Timber grading is the process by which timber is sorted into groups that are similar in appearance and structural properties. Any timber used in construction must be graded in terms of its strength and stiffness.

Appearance / visual grading – timber has a wide range in terms of quality and appearance, in reference o knots and grain and various natural characteristics. These different variations of quality mean that any given wood had attributed strength, value and potential for use.

Machine grading – measuring the resistance of the timber to flex which gives a measure of the timber strength and measures the parameter.

Timbersource assesses grades of timber stocked in accordance with the relevant grading authority from the country of origin and the species. However, for an appropriate premium we can grade timber to suit your predefined criteria.

Timber Beam Grading

For our supply of beams such as European Oak, either green or seasoned, we can strength-grade to the TH system using our in-house visual strength graders, providing certificated assurance that graded beams meet the standard required.

Certification and Timber Grading (CATG) Strength Grading Rules

To compliment our Oak Grading, the same graders are also qualified in softwood and tropical grading. Although many softwoods are mechanically graded at point of production, many jobs require the timber to be planed or profiled. If this is carried out, then the timber concerned loses the grade. Our timber graders can regrade the wood after the work has been done, satisfying the necessary strength requirements that you may have.

FAS Grade

This is the highest grade of hardwood timber, it is derived from the original grade ‘First and Seconds’ and will provide the user with long, clear cuttings. FAS is best suited for high quality furniture, interior joinery, solid wood mouldings and cabinetry. For more information, Click Here.

FSC and PEFC

The Forest Stewardship Council and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes are two main bodies that ensure companies source wood from fully managed sustainable forests. Timbersource holds both of these certificates. For more information, Click Here.

Timbersource offers nationwide delivery to most of mainland UK, or alternatively customers are welcome to collect their orders from our premises. To visit our website, Click Here.

Timbersource are a leading online timber merchant in the UK, supplying graded timber to the joinery, carpentry, retail and construction at competitive prices.

Anna Jones
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