Softwood sizes
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 (WIS) is an overview of the subject, with signposts to more detailed sources that are listed at the end.
For queries about this technical document, please get in touch with its authors via BM TRADA’s Technical Helpline on +44 (0)1494 569601 or email timberadvice@bmtrada.com.
A paper/digital copy of this Wood Information Sheet is available in the BM TRADA Bookshop, which also hosts additional specialist timber publications.
Suggested Reading
Round timber in construction: Notes for structural design
The use of round timber for structural applications can provide designers with attractive features in sympathy with local surrounding in a range of applications from housing and agricultural buildings to major engineering structures such as bridges.
Structural engineers are often faced with little information on designing with round timber...
01/01/2004 | Other Technical Guidance
Structural use of hardwoods
Although the vast majority of structural timber in the UK is softwood, there is a significant interest in hardwoods from both temperate and tropical regions for structural applications. When using hardwoods in structures, the specifier may need to take more interest in the species, its origin and its moisture condition...
19/03/2020 | Wood Information Sheet
Moisture in timber
One of the most important factors affecting the performance and properties of wood is its moisture content. The amount of water present in wood can affect its weight, strength, workability, susceptibility to biological attack and dimensional stability in a particular end use.
We estimate that over 80% of the...
29/04/2022 | Wood Information Sheet
