Timber Verification Service

Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 January 2010 07:40 Written by STA owner Friday, 15 January 2010 03:40

*STA provides an avenue for consumers, specifiers as well as end-users to ascertain that timber/wood installed in homes or timber products purchased meet quality requirements through its Timber Verification Services. This service is conducted by a team of qualified timber graders/inspectors. A fee will be charged and an expert's report will be provided by STA.

This service ensures that:
*THE CORRECT AND APPROPRIATE TIMBER SPECIES IS USED
*Singapore derives it's timber sources from Malaysia and Indonesia from over 2,000 timber species which are suitable for a variety of uses. It is thus important to identify the correct species based on its physical and mechanical properties for its end-use. The Forest Department Peninsular Malaysia and the Malaysian Timber Industry Board have identified fifty-three commercial species that are commonly used in Singapore and Malaysia. Fifty two are hardwoods and one is a softwood. The hardwoods are grouped into three classes, viz., Heavy Hardwoods, Medium Hardwoods and Light Hardwoods. This classification is based largely on the density of the timbers at 15 per cent moisture content, and the natural durability of the timber under conditions in this country is also taken into account.

*TIMBER HAS TO BE PROPERLY GRADED*
Timbers are graded in accordance to the Malaysian Grading Rules (MGR), an internationally recognised timber grading rules for which the Malaysian Timber Industry Board is the Grading Authority, and which the Timber Industries in Singapore adopts. An appropriate grade ensures defects and blemishes which  could affect the strength and performance of timber. In this context, STA timber inspectors/graders are able to help ensure the proper grade of the timber used.

*THE KILN DRYING OF TIMBER TO THE RIGHT MOISTURE CONTENT*
Presence of water in wood creates dimensional problems such as twisting,  bowing, cupping and spring. To avoid such defects, timber must be dried to the desired moisture content according to the condition of its final usage.

*TIMBER HAS TO BE CHEMICALLY TREATED*
Not all timbers are naturally durable. Depending on the application,  timber need to be treated accordingly to prevent deterioration.

CHARGES FOR TIMBER IDENTIFICATION SERVICES

Wood Samples brought to STA Laboraty  --   SGD800.00 per sample piece
Timber Identification Field Job                 --   SGD1000.00 per visit (Transportation extra charge)
Timber/Log Grading Services.                 --   The Charges will depend on the volume of the Timber/Log to be graded, and the length of  time taken to complete the job.