most commonly used timbers listed here.The characteristics shown in the followingtables are described below.
Species
The standard names recommended in BS7359 Nomenclature of commercial timbersincluding sources of supply are given in boldin the tables. The botanical names areincluded to avoid confusion betweendifferent timbers which may have similarcommon names. The main regions of originare indicated for each timber.
Colour(s)
Relates to the heartwood of the species. Mosttimbers vary in colour and will change withuse, the application of finishes and exposureto light. Unprotected timber exposed to theweather will discolour and may developmould growth.
Density
Varies depending on species and moisturecontent. Averages at 15% moisture contentare quoted; 0.5% of the given weight can beadded for every 1% increase in moisturecontent* Indicates that density can vary by 20% ormore.
Texture
Surface texture is classified as fine, mediumor coarse.
Moisture movement
Refers to the dimensional changes thatoccur when dried timber is subjected tochanges in atmospheric conditions. It isclassed as small, medium or large and is notdirectly related to the shrinkage whichoccurs when green timber is dried tomoisture contents suitable for internal use.For structural purposes, movement is notusually significant but species with smallmovement should be specified wherestability in varying humidities is importanteg decorative wood flooring.** Indicates a provisional classification.
Working qualities
Refers to ease of working and is classed asgood, medium or difficult. A difficultclassification indicates that particular careshould be taken in machining to achieve anacceptable surface finish. Health and Safetyrequirements relating to the use ofwoodworking tools and machinery and tothe control of wood dust should always befollowed.
Durability
The classifications quoted refer to theresistance to fungal decay of the heartwoodof the species only. The sapwood of mostspecies is not durable or slightly durable andshould not be used in exposed situationswithout preservative treatment. Five naturaldurability to wood-destroying fungi classesare recognised in BS EN 350-1 Guide to theprinciples of testing and classification of thenatural durability of wood:Class 1 very durableClass 2 durableClass 3 moderately durableClass 4 slightly durableClass 5 not durable.
900237G
2
The classifications in this sheet are those given inBS EN 350-1 for the timbers included.
Insect attack is generally of less significance in theUK. Information on the resistance of some timbersto insect and marine borer attack is given in BS EN350-2 Guide to natural durability and treatability ofselected wood species of importance in Europe.
Guidance on the need for preservative treatment inparticular situations is given in a number of BritishStandards including BS 5268-5 and BS 5589.
Treatability
Refers to how easily timbers can be penetratedwith preservatives applied by vacuum pressureprocesses. BS EN 350-2 includes four levels oftreatability but recognises that the classes cannotbe separated exactly from each other.
The categories included in BS EN 350-2 are:EasyModerately easyDifficultExtremely difficult.
BS EN 351-1 Durability of wood and wood-basedproducts - Preservative treated solid wood -Classification of preservative penetration andretention gives guidance on the selection ofpreservative treatment. Guidance is also given inBS 1282 Guide to the choice, use and application ofwood preservatives and in the Draft forDevelopment 239 Code of practice for thepreservation of timber.
Availability
Described in broad terms as regular, limited orvariable. It will vary both from time to time andthroughout the country. Some species may not beavailable as raw material (or only in tiny quantities)but may be seen as veneer on furniture orpanelling. Other species have been includedbecause of their historical or technical interest orimportance.
Trading in some species is governed by CITES - theConvention in International Trade in EndangeredSpecies which lists species in three categories:
Appendix I - Trading prohibited
Appendix II - Trade permitted subject to exportpermits from the country of origin (and re-exportpermits as appropriate) and UK import permitsfrom the Department for Environment, Food andRural Affairs.
Appendix III - Species protected within individualparty states.
Note that CITES listing covers the raw materialonly, not manufactured products.
CITES is implemented within the European Unionby EC Regulations; the species listing is broadlyequivalent to CITES listings. In the UK thislegislation is backed by the Control of Trade inEndangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations1997. Further information is available fromwww.ukcites.gov.uk.
Price
Price is difficult to quantify since timber is affectedby currency variations. However, to give a generalindication of comparative prices, the followingterms are used:(1999 prices)High over £1,000 per cubic metreMedium £550 - £999 per cubic metreLow up to £550 per cubic metre
The prices relate to decorative hardwoods:structural softwoods will normally fall into thecheaper half of the low category. Prices are for kilndried stock where appropriate.
Remarks
Comments where necessary on sizes, specialfeatures such as drying, staining etc
Uses
The list is not exhaustive, and most timbers can beused for more purposes than those listed.
Sizes
Specifiers and buyers should check on theavailability of species and sizes with suppliers.
* see Density, ** see Moisture movement, page 1 3
Species/
Origin
Timber type/
Colour
Density
kg/m3
Texture Moisture
movement
Working
qualities
Durability
Fungi
Treatability
Heartwood
Availability/
Price
Remarks Uses
AburaHallea ciliataW Africa
HardwoodLight brown
580*Medium/fine
Small Medium Not durableModeratelyeasy
LimitedLow
Colour variable. Resistant toacids
Interior joinery,mouldings
AfrormosiaPericopsis elataW Africa
HardwoodLight brown
710Medium/fine
Small MediumDurable - verydurable
ExtremelyDifficult
CITES IIDarkens on exposure. Stains incontact with iron in dampconditions
Interior and exteriorjoinery. Furniture.Cladding
Afzelia (doussié)Afzelia sppW Africa
HardwoodReddish-brown
830*Medium/coarse
SmallMedium/difficult
Very durableExtremelydifficult
LimitedMedium
Exudes yellow dye in dampconditions
Interior and exteriorjoinery. Cladding
AgbaGossweilerodendronbalsamiferumW Africa
HardwoodYellowish-brown
510 Medium Small GoodModeratelydurable -durable
DifficultLimitedMedium
Gum exudation may betroublesome
Interior and exteriorjoinery, trim. Cladding
AndirobaCarapa guianensisS America
HardwoodPink to red-brown
640Medium/coarse
Small MediumSlightly durable- moderatelydurable
DifficultLimitedMedium
Interior joinery
Ash, AmericanFraxinus sppUSA
HardwoodGrey, brown
670* Coarse Medium Medium Not durable EasyRegularMedium
Interior joinery, trim.Tool handles
Ash, EuropeanFraxinus excelsiorEurope
HardwoodWhite to light brown
710*Medium/coarse
Medium Good Not durableModeratelyeasy
RegularMedium
Selected stock may be toughand suitable for bending
Interior joinery. Sportsgoods
Aspen (American,Canadian)Populus tremuloidesCanada, USA
HardwoodGrey, white to palebrown
450 Fine Large Medium Not durableExtremelydifficult **
VariableLow
Interior joinery. Matches
BalsaOchroma lagopusS America
HardwoodWhite
160* Fine Small Good Not durable DifficultLimitedMedium
High buoyancy value. Goodinsulating value
Heat, sound andvibration insulation
Balau (yellow)Shorea sppS E Asia
HardwoodYellow-brown tored-brown
980* Medium Medium Medium DurableExtremelydifficult
VariableLow
A hard, heavy, strong timber.Obtainable in large sizes
Heavy structural work,bridge and wharfconstruction
BasswoodTilia americanaN America
HardwoodCreamy white topale brown
420 Fine Medium Good Not durable EasyLimitedMedium
Constructional veneer.Turnery, piano keys,woodware
Beech, EuropeanFagus sylvaticaEurope
HardwoodWhitish to palebrown, pinkish-red ifsteamed
720 Fine Large Good Not durable
Easy(red heartextremelydifficult)
RegularLow/Medium
Excellent bending propertiesFurniture, interiorjoinery, flooring.Plywood
* see Density, ** see Moisture movement, page 1 4
Species/
Origin
Timber type/
Colour
Density
kg/m3
Texture Moisture
movement
Working
qualities
Durability
Fungi
Treatability
Heartwood
Availability/
Price
Remarks Uses
Birch, AmericanBetula sppNorth America
HardwoodLight to dark reddishbrown
640/710 Fine Large Good Not durableEasy -moderatelyeasy
RegularLow
Includes yellow birch andpaper birch
Furniture. Plywood.Flooring
Birch, EuropeanBetula pendula, B. pubescensEurope
HardwoodWhite to light brown
670 Fine Large Good Not durableEasy -moderatelyeasy
LimitedLow
Includes silver birch and whitebirch
Plywood. Furniture.Turnery
Cedar of LebanonCedrus libaniEurope
SoftwoodLight brown
580 MediumMedium/small **
Good Durable DifficultLimitedLow
Pungent cedar odourJoinery. Gardenfurniture. Gates
“Cedar, Central/SAmerican”Cedrela sppCentral & S America
HardwoodPinkish-brown todark reddish-brown
480 Coarse Small Good DurableExtremelydifficult
LimitedMedium
Distinctive odourCabinet work, interiorjoinery. Racing boatbuilding. Cigar boxes
Cherry, AmericanPrunus serotinaUSA
HardwoodReddish-brown tored
580 Fine Medium GoodModeratelydurable
No informationLimitedMedium
Cabinet making,furniture, interior joinery
Cherry, EuropeanPrunus aviumEurope
HardwoodPInkish-brown
630 Fine Medium GoodModeratelydurable
No informationLimitedMedium/High
Inclined to warp; use in smallsections
Cabinet making,furniture
Chestnut, horseAesculus hippocastanumEurope
HardwoodWhite to paleyellow-brown
510 Fine Small Medium Not durable EasyLimitedLow
Brush backs. Fruit traysand boxes
Chestnut, sweetCastanea sativaEurope
HardwoodYellowish-brown
560 Medium Large Good DurableExtremelydifficult
LimitedMedium
Stains in contact with iron indamp conditions
Interior and exteriorjoinery. Fencing
DantaNesogordonia papaveriferaW Africa
HardwoodReddish-brown
750 Fine Medium GoodModeratelydurable
Difficult -extremelydifficult
LimitedLow
Flooring. Joinery.Turnery
“Douglas fir”Pseudotsuga menziesiiN America & UK
SoftwoodLight reddish-brown
530 Medium Small GoodModeratelydurable -durable
Extremelydifficult
RegularMedium
Marked ‘flame-like’ growth ringfigure. Long lengths and cleargrades available
Plywood. Interior andexterior joinery.Construction. Vats &tanks
EbonyDiospyros sppW Africa, India, Sri Lanka
HardwoodBlack, somegrey/black stripes
1030/1190
Fine Medium Medium Very durableExtremelydifficult
LimitedHigh
Generally small sizes onlyavailable. Dust may be irritant
Used primarily fordecorative work.Turnery, inlaying
Ekki/azobéLophira alataW Africa
HardwoodDark red to darkbrown
1070 Coarse Large DifficultDurable(variable)
Extremelydifficult
LimitedLow/Medium
Moderately resistant to termiteattack. Acid resistant.Obtainable in large sizes
Heavy construction;marine and freshwater.Bridges, sleepers, etc
Elm, EuropeanUlmus sppEurope
HardwoodLight brown
560* Coarse Medium Medium Slightly durableModeratelyeasy - Difficult
LimitedMedium
Includes smooth leaved elm,wych elm
Furniture, coffins. Boatbuilding
* see Density, ** see Moisture movement, page 1 5
Species/
Origin
Timber type/
Colour
Density
kg/m3
Texture Moisture
movement
Working
qualities
Durability
Fungi
Treatability
Heartwood
Availability/
Price
Remarks Uses
Elm, WhiteUlmus americanaN America
HardwoodPale reddish-brown
580 Coarse Medium Medium Slightly durable DifficultLimitedMedium
Good strength, toughness andbending properties
Furniture. Coffins.Rubbing strips
GaboonAucoumea klaineanaW Africa
HardwoodPinkish brown
430 Medium Medium Medium Slightly durable DifficultLimitedMedium
Used principally forplywood and blockboard
Gedu nohor/edinamEntandrophragma angolenseW Africa
HardwoodReddish brown
560 Medium Small MediumModeratelydurable
Extremelydifficult
LimitedLow/Medium
Furniture, interior andexterior joinery
GeronggangCratoxylon arborescensS E Asia
HardwoodPink to red
540 Coarse Medium Medium Slightly durable EasyVariableLow
Interior joinery
GreeenheartOcotea rodiaeiGuyana
HardwoodYellow/olive green tobrown
1040 Fine Medium Difficult Very durableExtremelydifficult
VariableMedium
Available in very large sizesHeavy construction;marine and freshwater.bridges, etc
GuareaGuarea cedrataW Africa
HardwoodPinkish brown
590 Medium Small MediumDurable(variable)
Extremelydifficult
VariableLow/Medium
Fine dust may be irritant.Resin exudation may occur
Furniture, interiorjoinery, cabinet making
Hemlock, WesternTsuga heterophyllaN America
SoftwoodPale brown
500 Fine Small Good Slightly durableModeratelyeasy - Difficult
RegularLow/Medium
Obtainable in large sizes, longlengths and clear grades
Construction. Joinery
Hevea - see Rubberwood
HickoryCarya sppN America (Eastern)
HardwoodBrown toreddish-brown
830 Coarse Large Difficult Slightly durableModeratelyeasy
LimitedMedium
Good steam bendingproperties. Good shockresistance
Striking tool handles.Ladder rungs. Sportsgoods
IdigboTerminalia ivorensisW Africa
HardwoodYellow
560* Medium Small MediumModeratelydurable /Durable
Extremelydifficult
VariableMedium
Stains yellow in contact withwater; stains in contact withiron when wet. Acidic and maycorrode ferrous metals.
Interior and exteriorjoinery. Plywood
IrokoMilicia excelsa, M. regiaW Africa
HardwoodYellow-brown
660 Medium SmallMedium/difficult
Durable /Very durable
Extremelydifficult
RegularLow/Medium
Occasional deposits of stonemay occur
Exterior and interiorjoinery. Bench tops.Constructional work
JarrahEucalyptus marginataAustralia
HardwoodPink to dark red
820* Medium Medium Difficult Very durableExtremelydifficult
LimitedLow/medium
Heavy constructionalwork. Flooring
JelutongDyera costulataS E Asia
HardwoodWhite to yellow
470 Fine Small Good Slightly durable EasyRegularMedium
Latex ducts may be presentPattern making. Drawingboards
KapurDryobalanops sppS E Asia
HardwoodReddish-brown
770* Medium Medium MediumDurable / Verydurable
Extremelydifficult
VariableMedium
Camphor-like odourExterior joinery.Decking. constructionaluse
* see Density, ** see Moisture movement, page 1 6
Species/
Origin
Timber type/
Colour
Density
kg/m3
Texture Moisture
movement
Working
qualities
Durability
Fungi
Treatability
Heartwood
Availability/
Price
Remarks Uses
KarriEucalyptus diversicolorAustralia
HardwoodReddish-brown
900 Medium Large Difficult DurableExtremelydifficult
LimitedMedium
Heavy construction
KempasKoompassia malaccensisS E Asia
HardwoodOrange-red tored-brown
880 Coarse Medium Difficult Durable DifficultLimitedLow
Slightly acidic and mayencourage corrosion of ferrousmetals
Heavy constructional use
Keruing, apitong, gurjun,yangDipterocarpus sppS E Asia
HardwoodPinkish-brown todark brown
740* MediumLarge/Medium
DifficultModeratelydurable(variable))
Difficult(variable)
RegularLow
Liable to resin exudationHeavy and generalconstruction. Decking,vehicle flooring
Larch, EuropeanLarix deciduaEurope
SoftwoodPale reddish-brown
550 Fine Small MediumSlightly durable/ Moderatelydurable
Extremelydifficult
RegularLow
Boat planking.Transmission poles
Larch, JapaneseLarix kaempferiEurope
SoftwoodReddish-brown
530 Fine Small MediumSlightly durable/ Moderatelydurable
Extremelydifficult
RegularMedium
Stakes. Generalconstruction
Lauan - see Meranti
Lignum vitaeGuaiacum sppCentral America
HardwoodDark green/brown
1250 Fine Medium Difficult Very durableExtremelydifficult
CITES IIHigh
Obtainable in small sizes onlyBushes and bearings.Sports goods
Limba/afaraTerminalia superbaW Africa
HardwoodPale yellow,brown/straw
560* Medium Small Good Slightly durableModeratelyeasy
LimitedLow/medium
Furniture. Interiorjoinery
Lime, EuropeanTilia sppEurope
HardwoodYellowish-white topale brown
560 Fine Medium Good Not durable EasyLimited/Low
Carving, turnery. Bungs.Clogs
Mahogany, AfricanKhaya sppW Africa
HardwoodReddish-brown
530* Medium Small MediumModeratelydurable
Extremelydifficult
RegularLow/Medium
Furniture, cabinet work.Boat building. Joinery
Mahogany, AmericanSwietenia macrophyllaCentral & S America
HardwoodReddish-brown
560* Medium Small Good DurableExtremelydifficult
CITES IIIRegularHigh
Furniture, cabinet work.Interior and exteriorjoinery. Boat building
MakoréTieghemella heckelii,T. africanaW Africa
HardwoodPinkish-brown todark red
640 Fine Small Medium Very durableExtremelydifficult
VariableMedium
Fine dust may be irritantFurniture. Interior andexterior joinery. Boatbuilding. Plywood
Maple, rockAcer saccharum, A. nigrumN America
HardwoodCreamy white
740 Fine Medium Medium Slightly durable DifficultRegularMedium
High resistance to abrasionExcellent flooring timber.Furniture. Sports goods
* see Density, ** see Moisture movement, page 1 7
Species/
Origin
Timber type/
Colour
Density
kg/m3
Texture Moisture
movement
Working
qualities
Durability
Fungi
Treatability
Heartwood
Availability/
Price
Remarks Uses
Maple, softAcer saccharinum,A. rubrumN America
HardwoodCreamy white
550* Fine Medium Medium Slightly durableModeratelyeasy
LimitedMedium
Furniture. Interiorjoinery. Turnery
MengkulangHeritiera sppS E Asia
HardwoodRed, brown
720 Coarse Small Medium Slightly durable DifficultLimitedMedium
Interior joinery.Construction. Plywood
Meranti, dark red/darkred seraya/red lauanShorea sppS E Asia
HardwoodMedium to darkred-brown
710* Medium Small MediumSlightly durable- durable(variable)
Extremelydifficult(variable)
RegularLow/Medium
Interior and exteriorjoinery. Plywood
Meranti, light red/lightred seraya/white lauanShorea sppS E Asia
HardwoodPale pink to mid red
550* Medium Small MediumSlightly durable/ Moderatelydurable
Extremelydifficult(variable)
RegularLow
Interior joinery. Plywood
Meranti, yellow/yellow serayaShorea sppS E Asia
HardwoodYellow-brown
660* Medium Small Medium Slightly durableExtremelydifficult(variable)
LimitedLow/Medium
Interior joinery. Plywood
MerbauIntsia bijuga, I. palembanicaS E Asia
HardwoodMedium brown todark red-brown
830 Coarse Small ModerateDurable / Verydurable
Extremelydifficult
VariableMedium
Liable to stain in contact withiron in damp conditions
Joinery. Flooring.Structural work
NiangonHeritiera utilis, H. densifloraW Africa
HardwoodReddish brown
640* Medium Medium GoodModeratelydurable
Extremelydifficult
VariableLow
Interior and exteriorjoinery. Furniture
NyatohPalaquium sppS E Asia
HardwoodPale pink tored-brown
720* Fine Medium MediumSlightly durable/ Moderatelydurable
Extremelydifficult
VariableLow
Furniture. Interiorjoinery.
Oak, American redQuercus sppN America
HardwoodYellowish-brownwith red tinge
790 Medium Medium Medium Slightly durableModeratelyeasy/ Difficult
RegularMedium
Furniture. Interiorjoinery
Oak, American whiteQuercus sppN America
HardwoodPale yellow tomid-brown
770 Medium Medium MediumModeratelydurable /Durable
Extremelydifficult
RegularMedium
Acidic nature; iron staining mayoccur in damp conditions. Mayalso corrode metals
Furniture, cabinet work.Interior and exteriorjoinery. Flooring. Tightcooperage
Oak, EuropeanQuercus robur, Q. petraeaEurope
HardwoodYellowish-brown
720*Medium/coarse
MediumMedium/difficult
DurableExtremelydifficult
VariableMedium/High
Iron staining may occur indamp conditions, similarlycorrosion of metals
Furniture. Interior andexterior joinery.Flooring. Tightcooperage. Fencing
* see Density, ** see Moisture movement, page 1 8
Species/
Origin
Timber type/
Colour
Density
kg/m3
Texture Moisture
movement
Working
qualities
Durability
Fungi
Treatability
Heartwood
Availability/
Price
Remarks Uses
Oak, JapaneseQuercus mongolica (mainly)Japan
HardwoodPale yellow
670 Medium Medium MediumModeratelydurable
Extremelydifficult**
Very limitedHigh
Furniture. Interiorjoinery
“Oak, Tasmanian”Eucalyptus delegatensisE obliqua, E regnansAustralia & Tasmania
HardwoodPale pink to brown
610/710*
Coarse Medium MediumModeratelydurable
DifficultLimitedMedium
Furniture. Interiorjoinery
Obeche /wawaTriplochiton scleroxylonW Africa
HardwoodWhite to pale yellow
390 Medium Small Good Not durable DifficultRegularLow/Medium
Interior joinery.Furniture. Plywood
OpepeNauclea diderrichiiW Africa
HardwoodYellow toorange-yellow
750 Coarse Small Medium Very durableModeratelyeasy
VariableLow
Heavy construction.Marine and freshwateruse. Exterior joinery.Flooring
PadaukPterocarpus sppW Africa, Andamans,Myanmar
HardwoodRed to darkpurple-brown
740*/850
Coarse Small Medium Very durableModeratelyeasy
LimitedHigh
Dust may be irritantInterior and exteriorjoinery. Turnery.Flooring
Parana pineAraucaria angustifoliaS America
SoftwoodGolden brown withbright red streaks
550 Fine Medium GoodNot durable -Slightly durable
Moderatelyeasy
RegularLow/Medium
Distortion may occur in drying Interior joinery. Plywood
Pine, Canadian redPinus resinosaN America
SoftwoodReddish yellow,white
450 Fine Small Good Slightly durableModeratelyeasy
LimitedLow
Construction. Joinery
Pine, CorsicanPinus nigra var maritimaEurope
SoftwoodLight yellowish-brown
510 Coarse Small MediumSlightly durable(variable)
Extremelydifficult(variable)
RegularLow
Joinery, construction
Pine, elliotisPinus elliottiiBrazil, Chile (Plantationgrown)
SoftwoodPale brown to yellow
590 Medium Medium Medium Slightly durableModeratelyeasy
RegularLow
Pallets, packaging.Joinery
Pine, JackPinus banksianaCanada, USA
SoftwoodPale brown/ reddishbrown
500 Medium Medium Medium Slightly durableModeratelyeasy
VariableLow
Construction, joinery
Pine, lodgepolePinus contortaN America
SoftwoodYellow to palebrown tinged withred
470 Fine Small GoodSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable
Difficult -Extremelydifficult
RegularLow
Construction. Joinery
Pine, maritimePinus pinasterEurope
SoftwoodPale brown to yellow
530Medium-Coarse
Medium GoodSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable
DifficultRegularLow
Pallets and packaging.Joinery
* see Density, ** see Moisture movement, page 1 9
Species/
Origin
Timber type/
Colour
Density
kg/m3
Texture Moisture
movement
Working
qualities
Durability
Fungi
Treatability
Heartwood
Availability/
Price
Remarks Uses
Pine, patulaPinus patulaSouth Africa
SoftwoodPale brown to yellow
590 Medium Medium Medium Slightly durableModeratelyeasy
LimitedLow
Pallets and packaging.Joinery
Pine, pitch, AmericanPinus palustris, P. elliottiiSouthern USA
SoftwoodYellow-brown tored-brown
670* Medium Medium MediumSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable
Difficult -Extremelydifficult
RegularMedium
Denser material also known aslongleaf yellow pine or longleafpitch pine
Interior and exteriorjoinery. Heavyconstruction
Pine, ponderosaPinus ponderosaN America
SoftwoodPale to dark yellowto reddish-brown
480 Fine Small Good Slightly durableModeratelyeasy
VariableLow
Construction. Joinery
Pine, radiataPinus radiataS Africa, S America,Australia, New Zealand
SoftwoodYellow to palebrown
480 Medium Medium GoodNot durable -Slightly durable
Moderatelyeasy - Difficult
RegularLow
Construction, furniture,packaging
Pine, ScotsPinus sylvestrisUK
SoftwoodPale yellowish-brown to red-brown
510 Coarse Medium MediumSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable
Difficult -Extremelydifficult
RegularLow
Construction, joinery
Pine, SouthernPinus spp including P.palustris, P. elliottii, P.echinata, P. taedaSouthern USA
SoftwoodPale yellow to lightbrown
590 Medium Medium Medium
Slightlydurable/Moderatelydurable
Difficult -Extremelydifficult
RegularLow
Also know as Southern yellowpine
Construction, joinery.Plywood
Pine, yellowPinus strobusN America
SoftwoodPale yellow to lightbrown
420 Fine Small Good Slightly durableModeratelyeasy
RegularLow/medium
Also known as Quebec yellowpine and Eastern white pine
Pattern making, drawingboards, doors
Plane, EuropeanPlatanus x hispanicaEurope
HardwoodMottled brown
640 FineNoinformation
Medium Not durable No informationLimitedMedium
Quarter sawn materialproduces lacewood figure
Decorative purposes.Inlay work
PoplarPopulus sppEurope
HardwoodGrey white to palebrown
450Fine/Medium
Large Medium Not durableDifficult(variable)
VariableLow
Pallet blocks, boxboards, turnery. Woodwool
Poplar, American yellow see Tulipwood
PurpleheartPeltogyne sppCentral & S America
HardwoodPurple topurplish-brown
880 Medium SmallMedium/Difficult
Moderatelydurable -Durable
Extremelydifficult
LimitedHigh
Heavy construction.Flooring. Turnery
RaminGonystylus sppS E Asia
HardwoodWhite to pale yellow
670 Medium Large Medium Not durable EasyVariableLow/Medium
Mouldings. Furniture
Redwood, EuropeanPinus sylvestrisScandinavia/USSR
SoftwoodPale yellowish-brown to red brown
510 Medium Medium MediumSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable
Difficult -Extremelydifficult
RegularLow
Construction. Joinery.Furniture
* see Density, ** see Moisture movement, page 1 10
Species/
Origin
Timber type/
Colour
Density
kg/m3
Texture Moisture
movement
Working
qualities
Durability
Fungi
Treatability
Heartwood
Availability/
Price
Remarks Uses
RosewoodDalbergia sppS America, India
HardwoodMedium to darkpurplish-brown withblack streaks
870* Medium Small Medium Very durableExtremelydifficult
D nigraCITES I
Unlikely to be available as rawmaterial. Fine dust may beirritant
Interior joinery. Cabinetwork, turnery
Rubberwood / heveaHevea brasiliensisBrazil, S E Asia
HardwoodCream to lightbrown
560Medium/Coarse
Medium -Large
Medium/Good
Not durable Easy Limited Furniture, Turnery
SapeleEntandrophragmacylindricumWest Africa
HardwoodMedium reddish-brown with markedstripe figure
640 Medium Medium MediumModeratelydurable
DifficultRegularMedium
Interior joinery.Furniture. Flooring
SepetirSindora sppS E Asia
HardwoodGolden brown
680 Medium Small Difficult DurableExtremelydifficult
LimitedLow
Joinery. Furniture
Seraya- see Meranti
SesendokEndospermum sppS E Asia
HardwoodPale cream to strawyellow
480Mediumto coarse
Small Medium Not durable EasyLimitedLow/medium
Also known as Kauvula (Fiji)Mouldings, interiorjoinery
Spruce, CanadianPicea sppCanada
SoftwoodWhite to pale yellow
400*/500
Medium Small GoodNot durable -Slightly durable
DifficultRegularLow
Construction.
Spruce, SitkaPicea sitchensisNorth America, UK
SoftwoodPinkish-brown
450 Coarse Small GoodNot durable -Slightly durable
DifficultRegularLow
Construction. Packaging,pallets
SycamoreAcer pseudoplatanusEurope
HardwoodWhite oryellowish-white
630 Fine Medium Good Not durable EasyLimitedMedium
Turnery. Joinery
TaunPometia pinnataS E Asia
HardwoodPale pinkish-brown
720 Coarse Medium MediumModeratelydurable
Difficult -Extremelydifficult
LimitedLow
Structural work.Turnery, joinery,furniture
TeakTectona grandisBurma, Thailandand plantations elsewhere
HardwoodGolden brown,sometimes with darkmarkings
660 Medium Small Medium Very durableExtremelydifficult
RegularHigh
Fine dust may be irritant. Goodchemical resistance. Resistantto termites. Some cultivatedtimber may have lowerdurability
Furniture. Interior andexterior joinery. Boatbuilding
Tulipwood /Poplar,American yellowLiriodendron tulipiferaN America
HardwoodYellowish to olivebrown with darkstains
510 Fine Medium Good Slightly durable No informationLimitedMedium
Joinery, Furniture
* see Density, ** see Moisture movement, page 1 11
Species/
Origin
Timber type/
Colour
Density
kg/m3
Texture Moisture
movement
Working
qualities
Durability
Fungi
Treatability
Heartwood
Availability/
Price
Remarks Uses
UtileEntandrophragma utileW Africa
HardwoodReddish-brown
660 Medium Medium MediumModeratelydurable -Durable
Extremelydifficult
RegularMedium
Interior and exteriorjoinery. Furniture andcabinet work
Virola, lightVirola sppDialyanthera sppCentral and S America
HardwoodPale pinkish-brown
530* Medium Medium Medium Not durableEasy -Moderatelyeasy
LimitedLow
Carpentry, mouldings.Furniture. Plywood.
WallabaEperua falcata,E. grandifloraGuyana
HardwoodDull reddish-brown
910 Coarse Medium** Medium Very durableExtremelydifficult
LimitedMedium
Gum exudation likelyTransmission poles.Flooring, Decking. Heavyconstruction
“Walnut, African”Lovoa trichilioidesW Africa
HardwoodYellowish-brown,sometimes with darkstreaks
560 Medium Small MediumSlightly durable- Moderatelydurable
Difficult -Extremelydifficult
VariableMedium
Furniture, cabinet work.and exterior joinery
Walnut, AmericanJuglans nigraN America
HardwoodRich dark brown
660 CoarseSmall/Medium**
GoodModeratelydurable
Difficult -Extremelydifficult
VariableMedium/High
Also known as Black walnut Furniture. Gun stocks
Walnut, EuropeanJuglans regiaEurope
HardwoodGrey-brown withdark streaks
670 Coarse Medium GoodModeratelydurable
DifficultLimitedHigh
Staining likely if in contact withiron under damp conditions
Furniture, turnery. Gunstocks
Wengé / Panga pangaMillettia laurentiiM stuhlmanniiCentral & E Africa
HardwoodDark brown withfine black veining
880* Coarse Small Good DurableExtremelydifficult
LimitedMedium
Interior and exteriorjoinery. Flooring.Turnery
“Western red cedar”Thuja plicataN America
SoftwoodReddish-brown
390 Coarse Small GoodModeratelydurable -Durable
Difficult -Extremelydifficult
RegularMedium
Fine dust may be irritant. Anacidic timber which maycorrode metals under dampconditions and cause ironstaining
Shingles, exteriorcladding. Greenhouses,beehives
Whitewood, American - see Tulipwood
Whitewood, EuropeanPicea abies and Abies albaEurope, USSR
SoftwoodWhite to paleyellowish brown
470 Medium Medium Good Slightly durableDifficult -Extremelydifficult
RegularLow
Joinery. Construction.Flooring
WillowSalix sppEurope
Hardwoodpinkish-white
450 Fine Small Good Not durable DifficultLimitedMedium/high
Cricket bats. Boxes,crates
YewTaxus baccataEurope
SoftwoodOrange-brown topurple-brown
670 MediumSmall/Medium**
Difficult Durable DifficultVery LimitedHigh
Furniture, turnery.Interior joinery
12
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the advice given, the company cannot accept liability for loss ordamage arising from the use of the information supplied. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in anyform, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of thecopyright owners.
TRADA Technology Ltd 2002
TRADA Technology LtdStocking Lane, Hughenden Valley, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 4ND, UKTel: +44 (0)1494 569600 Fax: +44 (0)1494 565487 email: [email protected]
www.trada.co.uk
ReferencesCouncil Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna andflora by regulating trade therein. Official Journal ofthe European Communities. L61 Volume 40. 3March 1997.
Standards
BS EN 350-1: 1994 Durability of wood and wood-based products - Natural durability of solid woodPart 1. Guide to the principles of testing andclassification of the natural durability of wood
BS EN 350-2: 1994 Durability of wood and wood-based products - Natural durability of solid wood.Part 2: 1994 Guide to natural durability andtreatability of selected wood species of importancein Europe
BS EN 351-1: 1996 Durability of wood and wood-based products. Preservative treated solid wood.Part 1 Classification of preservative penetrationand retention
BS 1282: 1975 Guide to the choice, use andapplication of wood preservatives
BS 5268-5: 1989 The structural use of timber. Part 5Code of practice for the structural use of timber
BS 5589: 1989 Code of practice for the preservationof timber
BS 7359: 1991 Nomenclature of commercialtimbers including sources of supply
DD 239: 1998 Recommendations for thepreservation of timber
TRADA Wood Information Sheets
The Wood Information Sheet series covers a widerange of topics on timber and its uses. A fullcatalogue of these and other publications isavailable from TRADA Technology. The full set ofWood Information Sheets is also available on CD-Rom. A selection of other Sheets in the series isshown below.
2/3 - 6 Wood decorative and practical(includes colour photographs of 48 of the mostcommonly used timbers included in this sheet)
2/3 - 23 Introduction to wood-based panel products
2/3 - 28 Introducing wood
4 - 11 Timber and wood-based sheet materials infire
4 - 12 Care of timber and wood-based products onbuilding sites
4 -14 Moisture in timber
For further information or to order publicationscontact the TRADA Information Centre, address asbelow, or visit our web site athttp://www.trada.co.uk
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