Specifying and selecting timber - what's the criteria? Timber 101 webinar 1

The Timber 101 series is a free, expert-led introduction to timber as a construction material, designed to support informed and confident decision-making across the built environment. From architects and engineers to contractors, students and DIY builders, this series is open to anyone looking to understand how timber works – and how to use it well.

Across seven webinars, participants will explore timber from its biological origins to its final specification and performance in buildings. Topics include tree growth and commercial species, timber structure and properties, grading and durability, moisture behaviour, and perceptions of quality.

Each webinar stands alone but together they form a comprehensive grounding in the correct selection, specification and application of timber.

Session 1: Specifying and selecting timber – what’s the criteria?

This session introduces how to specify timber correctly and why doing so is essential for performance, cost-efficiency and sustainability. Attendees will learn how to select appropriate species, apply grading standards, and understand what is really meant by ‘quality’ in the timber context.

We will cover:

• How to specify timber for different applications
• Species selection and nomenclature
• Types of grading and when to grade
• Use classes and movement
• Durability and protection
• Clarifying quality terminology and avoiding confusion

This session sets the scene for the rest of the series and is recommended for all attendees.

Audience:

This webinar is aimed at:

• Architects, specifiers and engineers
• Construction professionals and contractors
• Students and educators in the built environment
• DIY builders, makers and homeowners
• Anyone interested in sustainable materials and low-carbon construction

Speaker: Phil O'Leary, Director of Filros Timber Consultancy

Phil has over 25 years’ experience in timber design, specification, structural grading, supply, installation and performance. He previously led the Timber Consultancy at BM TRADA and has acted as an expert witness for over 20 years.

Speaker: Dr Andy Pitman, Principal Timber Consultant, Filros Timber Consultancy

Andy is a wood scientist with a PhD in archaeological timber conservation and a Master’s in Forest Industries Technology. He taught and supervised research for 15 years at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College and was formerly Head of the Forest Products Research Centre.

Programme:

12.00 Welcome from Woodknowledge Wales

12.05 Introduction to series and speakers

12.10 Main presentation

13.10 Q&A session

13.25 Close and information on upcoming sessions

Registration

Attendance is free but registration is required. A Teams link will be sent prior to the event.

Timber 101 series overview

This webinar is part of a seven-part Timber 101 series designed to help professionals and learners understand timber as a material and avoid common – often costly – mistakes. The series runs as follows:

• Specifying and selecting timber – what’s the criteria? (3 September)
• Trees to commercial timber species (17 September)
• Wood material structure and properties (1 October)
• Moisture in timber (15 October)
• Understanding and how to account for moisture in wood (5 November)
• Natural durability (19 November)
• Quality of timber – perception and confusion (3 December)