Identification of timber species is carried out in house using microscopic examination of thin sections when necessary.

This is used for strength grading (where the structural capacity of softwood is defined by – amongst other things – its species).

Other species confirmation carried out by us has involved determining species for:

  • Conservation of water wheels, gears and other mill structures.
  • Furniture and joinery items such as pews and timber panelling respectively.

Basic mineral salt identification is carried out in-house. More complex chemical analyses (such as establishing whether a preservative is present in a timber sample for example) might involve sending samples on to the appropriate UK accredited laboratory.