French Hardwood Species Species â—? Uses â—? Grading system
Timber fROM sustainable managed forestS Promoting French Lumber and Wood Products www.FrenchTimber.com
Summary FrenchTimber presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.2
Why buy French products?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.3 Copyright B.Rérat
French forests, ustainable management
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Hardwood sawn timber – products’ typology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.5 European White oak Beech
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Poplar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.12-13 Maple-Sycamore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.14 Ash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.15 Chestnut
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Wild Cherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.17 Walnut
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Other hardwoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.19
FrenchTimber : Promotion of French timber species and wood products The French wood industry is a leading player in European timber production. It has been managing its diversified forest for centuries, both ecologically and economically . France’s forests are in constant expansion.
A huge variety of species in both hardwood and softwood has contributed to the exceptional worldwide reputation of French timber and wood products.
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The FrenchTimber association was founded in 2001 at the initiative of the "Fédération Nationale du Bois". Strongly supported by the related timber industries throught France Bois Forêts, FrenchTimber is dedicated to: ● Promote the use of the sustainably produced timber and wood products on an international and national level. ● Facilitate the supply of timber to foreign companies by promoting the huge expertise and personalised service offered by the French timber industry.
The FrenchTimber association has been created as a tool to ease the supply of quality timber. ● FrenchTimber distributes technical and economical information to international purchasers (importers, wholesalers, manufacturers and decision makers). ● The French timber industry offers quality, expertise and the ability to adapt their production to specific demands. ● The French timber industry exercises the PEFC program of sustainable forest management, as proof of its commitment to the future.
French forest Ressources French forests increase their standing wood volume by 88 million m3 every year. Fifty percent of this volume is harvested annually. The forest contains 128 different species (30 of which are commonly sawn). The total wood volume represents 2 billion m3.
Standing wood volume (millions of cubic meters)
Hardwoods account for two thirds of the total harvested forest surface.
Hardwood species Mainly located on the plains of northern, eastern and central France as well as in the south west, hardwoods grow in tall forests, as coppice-with-standards or coppice. Fourteen species account for a minimum of 50,000 ha, which is an indication of the extent of the biological diversity of French forests.
â—? An overview of sustainable forest management
Breakdown of the French harvested area
61% 39%
Hardwood Softwood
In 1827 France set up a controlled forest management system. Drawing from experience, France initiated the PEFC certification scheme (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) which guarantees resource renewal. During the last 50 years, French forests have increased by 35 % while at the same time maintaining their biological diversity.
APECF
PEFC guarantees the origin of the products offered.
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Why Buy French products? Advantages of using French hardwoods : ● ● ● ●
French sawmills offer you :
Available in long length and large widths, Big dimension timber, A huge range of products, Sustainably managed forests.
● Standard dimensions using the European grading system ● Timber sawn according to customer's specifications. ● Dried, planed, finger-jointed, edge glued, treated products... ● Expertise together with continually developed technology ● Sales teams dedicated to international trade.
Conversion table Metric - Imperial Inch (")
Meters (m)
Feet (ft)
1m3
424 bf
1
0,039
1,0
3,281
1m3
35,315 cu.ft
18
0,709
2,0
6,562
2,36m3
1000 bf
27
1,063
2,5
8,202
34
1,339
3,0
9,843
41
1,614
4,0
13,123
50
1,969
54
2,126
65
2,559
80
3,150
100
3,937
200
7,874
500
19,685
Millimeters (mm)
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Volume
Length
Thickness & Width
Hardwood sawn timber : products typology All products can be dried, steamed and treated upon request.
Boules • • • • • •
Long lengths (3m and up) Any diameter Large widths Any thickness Mixed grades Uniform color and features
Selected boards • • • •
Long lengths Large widths Any thickness Mainly used by the industry
One side edged boards • One side edged • No heartwood • Combines all the advantages of selected boards with a reduction in processing time for the manufactures
Square edged and dimensioned timber • • • •
Standard sizes or cut to customer’s specifications Any thickness Large range of dimensions upon request Uniform bundles
Frame sections • Standard sizes or cut to customer’s specifications • Any length • Different qualities available
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Annual sawn timber production :
European White Oak Quercus Robur - Quercus petraea
950.000 m3 France is Europe's leading producer of oak. More widespread than any other species of hardwood in France, oak accounts for 5,530,000 ha of French forest. Oak trees are tall (up to 40 meters in height), and grow slowly, developing straight trunks, up to one meter in diameter. They live a long time, harvesting begins at around 150 years of age
Wood characteristics
Workability
Oak sapwood is clear and easy to distinguish from the yellowishbrown heartwood. It is mainly a straight grain timber with heterogeneous structure
Mechanical characteristics Figures given at 12 % moisture content (straight-grain timber and free from defects)
Preservation Oak heartwood has a naturally high durability enabling it to be used without any treatment as Class 3 timber (exposed to weathering). Sapwood is easy to treat and after impregnation can be used as Class 4 timber (in contact with water).
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Average density
710 kg/m3
Total average volumetric shrinkage
15,3%
Brinell hardness perpendicular to the fibres
32 N/mm2
Modulus of rupture under bending
97 MPa
Breaking stress under axial compression
58 MPa
Modulus of longitudinal elasticity under bending
12 500 MPa
Main uses Thanks to its easy machining, oak is the wood of choice for cabinet makers, joiners and interior designers. French oak is often used to create beautiful, high performance, solid strip Hardwood Flooring, ideal for hallways, living rooms and kitchens.
BUDDAKAN RESTAURANT NEW YORK - DESIGN LIAIGRE GILLES & BOISSIER FOR STEPHEN STARR, PRODUCEDBY GROUP RINCK - Š D.R APECF
APECF
APECF
Oak beams are favoured for building traditional framework, to form the centrepiece of period refurbishment, or to add charm to a new property. Oak is also very appreciated in wine barrel production as well as for exterior use as decking, pilings and for manufacturing of railway sleepers.
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Oak - Appearance grades According to the standard NF EN 975-1 (available upon request)
Boules (Q-BA, Q-B1, Q-B2, Q-B3 grades)
Q-BA
Q-B1
Q-B2
Fine and moderately fine texture. Sound intergrown knots allowed. Sound sapwood allowed. Regular colouring. Not permitted : enclosed sapwood, red heart
The grain might be slightly angled. Sound intergrown knots allowed. Sound sapwood allowed. 1 isolated defect allowed per board (Frost split, ring shake, red heart).
Sloping or twisted grain is allowed. Curly grain is allowed. Cats paws accepted. Unsound knots (10% of the board) Surface bark pocket allowed.
Square edged timber (Q-FA, Q-F1a, Q-F1b, Q-F2, Q-F3, Q-F4 grades*)
Q-F1a
Q-F2
Q-F3
Straight-grained. 1 sound knot maximum per face for 20% of the boards.
Small knots on each face. 3 sound knots on each face (maximum diameter : 25mm / linear meter)
No limit of quantity regarding knots (maximum diameter : 40mm / linear meter or 1/2 the width of the board).
Squared timber (Q-PA, Q-P1, Q-P2 grades) The presence of characteristics which are not permitted in a grade leads to a reduction of volume in accordance with the definition of the grade. *Special French grade added to the grading rule
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Annual sawn timber production :
Beech Fagus Sylvatica
ONF - C. Pichard
620.000 m3
Beech is the second most abundant species of hardwood in France. Widespread accross in the northern half of France it accounts for 2,400,000 ha. Trees have particularly straight trunks, with an average diameter of 1.2m and can reach a height of 40m. They can be harvested between 80 and 100 years of age.
Preservation
Workability
The durability of beech heartwood is reduced by bad weather, however it is easily impregnated and can be used as Class 4 timber (in contact with water) after treatment.
Mechanical characteristics Figures given at 12 % moisture content (straight-grain timber and free from defects)
Steamed
Wood characteristics Sawn timber is cream-white to pale pink, without distinct sapwood. Redwood may exist. Generally straight grained with fine texture. Beech wood is well suited for steaming.
Average density
680 kg/m3
Total average volumetric shrinkage
18,3%
Brinell hardness perpendicular to the fibres
28 N/mm2
Modulus of rupture under bending
107 MPa
Breaking stress under axial compression
58 MPa
Modulus of longitudinal elasticity under bending
14300 MPa
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Main uses
VANBELT - MEV
Beech turns well, takes glue readily and can produce hight grade veneer. Due to it’s excellent bending qualities it is very popular for manufacturing furniture and stairs. Beech is also idealy suited for interior joinery, flooring, plywood and packaging.
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Beech - Appearance grades According to the standard NF EN 975-1 (available upon request)
Boules (F-BA, F-B1, F-B2, F-B3 grades)
F-BA
F-B1
F-B2
Sound boards. Straight-grained. Reasonable curve. 70% of the batch must be free from all defects.
Slight presence of slope grain. Intergrown sound knots permitted on 50% of the batch. Excluded : shakes, rot, curly grain.
70% of the batch can allow intergrown sound or dead knots, unsound knots, rotten knots. Bark pockets, curly grain, frost splits allowed : maximum two defects per board.
Square edged - dimensioned timber (F-FA, F-F1, F-F2 grades)
F-FA
F-F1
F-F2
Sawn timber free from all defects on 4 faces. Bow tolerance 15mm/m.
Sawn timber free from all defects on 3 faces. For 25% of the batch, two intergrown sound knots are allowed on one face or edge.
On each face and edge, 3 intergrown sound knots are allowed (40mm maxi).Sound red heart allowed. Any other defect is allowed, except bark pockets.
Considering red heart Red heart in beech does not impair the wood’s mechanical characteristics. Once steamed, beech takes a darker uniform colour going from a pinky to a dark red colour.
The presence of characteristics which are not permitted in a grade leads to a reduction of volume in accordance with the definition of the grade. MERIDIENNE SIRÈNE - PRODUCED BY STEPHANE PLASSIER - EDITION HENRYOT & CIE©D.R
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Annual sawn timber production :
500.000m3
Poplar Populus spp.
ONF - C. Pichard
In France poplars account for 274 000 ha. Valued for their timber, they are widely distributed throughout France. They are often found near water, or cultivated to line avenues and for use as quick, effective windbreaks. Poplars are fast growing, maturing in 20 or 30 years and reaching up to 30m in height. Their trunks are very cylindrical.
Wood characteristics Sawn timber is white to pale-greyish coloured, straight grained or slightly curved with a fine, sometimes fluffy but uniform texture.
Preservation It can be treated easily using impregnation, high temperature treatment or surface coating, which allows it to be used as Class 3 timber (exposed to humid atmosphere).
Mechanical characteristics Figures given at 12 % moisture content (straight-grain timber and free from defects)
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Average density
460 kg/m3
Total average volumetric shrinkage
12,9%
Brinell hardness perpendicular to the fibres
12 N/mm2
Modulus of rupture under bending
65 MPa
Breaking stress under axial compression
33 MPa
Modulus of longitudinal elasticity under bending
8 800 MPa
Appearance grading Appearance grading of sawn Poplar is defined by the Technical committee CEN/TC 175 "Round wood & Sawn timber" according to standard NF EN 975-2 (Standard available upon request)
Grade 1(one or two faces clear) • Knots allowed up to 8mm • Not allowed : pith, wanes, rots, insects degrades, dote.
Grade 3 (one or two faces of grade 3) • Medium knots limited • Traces of pith, wanes, dote are allowed • Not allowed : dead / rotten knots, rots, insects degrades.
Grade 2 (one or two faces of grade 2) • Small or medium knots • Traces of pith : allowed if straight • Dead / rotten knots, wanes, dote, rots, • Not allowed : insects degrades.
Grade 4
(two faces of grade 4) • Knots : 1/3 of the width of the board • Pith, wanes, dote, insects galleries are allowed • Not allowed : dead / rotten knots.
Copyright B.Rérat
Main uses Poplar is suitable for bedding, framework, plywood and mouldings as well as interior joinery especially blackboards and furniture. It is also ideal for crates, pallets, light and heavy packaging.
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Maple-Sycamore Acer Campestre - Acer Pseudoplatanus - Acer Platanoides
IDF - J. Becquey
Hardwood species, maple is found throughout northern France. There is a total planted area estimated at 59,000 ha. Maples are tall trees, up to 30 m in height, with very cylindrical trunks and a medium growth rate allowing them to be harvested at around 80 years.
Preservation
Wood characteristics
Maple can be easily treated. Once impregnated, it can be used as Class 4 timber (in contact with nonsalty water).
Sawn timber shows whitewood, sometimes slightly yellowish. Sapwood is not distinctive.
Mechanical characteristics
630 kg/m3
Total average volumetric shrinkage
12,3%
Brinell hardness perpendicular to the fibres
30 N/mm2
Modulus of rupture under bending
110 MPa
Breaking stress under axial compression
54 MPa
Modulus of longitudinal elasticity under bending
10 500 MPa
UFFEP
Average density
Main uses Maple is mainly used for joinery, interior fittings, veneer, furniture, flooring, turned pieces and marquetry.
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Escarmor
Figures given at 12 % moisture content (straight-grain timber and free from defects)
Ash
Fraxinus Excelsior L.
IDF - J. M. François
Ash has a high conservation value. It is a tall tree with an airy canopy and short leaf stay. The trunks are straight and smooth with greygreen bark. In France, Ash covers a total of 360,000 ha. of sustainably managed forest. Trees are harvested at around 80 years of age.
Wood characteristics
Preservation
Sawn timber has a straight silver grain. It is cream white in colour with indistinctive heartwood. If present, grey heart does not impair the wood’s mechanical characteristics.
Ash is quite easy to impregnate and after treatment it can be used as Class 3 timber (able to tolerate a humid atmosphere).
Mechanical characteristics Figures given at 12 % moisture content (straight-grain timber and free from defects) Average density 720 kg/m3 Total average volumetric shrinkage
15,3%
Brinell hardness perpendicular to the fibres
34 N/mm2
Modulus of rupture under bending
113 MPa
Breaking stress under axial compression
51 MPa
Modulus of longitudinal elasticity under bending 12 900 MPa
RIGHT IN TENSION TABLE AND BENCH DESIGN SALEM BHATRI VIA 2004©VIA/ILLIOUX&FILLIOUX PROJECT TENDER
Main uses Due to its attractive grain and its bending qualities it is also highly regarded for use in furniture, indoor joinery and flooring. It is also used to produce veneer and structures for light boats.
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Chestnut Castanea Sativa
Native from the south of europe, chestnut accounts for 490,000 ha, mainly in the southern half of France. It is a valuable tree for timber; relatively fast growing, up to 30m tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1m
Preservation Chestnut is naturally resistant and easily impregnated allowing a class 4 classification (suitable for outdoor use, in contact with water).
Wood characteristics Its yellowish white sapwood is distinct from its brown heartwood. Chestnut timber is straight-grained with a medium texture.
Mechanical characteristics Figures given at 12 % moisture content (straight-grain timber and free from defects) Average density
620 kg/m3
Total average volumetric shrinkage
11,1%
Brinell hardness perpendicular to the fibres
19 N/mm2
Modulus of rupture under bending
71 MPa
Breaking stress under axial compression
46 MPa
Modulus of longitudinal elasticity under bending
12 500 MPa*
CHESTNUT TABLE DESIGN: NICOLAS AUTRIC PRODUCED BY LA FABRIQUE ﾂｩ GAﾃ記 MONROZIER
Main uses Chestnut is used for interior and exterior joinery; kitchen, flooring, panelling, and framework.
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Wild Cherry Prunus Avium - Cerasus Avium
Wood characteristics
Preservation
The wild cherry sapwood is pinkish in color and distinctive from the reddish brown heartwood. It is a fine textured wood with a straight silver grain.
Not easily impregnated, it is only suitable for interior use.
IDF - M. F. Crave
Wild Cherry is a small, fast growing, deciduous tree up to 25 m in height with a straight cylindrical trunk. Native of the central part of France, it occupies 32.000 ha of sunstainably managed forest. Highly rated for timber, it can be harvested between 50 and 60 years of age.
Mechanical characteristics Figures given at 12 % moisture content (straight-grain timber and free from defects) Average density
610 kg/m3
Total average volumetric shrinkage
13,5%
Brinell hardness perpendicular to the fibres
29 N/mm2
Modulus of rupture under bending
96 MPa
Breaking stress under axial compression
49 MPa
Modulus of longitudinal elasticity under bending
10 200 MPa
MOISSONNIER ECRITOIRE Š MOISSONNIER
Main uses Wild Cherry is very well suited for interior joinery and turnery fittings, furniture, veneer and decorative panelling.
MOISSONNIER GREEK BOOKAGSE Š MOISSONNIER
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Walnut Juglans Regia
Walnut trees grow up to 10, 20m in height, found widely throughout France. Abondant throughout France it accounts for 2,400 ha of sustainably managed forest. Altought it is often seen growing alone In fields. It can be harvested after 100 years.
Wood characteristics
Preservation
Heartwood is dark yellow to brown with darker veins. Walnut is a straight grained or slightly wavy, medium textured wood.
Untreated walnut can be used as Class 2 timber ( in dry atmosphere) as it is naturally durable. After treatment it can be used as Class 4 timber (in contact with non-salty water).
Mechanical characteristics Figures given at 12 % moisture content (straight-grain timber and free from defects) Average density
660 kg/m3
Total average volumetric shrinkage
14,1%
Brinell hardness perpendicular to the fibres
26 N/mm2
Modulus of rupture under bending
117 MPa
Breaking stress under axial compression
63 MPa
Modulus of longitudinal elasticity under bending
11 900 MPa
BUREAU TRISKEL - DESIGN LOÏC KERISEL © LOÏC KERISEL PRODUCTION - © D.R
Main uses
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Walnut is prized by furniture, cabinet and layout manufacturers because of its colour, hardness, grain and its ability to be turned easily. It is also favoured for veneer production. Veneer sliced from walnut burl is highly prized by cabinet makers and presitigious car manufacturers.
Some of the additional French hardwoods available
European Hornbeam
Birch
Alder
Betula Pubescens
Alnus Glutinosa
IDF - B. Boulet
Carpinus Betulus
European Lime Tilia Europaea
Pear tree Pirus Communis
Elm Ulmus
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APECF
Lille Fécamp Le Havre Rouen Caen
St-Malo
PARIS
Nancy
Strasbourg Mulhouse
Nantes
Nantes
La Rochelle
Lyon
Rochefort Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Marseille Sète
Fos-sur-Mer
FrenchTimber 6, rue François Ier 75008 Paris France Tel : +33 (0)1 56 69 35 92 Fax : +33 (0)1 42 56 32 70 E-mail : contact@frenchtimber.com For more information on French sawn timber and species, check our web site : www.FrenchTimber.com price : 2 €
Publication Financed by 10, avenue de Saint Mandé 75012 Paris - France Tel: + 33 (0)1 40 19 81 14 Fax: + 33 (0)1 40 19 81 11 E-mail : secretariat@franceboisforet.fr www.franceboisforet.fr