A guide to sustainable timber

Timber has been a popular construction material for as long as humans have been building. Yet with deforestation soaring across the globe, many people are beginning to question whether we should use wood in our buildings.

Fortunately, there’s no need to pick either building with wood or being sustainable. We can have both – thanks to sustainable timber.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about sustainable timber, including what it is, what the benefits are, and how it’s certified in the UK.

What is sustainable timer?

Sustainable timber is wood that has been harvested responsibly. This takes place in well-managed forests where harvested wood is continuously replaced to minimise damage to the environment. Whether you’re using sustainable timber for fencing your garden or in a full-scale construction project, it offers a more eco-friendly way to build.

What are the benefits of sustainable timber?

There are many benefits associated with sustainable timber, including:

• Sustainability

When well sourced and mindfully used, timber is one of the more environmentally construction materials available. Harvesting timber can actually be more sustainable than leaving it alone. This is because trees absorb carbon more when they’re growing compared to when they’re older. So, a forest where old trees are harvested and new ones planted can be a more effective carbon store than an undisturbed forest.

• Durability and strength

Sustainable timber is an incredibly durable building material. When built properly, wooden structures can last for hundreds of years. It’s also remarkably strong, able to support massive loads without being compromised.

• Aesthetic

With so many different types of timber available, there’s a huge range of looks to work with. Whatever pattern and colour you want, there’s wood for it. And you can even use varnish to make it brighter or darker in colour.

How is sustainable timber certified in the UK?

There are two main certification schemes in the UK that ensure that all wood and wood-based products originate from sustainable sources: the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Between them, they lay out a clear set of behaviours that lead to sustainable timber, including:

• Replacing all harvested trees with a new sapling
• Protecting indigenous animals and plants
• Ensuring employees that harvest trees are treated ethically.

You can rest assured that any timber certified by these bodies has been sustainably sourced.

With the growing scale of deforestation across the globe contributing to the climate crisis, it’s more important than ever that you ensure the timber you use is sustainable. And after reading this guide, you should have a much clearer idea of what it is, how it can benefit you and how you can recognise it.