Structural timber is graded for its load-bearing and load-carrying capacity in framing systems and in heavy construction, light commercial and residential applications. The dominant American structural framing species are Douglas Fir and Southern Yellow Pine.
Typical structural construction applications include:
- Homes
- Stores
- Office Buildings
- Schools
- Churches
- Theatres
Structural timber products are generally bought, sold and specified for end use according to species combinations with design values assigned per species. Adjustment factors can be applied to structural timber to calculate the performance of different sized members in end use. These are published by various governmental agencies in destination countries. American softwoods comply with BS 5268 Pt 2: 1996 and EN 1912 “Structural Timber –Strength Classes.”