Specifying timber species in marine and freshwater construction
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Historically, the UK construction industry has favoured a narrow range of tried and tested hardwood timbers for use in marine and freshwater applications.
Over-reliance on a small number of species is not compatible within sustainable forest management, as certain species are being over-exploited. This is likely to reduce the security of supply and cause inflationary price pressures in the future.
This Wood Information Sheet provides guidance on the technical properties of a number of lesser-used species of hardwoods that may be used for marine and freshwater construction.
Timber is an attractive choice of material in freshwater and marine applications.
Unsuitable timbers are at risk from fungi in freshwater, marine borers (gribble and shipworm) and abrasion.
Research for the Environment Agency identified five lesser-used species (LUS) of tropical hardwoods that are suitable in a variety of freshwater and marine situations where strength is critical.
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