Timber is an internationally traded material and the UK has traditionally imported timber from a wide range of countries, as well as producing its own. A large range of sizes are available throughout Europe, with individual countries having different traditions as to the sizes in common use.

This Wood Information Sheet was reviewed in July 2022 and minor amendments were made.

The terminology of softwood size, defined in BS EN 844, is extensive and it is important to be clear about the meanings and permitted deviations.

Moisture content at the time of measurement can have a significant effect on the size of sawn timber.

Due to national variations across the European Union and within the UK, it is important that specifiers investigate the availability of particular timber sizes.