All Kinds of Timber Used in Singapore

# **Complete Guide to All Kinds of Timber Used in Singapore**  

Timber is a vital material in Singapore’s construction, furniture, and interior design industries. Due to sustainability concerns and regulations, the types of timber used are carefully selected based on durability, cost, and environmental impact.  

This guide covers:  

1. **Common Timber Types Used in Singapore**  

2. **Grades & Quality Standards**  

3. **Applications in Construction & Furniture**  

4. **Sustainability & Regulations**  

## **1. Common Timber Types Used in Singapore**  

### **A. Hardwoods (Durable, High Strength)**  

1. **Balau (Bangkirai)**  

   - **Origin:** Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia)  

   - **Properties:** Extremely durable, resistant to termites and rot.  

   - **Uses:** Decking, bridges, heavy construction.  

2. **Chengal**  

   - **Origin:** Malaysia, Indonesia  

   - **Properties:** High density, weather-resistant.  

   - **Uses:** Marine structures, outdoor furniture.  

3. **Merbau**  

   - **Origin:** Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands  

   - **Properties:** Termite-resistant, stable in humidity.  

   - **Uses:** Flooring, decking, doors.  

4. **Teak (Burmese/Indonesian)**  

   - **Origin:** Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia  

   - **Properties:** Naturally oily, resists warping.  

   - **Uses:** Luxury furniture, boat decks.  

5. **Oak (European/American)**  

   - **Origin:** Europe, North America  

   - **Properties:** Strong, attractive grain.  

   - **Uses:** High-end furniture, flooring.  

### **B. Softwoods (Lighter, Cheaper, Less Durable)**  

1. **Pine (Radiata, Yellow Pine)**  

   - **Origin:** New Zealand, USA  

   - **Properties:** Easy to work with, affordable.  

   - **Uses:** Indoor furniture, framing.  

2. **Spruce**  

   - **Origin:** Europe, Canada  

   - **Properties:** Lightweight, good for machining.  

   - **Uses:** Construction, plywood core.  

3. **Cedar (Western Red Cedar)**  

   - **Origin:** North America  

   - **Properties:** Naturally insect-repellent.  

   - **Uses:** Cladding, outdoor structures.  

### **C. Engineered Timber (Man-Made for Stability)**  

1. **Plywood**  

   - **Layers:** Cross-bonded veneers for strength.  

   - **Uses:** Furniture, flooring, partitions.  

2. **Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)**  

   - **Properties:** Smooth, uniform, no grain.  

   - **Uses:** Cabinets, decorative panels.  

3. **Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)**  

   - **Properties:** High strength, used for beams.  

   - **Uses:** Structural support in buildings.  

4. **Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)**  

   - **Properties:** Eco-friendly alternative to steel/concrete.  

   - **Uses:** Prefabricated buildings, mass timber projects.  

## **2. Timber Grades & Quality Standards in Singapore**  

- **Grading Systems:**  

  - **Select Grade (A):** Few defects, premium quality.  

  - **Standard Grade (B):** Minor knots, general use.  

  - **Utility Grade (C):** More imperfections, used for structural work.  

- **Singapore Standards (SS):**  

  - **SS 636 (Code for Structural Timber)**  

  - **FSC Certification:** Ensures sustainable sourcing.  

## **3. Applications of Timber in Singapore**  

### **A. Construction**  

- **Structural Timber:** LVL, Glulam beams.  

- **Formwork:** Plywood for concrete molds.  

- **Cladding & Decking:** Balau, Merbau.  

### **B. Furniture & Interior Design**  

- **Solid Wood Furniture:** Teak, Oak.  

- **Cabinets & Shelving:** MDF, Plywood.  

- **Flooring:** Engineered wood, Parquet.  

### **C. Landscaping & Outdoor Use**  

- **Garden Decking:** Chengal, Balau.  

- **Pergolas & Fences:** Treated Pine, Cedar.  

## **4. Sustainability & Regulations**  

- **Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC):** Promotes sustainable timber.  

- **Legal Restrictions:**  

  - **CITES-Listed Timber (e.g., Burmese Teak):** Requires import permits.  

  - **Illegal Logging Ban:** Must have FSC/PEFC certification.  

- **Alternative Solutions:**  

  - **Recycled Timber:** Reclaimed wood for eco-friendly projects.  

  - **Bamboo:** Fast-growing, sustainable substitute.  

## **Conclusion**  

Singapore uses a mix of **hardwoods (Balau, Chengal, Teak), softwoods (Pine, Cedar), and engineered timber (Plywood, MDF, CLT)** for construction, furniture, and design. Due to **strict sustainability laws**, certified and treated timber is preferred.  

**Key Considerations When Choosing Timber:**  

✔ **Durability** (for outdoor vs. indoor use)  

✔ **Cost** (hardwoods are pricier than softwoods)  

✔ **Sustainability** (FSC-certified preferred)