Which timber is the strongest?

When choosing a timber species for your project – be it domestic, commercial or public – it is important you find the right strength of wood for your application. This is especially true when working on a project which will be load-bearing, such as building foundations, decking or a footbridge. To help you make the right choice, we have put together a guide on timber strength, including a look at which species are the strongest for your application.

What Does Strength Mean in Timber?

Before looking into the strongest timbers, it is important to understand what strength means in timber terms. At EcoChoice, we follow the BS EN 338 technical specifications, which are used to outline industry standards of timber strength and organise different species properly into strength classes.

For hardwoods, the strength classes are: D24, D30, D40, D50, D60 and D70.

For softwoods, the classifications are: C14, C16, C18 and C24.

The higher the number, the stronger the timber. It is good to note, however, that the numbers between the hardwood and softwood classes are not equal i.e. C24 does not equate in strength to D24.

To determine strength, timber is often machine-graded, but it can also be visually graded to identify features which can affect strength, including knots and wanes.

Which Timber Species Are the Strongest?

When looking into timber species for construction, strength is one of the most important considerations. To make your decision easier, we have taken a look at the strongest timber species on the market. Let’s cast an eye over some top choices:

1. Ipe

One of our favourites at EcoChoice, Ipe is another timber renowned for being super strong. It is native to Brazil and has gorgeously rich colouring, making it ideal for projects which need a balance between function and aesthetics. We often recommend Ipe for decking, flooring and fencing.

2. Cumaru

Another strong timber which we frequently supply to UK projects is Cumaru. Alongside its load-bearing capabilities and incredible resistance to decay, Cumaru also has great dimensional stability and can handle outdoor applications without the need for treatments.  This makes it a top choice for applications including exterior furniture and bridges as well as marine applications, such as footbridges and fenders.

3. Ekki

Ekki has a natural resistance to rot and insect infestations, and achieves the highest possible strength grade of D70, making it a solid favourite for civil applications around ports, harbours and marinas. Take a look at our work on the Hastings Pier to see Ekki in action.

Honourable Mentions

Out of the timber we mostly deal with within the UK, we have looked at the three strongest, but there are plenty more to consider for your construction project. Before wrapping up, we must mention some honourable timbers which excel in strength grading which include Greenheart and Balau. These are two incredibly strong timbers, both with a strength class of D70,  and they are great choices for heavy-duty construction works. In terms of softwoods, we can also supply C24 grade Douglas Fir for heavy-duty applications.

Find Your Timber at EcoChoice

Whether you are looking for the toughest timber to suit your budget or need to balance strength with workability, we can help. Our team at EcoChoice have been working in the timber industry for decades and are experts when it comes to choosing the right wood for different projects. Get in touch to let us know your requirements and we will match you to the perfect timber.