Density
Timbers vary in density depending on their species and moisture content.  The values quoted are averages at 15% but the increase caused by moisture can be estimated by adding 0.5% of the given weight for every 1% increase in moisture content.

Description
The colour refers to the Heartwood of a timber, but each board may be subject to some variation and most timbers change colour when exposed to daylight.

Drying and Kilning
Higher temperatures and reduced humidity found in most new buildings make it essential to condition Hardwood before manufacturing into woodwork.  This is achieved by kiln drying timber, reducing the natural moisture in wood.  The majority of timbers today are already kiln dried, except for those sold especially for external construction work, and commonly, sold at an average moisture content of 12.5 - 15%, suitable for the most internal situations bar those with continuous central heating.  North American timbers are imported already kiln dried to a moisture content varying on average 8 - 10%, reflecting the widespread use of air-conditioning and central heating in the United States.

Durability
The durability of timber is based on the results of the 'Grave' Yard' test, where pieces of Heartwood 50mm x 50mm x 0.6mm are stuck in the ground and, fully exposed to the elements, are left to rot.  The timber is then classified according to the number of years taken before decay becomes obvious.  The classification are : perishable 0-5 years including all sapwood; non-durable 5-10 years; moderately durable 10-15 years; durable 15-25 years; very durable 25+ years.  This is a particularly harsh test and a durable timber used in most external situations where it does not actually touch the ground, can be expected to last for some years longer.

Flat Sawn
Timber cut tangentially to the annual growth rings, often called through and through.

Knots
Knots give figure to wood as the grain is deflected around them and because of the shapes of hard dark tissue.  They can be desirable aesthetically e.g. Pippy oak.

Machining
This refers to the ease of working and is classified as excellent, good, medium and difficult (where care should be taken in machining).

Paint / Stain
This refers to the ease of accepting a stain or paint finish and is classified as excellent, good, satisfactory and poor.

Prices on Application
Prices are available from our Sales Offices.  A surcharge may be levied on orders valued at £230 or less.

Quarter Sawn
Cut radially from the log to give an edge vertical or straight grained appearance.

Specification
The majority of imported Hardwood is in the form of Square Edged boards of random width and length.  These are normally sold on the basis of 6' and up in length, and 6" and wider in width.  However, Far Eastern timbers are more commonly 8' and longer, 6" and wider, and North American timbers are 6' and longer, and 4" and wider.  The specification shows the average length and range, and the average width and range.  Constructional Hardwoods are usually offered sawn to size.  Where logs are available it is mentioned.

Springwood/Summerwood
Depending on which part of the year most of the growing period; if springwood, the growth ring is lighter, less dense and loss strong mechanically than summerwood.

Square Edged
Square edged boards are free from wane without eased edges.

Texture
Surface texture depends on the size and distribution of the wood cells and, less importantly, rays.  Classification ranges from fine e.g. cherry with small vessels, through medium to coarse e.g. oak with large vessels.

Uses
The list of uses covers most common applications, but should not be regards as exhaustive.

Weights
Average weights are given for each timber at an average Moisture Content of 12%.