Timber Species

Why pine is replacing spruce in UK structural timber

by Jennie Ward|23 May 2523 May 25|Build, Supply

The Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) recently held a webinar informing members of the changing timber species mix now entering the UK, and how it will impact the construction industry – and trussed rafters in particular. For years, spruce has been the go-to species for structural timber in the UK. With...

Wood Species PDFs now available for download

by Jonathan Gutierrez|22 April 2423 April 24|Supply

At TDUK we have made an upgrade to our Wood Species Library. In our ongoing effort to provide valuable resources for members, we have introduced downloadable PDFs for each wood species page, enhancing accessibility and ease of use. The Wood Species Library has so far offered an introduction to 139...

Introducing Wood Anatomy

by Edinburgh Napier University|01 November 2323 April 25|Supply

Tree anatomy differs between softwoods and hardwoods, making it useful as a guide to identifying different species.

Wood Anatomy: Hardwoods

by Edinburgh Napier University|01 November 2323 April 25|Supply

Unlike softwoods, hardwood anatomy includes transport vessel cells, to move sap and air through the tree.

Using Correct Names

by Edinburgh Napier University|01 November 2323 April 25|Supply

Tree species are known by a variety of regional, trade, and scientific names, which can cause confusion. Using the correct names, in an unambiguous way, is essential to specify the correct species and ensure it is supplied.

Tree Species

by Edinburgh Napier University|01 November 2323 April 25|Supply

Thanks to the variety of different tree species globally, timber can vary in colour, density, and performance depending on its source. These variations in timber due to species determine the suitability for different construction uses.

Identifying Wood: Hardwoods

by Edinburgh Napier University|01 November 2323 April 25|Supply

Common hardwood species are identified by observing the pores in the cross-section, the visibility and size of rays, and any indications of pith flecks or low density.

Introducing Wood Identification

by Edinburgh Napier University|01 November 2323 April 25|Supply

Many tree species can be identified by their differing anatomies. Softwoods, hardwoods, and wood-producing monocots show different physical features, enabling the wood of individual tree species to be distinguished based on anatomy.

Identifying Wood: Softwoods

by Edinburgh Napier University|01 November 2323 April 25|Supply

Growth rings, wood colour, and differences between earlywood and latewood all help to identify different species of softwoods.

Wood Decaying Organisms

by Edinburgh Napier University|01 November 2323 April 25|Supply

Some organisms use wood as a food source, including insects and fungi. Protecting timber requires an understanding of insect and fungi species, their respective life cycles, and the conditions these organisms need to thrive.

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Timber Species

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