Marine Timber

Timber used aboard ship is generally hardwood, chosen for its density, resistance to wear, and the natural oils that let it weather well and keep some grip when wet. It remains an organic material, though: it moves as it takes up and gives off moisture, and it is open to insect attack and decay. Species, the part of the log a piece is cut from, and how well it has been dried are what really determine how long it lasts in service.

With large baulks the difference comes down to where in the log they were cut. Heartwood, nearer the centre, is denser and carries more oil, and outlasts the sapwood around it — so pieces sawn from the same log are not all of one grade. Supply covers cutting to the sizes required and grading. Species, grade, section and drying are chosen for the intended use, and where timber goes aboard, the fire and surface-material requirements for that location have to be confirmed alongside.