Laboratory tests have been undertaken to assess the natural durability of 16 species of lesser known hardwoods, or hardwoods from non-traditional sources, including teak from three different plantations. Resistance to decay by both basidiomycetes and soil-inhabiting micro-fungi has been established. ´The data indicated that published information on the durability of these timbers should be treated with caution since in many cases it differed widely from the current test results. Only three timbers showed promise for use in ground contact (European hazard class 4) without the need for preservative treatment: albizia, vitex and teak (two separate samples). Six timbers showed promise for use out of contact with the ground (European hazard class 3) without the need for preservative treatment: andiroba, calophyllum, kamarare, niove, tatabu and white oak plus a third sample of teak. Field trials are in progress with these timbers and data will be available in due course.

Download document (596 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document