Sustainable timber – it’s a tantalising idea – but what does it really mean for timber to be sustainable? To understand sustainable timber, you must first understand what sustainability means.

Sustainability refers to the practice of meeting our current requirements without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. When we remove logs for our timber production, good forestry management, such as replanting, encouraging natural regeneration, monitoring, and maintenance, allows us to replace what we take.

Eco-Friendly Construction

What is eco-friendly construction? We interpret it to mean considering the environment as much as the quality and cost of buildings and other construction projects. Sourcing from forests that are managed with the long-term health of the ecosystem in mind.

Timber is an eco-friendly choice for construction due to its numerous environmental benefits. Timber can be replanted and regrown as a renewable resource, unlike non-renewable materials like concrete and steel.

Trees also capture carbon as they grow, and this carbon stays locked away when the wood is used in buildings and construction.

Extracting timber to produce building materials can be done sensitively alongside nature, taking careful steps to maintain biodiversity, protect wildlife habitats, and promote the natural regeneration of trees. There is also no need for lots of chemicals or water when producing timber or digging big open mines.

Timber production uses every part of the log, there is no wastage. Co-products are produced for biofuel, chipboard, animal bedding, garden products, etc. Timber can also be recycled, or at the end of its useful working life, timber will biodegrade meaning it can decompose naturally without harming the environment. This reduces the impact on landfills and promotes a circular economy.

Putting Sustainable Timber to Work

Sustainable timber can be used in a broad variety of construction applications, such as:

1. Construction timber like beams and trusses can be made from sustainably sourced wood, creating a strong and eco-friendly structure.
2. Timber cladding is a great way to add a natural, attractive finish to a building’s exterior and improve insulation.
3. Sustainable timber flooring is not only beautiful but also renewable and biodegradable, unlike synthetic options.
4. From windows and doors to interior trim, sustainable timber can be used for all kinds of joinery and finishes, adding warmth and character to any space.

By smartly incorporating sustainable timber into construction projects, we can create buildings that are not only better for the planet but also beautiful and long-lasting. It’s a win-win scenario!

Building a Greener Future

By supporting responsible forestry practices and choosing sustainable construction timber, we can all play a part in reducing the environmental impact of the built environment.

We understand what is best for the environment can be a personal opinion and at East Brothers Timber, we are here to help you. We have options for locally sourced timber, long-lasting/durable timber and certified (FSC/PEFC/GiB) timber.

We are proud to be a leading timber supplier to the trade and committed to promoting sustainable practices in the industry.

If you have questions or inquiries about our timber products, please contact the friendly team today.

Sapele vs Accoya: A Comparison of Solid Wood & Modified Alternatives

When you’re selecting the perfect wood for your project, whether it’s for wood for windows and doors, wood for cladding, or wood for decking, the choice between traditional timber or a modern modified alternative can be tough. This is becoming increasingly confusing as new options of modified wood become increasingly available.

Two popular options that frequently contend this debate are Sapele, a naturally durable tropical hardwood, and Accoya, a modified wood derived from fast-growing pine.

Read on as we explore the pros and cons of each option, so you can make the best possible decision for your project.

Sapele: A Naturally Durable Hardwood

Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum) is a tropical hardwood native to the rainforests of West Africa.

Known for its striking resemblance to Mahogany, Sapele has been a go-to choice for woodworkers for decades. Its rich, reddish-brown hue and fine grain make it a highly sought-after choice for a broad range of applications, including:

• Furniture wood
• Cabinetry wood
• Woodworking wood
• Joinery wood
• Decking wood
• Shipbuilding wood
• Sliced and sawn veneer
• Wood for staircases

It is classified as moderately durable, with a Class 3 durability rating, making it well-suited for both interior and exterior use. Its natural durability eliminates the need for preservation treatments, as the wood’s low permeability makes it resistant to such processes.

Sapele is sourced from natural forests in a well-managed single tree selection system. This process works with nature, allowing natural forests to remain and still provide economic value to their local community and governments.

Accoya: A Modified Softwood Alternative

Accoya, on the other hand, is not a specific tree species but rather a brand of modified wood. It begins as a fast-growing pine (Pinus Radiata) harvested from intensely managed plantation forestry. Using plantation forestry means natural forests can be left untouched.

The timber then undergoes chemical modification using an acetylation process with acetic acid. This changes the wood from being hydrophilic to hydrophobic, meaning that it no longer attracts water, resulting in an exceptionally stable and durable material.

Accoya is modified to its core and boasts a Class 1 durability rating, surpassing even the best hardwoods in terms of durability.

This acetylated wood is highly resistant to decay, insects, and moisture, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications and projects requiring long-term stability.

Comparing Sapele and Accoya

When considering solid wood vs engineered wood or modified alternatives like Accoya, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option:

• Durability: Accoya is the winner when it comes to durability, but it is reliant on chemical modification. Sapele is less durable, but with good design and good construction technique, it is more than adequate for most applications. Sapele is also not reliant on chemicals for its durability.
• Strength: Sapele has greater strength. Accoya is pine, and although the acetylation process improves how the wood reacts with water, it does not improve the strength of the timber.
• Aesthetic appeal: Sapele’s rich, warm tones and attractive grain pattern give it a superior aesthetic appeal to Accoya, which will generally have a painted finish when used for joinery.
• Workability: Sapele is easier to work with and finish thanks to its even texture and moderate hardness.
• Dimensional stability: Accoya’s modification process results in greater dimensional stability. Sapele does rely on good joinery techniques to work with wood’s movement. Although not as good as Accoya, Sapele has one of the best stability ratings when it comes to using natural timber.
• Cost: Sapele being the simpler of the two products, comes in much cheaper generally.
• Use of hardware: As a hardwood, Sapele offers better screw retention compared to the modified softwood Accoya. We would always recommend the use of good stainless steel fixing, but this is very important when it comes to Accoya, as if you don’t, you will find the acid in the chemical will eat away at your hardware.

Making Your Decision

Both timbers will produce a fine end product. Ultimately, the decision between Sapele and Accoya depends on your specific project requirements and priorities. Sapele is available in more random sizes and 25mm-100mm thickness, which may make a difference depending on the end specification required.

At East Brothers, we offer a vast range of timber – including high-quality sapele wood for sale. We’ve been in the industry since 1886 and offer a range of valuable services such as planing, moulding, sawing, kilning, and more.

Feeling confused or still aren’t sure of what wood will suit your project? Simply contact us – we’ll help you select the perfect timber for your needs.

The Journey of a Timber Beam: From Forest to Construction Site 

Every piece of wood has a story that starts long before it reaches the timber yard, and, ultimately, the building or piece of furniture it’s used to construct.  

As family-run timber merchants with more than 100 years of experience, we watch this process unfold daily – from the careful selection of trees to the final delivery at building sites across the country. 

Ever wondered how a tree becomes the timber in your home? Or why some wood travels thousands of miles while other pieces come from forests just down the road?  

Let’s follow the journey from forest to building site and discover what makes timber such a special building material. 

The Art of Selection 

There is a myriad of different forms of timber, all with unique aesthetic characters and physical characteristics.  

European Oak is grown in managed British and European woodlands and is renowned for its durability and character, while imported timber like sapele offers rich colour and exceptional stability. Each species has unique properties that make it perfect for specific uses. 

Our locally sourced softwood includes Douglas Fir, Larch and Western Red Cedar, prized for their strength and natural resistance to decay 

Pine on the other hand offers versatility and cost-effectiveness for everyday construction needs. Before any tree is harvested it must meet our very stringent specification on timber quality. Throughout the milling process it is assessed for its suitability for construction grades of timber.  

From Forest to Mill 

At our sawmill in Wiltshire, each log begins its transformation. First, we conduct a detailed assessment, analysing knot patterns, grain direction, and potential stress points.  

Performing careful examination on a log-by-log basis helps determine the best cutting pattern to maximise both quality and yield.     

We combine modern scanning technology to best utilise each sawn board. This combined with over a century of expertise ensuring the highest quality timber possible.                                                                  

The Science of Seasoning 

Fresh-cut construction timber contains high levels of moisture that must be carefully reduced.  

Our kiln-drying process follows strict schedules, tailored to each species and timber size. Oak requires different drying from Pine, and thick beams need extra care compared to planks.  

This controlled drying prevents warping and splitting while enhancing the timber’s natural durability. It can take weeks or months, but it’s essential for creating stable, reliable building materials. 

Precision and Grading 

As trade timber suppliers, we understand that accuracy matters. Every piece of timber goes through multiple stages of machining and grading.  

Our advanced planing equipment can handle beams up to 10 meters long, creating precise dimensions and smooth finishes. 

Each piece of sustainable timber receives a careful visual and mechanical stress grade. We assess factors like: 

• Grain pattern and direction 
• Knot size and placement 
• Growth ring density
• Natural characteristics that affect strength 
• Surface quality and finish 

Environmental Responsibility 

We hold FSC, PEFC and Grown in Britain, as well as forest management expertise to reflect a deeper commitment to forest sustainability.  

We track every load that comes into the sawmill, ensuring it comes from responsibly manage sources. 

This careful consideration and control means that customers can be sure of their materials environmental credentials. 

Specialised Processing 

We don’t just process standard sizes. Custom cutting, planing, and profiling services let architects and builders create unique specifications. 

Whether you’re searching for massive oak beams for barn conversions or precise joinery timber for high-end carpentry, we can deliver exactly what you need. 

From Yard to Site 

The final stage involves careful handling and delivery. Timber needs protection from weather and appropriate and safe support during transport.  

Our team ensures materials arrive in perfect condition, ready for immediate use on site. 

Finest-Quality Timber from East Brothers 

Sustainably sourced timber isn’t just about environmental responsibility – it’s about creating buildings and furniture that stand the test of time.  

Properly selected and processed timber develops character over time, becoming more beautiful with age while maintaining its structural integrity. 

East Brothers has refined our processes over a century, combining traditional expertise with modern techniques and cutting-edge technology.  

Contact us to discuss your specific requirements and discover how our timber products can support your project’s success.