Construction Grade Timber
At East Brothers, we specialise in large constructional timbers, priding ourselves on precision and scale. We combine the natural strength and eco-benefits of responsibly sourced timber with exacting construction standards. We’re committed to building smarter, greener, and always to deadline.
Why use East Brothers?
Trusted Timber Specialists Since 1886.
At East Brothers Timber, we bring over a century of experience to the precise cutting of construction-graded timber — with a particular focus on large section beams for demanding structural applications. Our facilities are equipped to process timber up to 14 metres long and 650mm square, making us a trusted partner for architects and construction firms tackling complex, large-scale builds.
Every beam we produce is bespoke, cut to exact specifications with the accuracy and consistency your project requires. From heavy structural elements to specialist sections, we deliver high-performance timber tailored to your design and engineering needs.
With a heritage built on reliability, craftsmanship, and innovation, East Brothers Timber continues to set the standard in sustainable, precision timber solutions.
Saw milling process
- Order placedTimber allocated in Mill01Our friendly experts will assist you in finalising your order and entering it into our system.
- CuttingTimber is cut in mill02Your order will be milled to match your specified dimensions.
- Additional processesTimber is treated03If your order requires additional processes, such as kiln drying, planing, or cross-cutting, this will happen at this stage
- Order readyTimber is finished04Once your order is completed, we will notify you that it is ready for collection. If you’ve requested delivery, we will reach out to arrange it.
Oak
Oak is a top choice for constructional beams due to its outstanding strength, durability, and natural resilience. Historically favoured in construction, Oak’s dense grain and high load-bearing capacity make it ideal for supporting substantial structural demands in both residential and commercial projects.
One of Oak’s most significant advantages is its inherent resistance to decay and insect damage, ensuring longevity even in harsh environments. This durability makes oak particularly suitable for exposed beams or structures in high-moisture areas where other timbers might deteriorate more rapidly.
Beyond its structural qualities, Oak also offers aesthetic benefits. Its rich colour and distinctive grain patterns add a timeless elegance to any construction, blending strength with beauty. Whether in traditional timber framing or modern architectural designs, Oak beams contribute both functional reliability and visual appeal.
For projects requiring specific or unusual beam sizes, Oak is also an ideal material due to its workability. East Brothers Timber can cut bespoke Oak beams to precise dimensions, ensuring that whatever the requirements of your construction project, the Oak timber will meet them perfectly.
We can visually grade hardwoods to BS 5756:2007. Subject to Timber sizes and requirements
D24
D30
D40
To find out more about Oak, click the link below.
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is an excellent choice for constructional beams, offering a cost-effective alternative to hardwoods like Oak without compromising on performance.
Known for its strength and stability, Douglas Fir provides substantial load-bearing capacity, making it ideal for a variety of structural applications. While it is generally less expensive than hardwoods, Douglas Fir offers many similar benefits, making it a practical option for projects where budget considerations are important.
One of the key advantages of Douglas Fir is its availability in longer lengths, allowing for more versatile applications in construction. This is particularly beneficial for projects requiring continuous spans without joints, ensuring greater structural integrity and reducing potential weak points.
Douglas Fir also boasts a straight grain and relatively high strength-to-weight ratio, making it easy to work with and suitable for both large-scale structural beams and more detailed construction work. Its natural resistance to decay and insects, though slightly lower than that of Oak, still makes it a durable choice, especially when treated or used in less exposed environments.
We can visually grade softwoods like Douglas fir which are defined in the British Standard BS 4978 and the European standard EN 14081 to. Subject to Timber sizes and requirements
C14
C18
C24
To find out more about Douglas Fir, click the link below.
Larch
Larch, known for its durability and strength, is an excellent choice for homegrown construction projects. Its natural resistance to decay and water makes it particularly well-suited for outdoor applications, including beams, posts, and cladding. When cut into beams, homegrown Larch can offer a solid, reliable material for structural purposes, though it is important to note that the maximum length achievable from local sources is typically around 4.2 meters.
This limitation in length, while restrictive for longer spans, does not diminish its utility in many residential construction projects. Larch beams of 4.2 meters are ideal for use in smaller-scale framing, lintels, rafters, or pergolas. For larger structures, Douglas Fir is our go to, offering very similar qualities but much longer lengths available, up to 14m!
With its blend of strength, beauty, and natural durability, homegrown Larch is a sustainable, versatile option for various structural components, providing a rustic yet robust solution for eco-friendly construction.
We can visually grade softwoods like Larch which are defined in the British Standard BS 4978 and the European standard EN 14081 to. Subject to Timber sizes and requirements
C16
C24
To find out more about Larch, click the link below.
Opepe
Opepe (Nauclea diderrichii) is a highly prized construction-grade timber, renowned for its superior strength, stability, and excellent performance in challenging environments. Opepe boasts a clean, consistent grain with very minimal knot content—if any knots are present, they are typically small and non-structural. This makes Opepe an excellent choice for applications where both strength and aesthetic quality are crucial.
Its natural durability and resistance to decay make Opepe particularly valuable for marine and waterfront construction, where it is exposed to harsh conditions such as moisture and saline environments. It is frequently used for marine-grade timbers, including docks, bridges, and piers, due to its ability to maintain structural integrity even when submerged or exposed to fluctuating water levels.
Opepe’s impressive density and superior strength allow it to withstand heavy loads and wear, making it a reliable choice for structural beams, decking, and heavy-duty outdoor projects. The combination of its clean appearance, minimal knots, and exceptional performance in both terrestrial and marine applications establishes Opepe as a top-tier timber for long-lasting, high-quality construction.
We can visually grade hardwoods to BS 5756:2007. Subject to Timber sizes and requirements
D40
D50
To find out more about Opepe, click the link below.
Ekki
Ekki , also known as Azobe, is a premier construction-grade timber, renowned for its exceptional strength, density, and durability, especially in demanding environment while being harder and stronger than Opepe. Visually, Ekki timber is characterized by its uniform grain and minimal knot content, if any knots are present, they are typically insignificant and non-structural. This clean and robust appearance, combined with its high strength, makes it highly desirable for projects requiring both visual appeal and structural reliability.
One of Ekki’s standout qualities is its remarkable stability in marine and freshwater conditions. Its natural resistance to rot, fungi, and insect attacks makes it a leading choice for marine applications, such as docks, pilings, and lock gates, where prolonged exposure to water is inevitable. Even when submerged or exposed to fluctuating water levels, Ekki maintains its integrity and resists degradation, making it ideal for waterfront structures.
Ekki’s superior strength is one of the highest among hardwoods, making it a go-to material for heavy-duty construction projects such as bridges, railway sleepers, and industrial flooring. Its density ensures longevity, even under extreme mechanical stress. Combined with its minimal knots and visual consistency, Ekki is an unrivaled timber in applications where durability and appearance are equally critical.
We can visually grade hardwoods to BS 5756:2007. Subject to Timber sizes and requirements
D70
To find out more about Ekki, click the link below.
Greenheart
Greenheart is a highly esteemed construction-grade timber known for its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to harsh environments. This dense tropical hardwood offers superior compressive and bending strength, making it ideal for heavy-duty and marine construction projects such as bridges, docks, piers, and railway sleepers.
Its natural resistance to water, decay, termites, and marine borers ensures longevity even when submerged or exposed to fluctuating water levels. Visually, Greenheart features a straight, fine grain with minimal knot content and a distinctive olive to dark green-brown hue, adding aesthetic appeal to exposed structures.
While its extreme density can make it challenging to work with (requiring specialised tools) the unparalleled performance and lifespan of Greenheart timber make it a valuable choice for projects where reliability and durability are paramount.
We can visually grade hardwoods to BS 5756:2007. Subject to Timber sizes and requirements
D70
To find out more about Greenheart, click the link below.
