Graded timber is softwood timber used for constructional purposes, categorised into different grades by strength, density and stiffness characteristics. Graded timbers are stronger, more durable, less susceptible to mould and decay, suffer less from shrinkage or distortion – reducing creaks and squeaks – as well as being easier to machine.

The most common grades of construction timbers in the UK are C24 (for use in roof trusses and floors) and C16 (for use in uprights).

Structural timbers used in construction must be stamped and certificated with one of 12 grades set by British and European Standards BS EN 14081:2005 depending on their intended use, such as floor and ceiling joists, wall panels, roofs, trussed rafters, and fabricated structural components, for example glued laminated structures and plybox beams. This certification also covers related information for design against fire and protection against fungal decay and pests.

From our state-of-the art facility based in Cheshire, England, we manufacture graded softwood structural timbers for use in construction – we are the UK’s only producer of premium British C24 grade timber, the highest standard which can bear the heaviest loads. 

We’re set apart by our access to a wide variety of sustainably sourced UK wood species, unrivalled provenance – to within a hectare of British woodland – and, combined with our bespoke sawmilling service, by the ability to provide more choice of textures, finishes and sizes. 

Only using trees grown in Britain, each one we harvest is replaced to ensure our precious woodlands can thrive for the long term. 

In addition to the decades of knowledge, skill and expertise brought by our people, we have detailed first-hand knowledge of the performance of our graded timber from their extensive use in the property sector.

Our timbers are graded visually by our experienced sawmillers and then using a special acoustic grader which allows us to accurately categorise the timber by predicted strength, stiffness and density.

Structural timbers used in construction must be stamped and certificated with one of 12 grades set by British and European Standards BS EN 14081:2005 depending on their intended use, such as floor and ceiling joists, wall panels, roofs, trussed rafters, and fabricated structural components, for example glued laminated structures and plybox beams. This certification also covers related information for design against fire and protection against fungal decay and pests.

Many people believe that C24 graded timber can only be imported from Europe – where the climate means trees grow more slowly – but with a significant carbon footprint.

Here we provide the same slow grown timber sourced from sustainably managed British woodlands on our UK rural estates, reducing the embodied carbon of your project.

We provide all grades of softwood structural timbers (from C16 through to C24 and C27) which are certified for use in domestic and commercial construction projects, sourced from sustainably managed British woodlands.

Most graded timber in the UK is provided as either C16 or C24. Fewer alternative grades mean that in many builds, architects, designers and engineers are made to overpay for timber with grades which are excessive for their required use and often compromised from a visual appeal perspective.

Our bespoke sawmilling service allows us to provide a variety of textures, finishes and sizes. 

As well as standard sizing graded timber found in many outlets, we can provide more specialised sizes depending on the scope of your project.

Please get in touch below to speak to one of our graded timber specialists.

We can deliver anywhere in the UK using a pallet service.