Specifying timber species in marine and freshwater construction

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.

Contents:

• Background
• The advantages and disadvantages of using timber in marine and freshwater environments
• Biological risks
• Non-biological risks
• Timber sourcing issues
• Specifying and using timber in marine and freshwater environments
• Structural design
• Promoting the lesser-used species.

This Wood Information Sheet was revised in June 2019. Minor amendments have been made to the 'Timber sourcing' and 'Promoting lesser-used species' sections.