You are here:

Timber

Timber

As a renewable resource, wood timber has a much lower embodied carbon than many alternatives such as plasterboard. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is sequestered in timber and makes up about 50% of a tree’s dry weight . This remains stored for as long as the timber exists in use. - such as furniture, buildings, or other long-lasting products. However, deforestation is a key significant climate change issue since removing trees releases carbon dioxide and also therefore reduces forests' capacity to absorb future emissions.

Carbon storage is only an asset if the timber is well-managed. Poorly managed forests cause habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, disrupted water cycles, soil erosion, poor labour practices, and loss of cultural heritage (SOURCE). Responsibly, well managed forests carefully balance the economic requirements with the ecosystem habitat of the forest - ensuring an endless cycle of healthy regeneration and future resource. 
 

Facts

  • Forests are home to 80% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity (SOURCE).
  • Illegal logging accounts for 10–30% of the global timber trade (SOURCE).
  • Field trees numbers have reported to have halved since 1850, as agriculture becomes more intensive and invasive diseases undermine their health (SOURCE).
  • The UK imports 81% of its timber, making it the second largest net importer of forest products globally (SOURCE).
     

Key Points

Prioritise reuse 

Use reused, reclaimed or recycled timber. 

If buying new 

Favour locally sourced timber. Look for the Grown in Britain (GiB)  label as confirmation of UK origin.

Choose well 

Reduce carbon footprint by looking for UK species - oak, Douglas fir, or sweet chestnut are locally available. Using UK grown larch avoids larch from conflict areas

Request certification 

Ensure the timber comes from responsibly managed forests. As well as GiB, look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). All have a chain of custody and protect biodiversity habitats. There are variations between them, such as locality and FSC has a core focus on indigenous rights.

Understand regulations 

Certifications GiB, FSC and PEFC all support UKTR compliance - but are not a substitute for it. These certifications do not fulfil due diligence requirements in Great Britain UKTR (UK Timber Regulations) or Northern Ireland where EUTR (EU Timber Regulations) remains subject to the European timber regulations. 

Keep all records 

Due diligence requirements are in place for imported timber or furniture (not chairs) made from imported timber. As a designer reselling imported products made from timber, you may not be an importer or operator (placing products in GB market for the first time) under the legislation, but you are a trader as you are buying and selling timber products already on the GB market. Keep records for five years. Save invoices and supplier documents (species identification, country of origin, chain of custody). If you are importing these timber products directly - you are regarded as the importer and have reporting and record keeping duties to fulfil.

Be aware 

Recycled timber and timber products that have completed their lifecycle and would otherwise have been disposed of as waste are exempt from UKTR. However, this exemption does not apply to manufacturing by-products that have not completed their lifecycle, or to goods that are simply second-hand. New timber components used in products made from reclaimed timber are also subject to UKTR.

Bamboo 

While classified as a grass, Bamboo is as an alternative to hardwood which is super fast growing compared to the several decades that timber takes to get to the stage it sequesters carbon dioxide at the same pace. Bamboo cultivation also enhances soil quality, enabling carbon capture in both the ground and the plant itself. Additionally, it is highly durable and can be sanded and refinished to extend its useful lifespan. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification shows that the bamboo comes from a forest managed to the body’s environmental, social, and economic standards.

Certification gaps 

For building material and sheet timber certifications, this is relatively common - but they can be less readily available for furniture, flooring, paneling and even MDF (medium density fibreboard).

Be flexible 

Be flexible with species choices: some are more readily available with certification than others and can perform just as well.

Avoid 

Avoid entirely any endangered or threatened species and tropical hardwood (even if certified) and avoid FSC Mix which is from simply 'controlled' rather than forest management certified sources.

Softwood 

Often the greener choice, faster growing, and quicker to replenish, and with proper maintenance can be as durable as hardwood. Is it seen? Consider using aesthetically lower graded knotted timber where it’s not seen.  

Design for longevity  

Carefully consider the treatment or finish of the wood when designing for the lifespan. Specify finishes that can be easily maintained and repaired — oil finishes over spray paint, for example.

Optimise material use 

Minimise waste by accurate calculation and planning. 

Ensure safety for those handling and installing 

Follow HSE guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn - use dust extraction systems with HEPA filters, supply safety data sheets for any chemical treatments.

Be aware of allergies and sensitivities  

Choose hypoallergenic timber species like basswood, poplar, or cedar if occupants have sensitivities. Avoid timber with high resin content such as pine if occupants are prone to allergies.

Encourage reuse before disposal 

Use organisations like Community Reuse Network or Freecycle who may accept unused timber and products.

Design for disassembly 

Can it be separated once it has been used? Have non-toxic finishes or coatings been used to enable safe compositing at the end of the lifecycle?
 

RESOURCES

Back to Materials