The longevity of timber is an important factor to consider when selecting a wood species for a particular project. Timber durability is a measurement of how long a specific species of wood will last if a cross section is left exposed to the elements. For example, an untreated oak beam, which is classified as 'durable', can last between 15 and 25 years depending on the environmental conditions it is exposed to.
This part of the wood database allows you to search and filter timbers based on their classified durability. There are five different classes of timber durability, as defined by TRADA (The Timber Research and Development Association), ranging from class five to class one. Class five is considered not durable and class one is considered very durable. Knowing the expected longevity of a timber species is essential for making an informed decision when selecting the right wood for a project.
