BS 01186-3 1990 (En)
BS 01186-3 1990 (En)
1990
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1
ICS 79.080
BS 1186-3:1990
© BSI 06-1999
Amd. No. Date Comments
Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword iii
Section 1. General
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Scope 1
1.2 Definitions 2
Section 2. Selection of timber species
2.1 Species of timber for end uses 3
Section 3. Moisture content
3.1 Moisture content 4
3.2 Measurement of moisture content 4
Section 4. Quality of timber prior to the wood trim being fixed
4.1 Classification 5
4.2 Knots and knot clusters 5
4.3 Splits, shakes and checks 6
4.4 Limits of resin pockets 7
4.5 Limits of sapwood 7
4.6 Limits of wane 7
4.7 Limits on rate of growth of softwood 7
4.8 Limit on slope of grain 7
4.9 Limits of exposed pith 7
4.10 Limits of decay and insect attack 7
4.11 Laminating and edge jointing 7
4.12 Finger jointing 7
4.13 Surface quality 8
Section 5. Fixing wood trim
5.1 General 13
5.2 End trimming 13
5.3 Nailing 13
5.4 Fixing by screws 13
Appendix A Recommendations for specifying timber for wood trim 14
Appendix B Some species of softwood and their suitability for use
as wood trim 15
Appendix C Some species of hardwood and their suitability for use
as wood trim 16
Appendix D Recommendations for maintaining the moisture
content of wood trim 21
Appendix E Typical profiles 22
Appendix F Making good at the time of decoration 28
Figure 1 — Limits of knots and knot clusters for exposed surfaces
of wood trim 6
Figure 2 — Round knot 8
Figure 3 — Oval knot 8
Figure 4 — Arris knot 9
Figure 5 — Splay knot 9
Figure 6 — Margin knot 10
Figure 7 — Branched knot 10
Figure 8 — Knot cluster 11
© BSI 06-1999 i
BS 1186-3:1990
Page
Figure 9 — Examples of the method of measuring the relevant
dimension of exposed surfaces of wood trim 11
Figure 10 — Measurement of rate of growth 12
Figure 11 — Cladding 23
Figure 12 — Rounded trim 24
Figure 13 — Chamfered trim 25
Figure 14 — Bevelled trim 25
Figure 15 — Half rounded trim 26
Figure 16 — Miscellaneous trim 27
Table 1 — Moisture content limits of solid timber 4
Table 2 — Some species of softwood and their suitability for use
as wood trim 15
Table 3 — Some species of hardwood and their suitability for use
as wood trim 16
Publications referred to Inside back cover
ii © BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
Foreword
This Part of BS 1186 has been prepared under the direction of the Timber
Standards Policy Committee and it supersedes BS 584, which is withdrawn. It
brings together in one Part updated versions of those clauses and figures of
BS 1186-1:1971, BS 1186-2:1971 and BS 584:1967 that dealt with wood trim, and
relates to both softwood and hardwood (which was omitted from BS 584).
The other Part of BS 1186 is Part 2 Specification for workmanship.
Part 1 Specification for timber is superseded by BS EN 942:1996 Timber in
joinery — General classification of timber quality.
This Part of BS 1186 covers exterior and interior wood trim as described in 1.0.1.
It should be noted that this description is more extensive than is usually
understood for wood trim in that, for example, it includes interior solid timber
panelling and exterior solid timber cladding and fascias. It also includes
rectangular or moulded sections, with planed, sawn or sanded surfaces.
Four quality classifications are given for wood trim.
A percentage of wood trim is sold “as seen”. However, a significant percentage is
covered by written purchase specifications and will continue to be so covered.
Until the publication of this Part of BS 1186, wood trim had usually been included
in specifications under the category of “joinery”.
Wood trim is usually manufactured and sold over length to be end trimmed at a
later stage, often by a different company from that which produced the wood trim.
Account has been taken of this in the drafting of this Part of BS 1186.
Owing to the difficulty in distinguishing sapwood from heartwood in some
species, preservative treatments have to be specified for some species for exterior
use.
It has been accepted that the standard profiles that were detailed in BS 584 have
not been successful in encouraging standardization. The Technical Committee
has consulted with the timber trade and users and has consequently agreed sizes
for a limited range of profiles in common use. These are presented in Appendix E.
Specifiers and traders are encouraged to specify these profiles to begin the
process of achieving the economies and the convenience of interchangeability
which are possible with standardization. It should be realized that the profiles
may not be stock items although it is hoped that some will be stocked by
merchants in at least one of the classes of this Part of this standard. To assist in
specifications, a British Standard reference has been allocated to each profile.
Since this Part of BS 1186 specifies both the manufacture and fixing of wood trim,
any claims of compliance with this Part of BS 1186 should state clearly the
sections of this Part of BS 1186 with which compliance is claimed.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 28, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.
Section 1. General
© BSI 06-1999 1
BS 1186-3:1990
2 © BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
© BSI 06-1999 3
BS 1186-3:1990
NOTE 1 The requirements of this section are aimed at 3.2 Measurement of moisture content
minimizing any movement or distortion of wood trim by
ensuring, as far as possible, that the moisture content of the The moisture content shall be checked at the time of
timber as supplied and fixed is close to the moisture content or handover (see 1.0.1) or immediately before fixing,
moisture content range that it will experience in service. See also
Appendix D. whichever is relevant.
NOTE 2 The requirements of this section relate only to solid To measure moisture content, an electrical moisture
timber and not to wood based panel products which usually have
equilibrium moisture contents that differ from those of solid
meter that is capable of making individual
timber. measurements with an accuracy of 2 % at moisture
contents between 7 % and 28 % (but see note 4) shall
3.1 Moisture content be used. The meter shall be accompanied by the
manufacturer’s instructions and all procedures
When measured in accordance with 3.2, the
shall be in accordance with these instructions.
moisture content of the timber shall either:
When a meter having probes is to be used and the
a) be as given in Table 1; or piece to be checked is thicker than 15 mm,
b) if it is not as given in Table 1, the supplier shall measurements shall be taken with insulated deep
be informed of this within 24 h and the timber probes.
shall be either: NOTE 1 Normally, only random checks are required at the time
of handover.
1) rejected; or
NOTE 2 It is preferable to insert probes from a concealed
2) treated so that the moisture content is as surface so as not to impair the appearance of an exposed surface.
given in Table 1. NOTE 3 In reading the meter, due allowance should be made
for temperature effects.
Table 1 — Moisture content limits of NOTE 4 Electrical resistance moisture meters can give grossly
solid timber inaccurate results when used on timber containing inorganic
salts, such as may be the case after treatment with flame
Category of Subcategory based on Limits of retardants or certain waterborne preservatives. In such cases, it
use service condition moisture may be advisable to refer to the meter manufacturer for a
content correction factor.
%
Exterior All exterior wood trim 13 to 19
wood trim
Interior For buildings with 13 to 17
wood trim intermittent heating
For buildings with 10 to 14
continuous heating
providing room
temperatures of 12 °C
to 19 °C
For buildings with 8 to 12a
continuous heating
providing room
temperatures of 20 °C
to 24 °C
NOTE If the subcategory based on service condition is not
stated or is not known at the time of handover, the supplier
should agree a moisture content range with the purchaser.
a Wood trim at this moisture content is available only by
special order or agreement and should be protected, stored and
installed in such a manner as to maintain this condition.
4 © BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
© BSI 06-1999 5
BS 1186-3:1990
6 © BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
© BSI 06-1999 7
BS 1186-3:1990
4.13 Surface quality If the surface of interior wood trim is planed, there
shall be between 12 and 18 cutter marks per 25 mm.
NOTE The surface of wood trim may be sawn, planed or sanded
in accordance with the project drawings or project specification. If the surface of exterior wood trim is planed, there
shall be between 8 and 18 cutter marks per 25 mm.
8 © BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
© BSI 06-1999 9
BS 1186-3:1990
NOTE 1 A branched knot is measured only if it is cut through (rather than along) by a surface as shown above. Then it is
measured as a splay knot and has the same limit and characteristics as a splay knot.
NOTE 2 A knot may be considered to be a branched knot rather than an oval knot if the line of the pith is or was essentially on
or close to the surface being considered.
Figure 7 — Branched knot
10 © BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
© BSI 06-1999 11
BS 1186-3:1990
12 © BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
© BSI 06-1999 13
BS 1186-3:1990
14 © BSI 06-1999
Appendix B Some species of softwood and their suitability for use as wood trim
© BSI 06-1999
Table 2 — Some species of softwood and their suitability for use as wood trim
Species (see note 1) Characteristics (see note 2) Average Workability Dimensional Suitability
density at movement
15 %
moisture
content
Exterior Interior
trim trim
(see note 3)
kg/m3
Cedar, western red Variable reddish brown heartwood, distinct white sapwood. 390 B S SW SW
(Thuja plicata) Straight grain, coarse texture. Discolours in contact with
ferrous metal if damp. Non-ferrous fittings and fastenings
are recommended.
Douglas fir Light reddish brown heartwood, paler sapwood. Growth 530 B S SW SW
(Pseudotsuga rings clearly defined and inclined to show through paint.
menziesii) Discolours in contact with ferrous metal. Non-ferrous
fittings and fastenings are recommended. Long, clear
lengths available.
Hemlock, western Pale brown. Growth rings distinguishable. Straight grain, 470 to 500 A S SP SW
(Tsuga fine even texture. Shipments include amabilis fir (less
heterophylla) dense, less strong). Good paint performance in service.
Long, clear lengths available.
Parana pine Golden brown, sometimes with red streaks. Straight grain, 550 A M X SW
(Araucaria fine uniform texture, generally available knot-free. Liable
angustifolia) to distort on machining. Good paint performance in service.
Redwood, Pale yellowish brown to red brown heartwood, paler 510 B M SP SW
European: Scots sapwood. Medium texture. Growth rings clearly marked.
pine Good joinery timber. Good paint performance in service.
(Pinus silvestris)
Whitewood, White to pale yellowish brown. Straight grain, rather fine 470 A M SP SW
BS 1186-3:1990
European texture. Good paint performance in service.
(Picea abies and
Abies spp)
See keys and notes following Table 4.
15
Appendix C Some species of hardwood and their suitability for use as wood trim
16
BS 1186-3:1990
Table 3 — Some species of hardwood and their suitability for use as wood trim
Species (see note 1) Characteristics (see note 2) Average Workability Dimensional Suitability
density at movement
15 %
moisture
content
Exterior Interior
trim (see trim
note 3)
kg/m3
Abura Heartwood and sapwood, light brownish coloured, plain 580 B S X SW
(Mitragyna ciliata) appearance. Medium/fine texture. Tendency to split on
nailing. Stains well.
Afrormosia Heartwood deep brown, sapwood light brown. Medium/fine 710 B S SW SW
(Pericopsis elata) texture.Discolours in contact with ferrous metal if damp.
Pre-bore for nailing.
Afzelia Reddish brown heartwood. Straw coloured sapwood. Grain 830 C S SW SW
(Afzelia spp.) often interlocked, texture coarse. Pre-bore for nailing. Can
stain masonry and textiles if damp.
Agba Pale pinkish brown heartwood of uniform appearance, 510 B S SW SW
(Gossweilerodendron sapwood slightly lighter (border sometimes indistinct).
balsamiferum) Medium texture. Resinous odour frequent.
Ash, European Generally white to light brown. Medium/coarse texture. 710 B M X SW
(Fraxinus excelsior) Very good bending timber, very tough.
Beech, European Light reddish brown; if steamed, pink. Fine even texture. 720 A/B L X SW
(Fagus sylvatica) Good bending. Stains and polishes well.
Birch, yellow Wide variation in colour from cream to reddish brown, can 700 B L X SW
(Betula include sweet birch (denser, darker). Fine even texture.
alleghaniensis) Stains and polishes well.
Cedar, Brazilian Colour (pale to dark reddish brown) and properties highly 480 B S X SW
(Cedrela spp.) variable. Occasional interlocked grain, coarse texture.
Fragrant odour. Resin exudation, resin pockets may occur.
© BSI 06-1999
Table 3 — Some species of hardwood and their suitability for use as wood trim
© BSI 06-1999
Species (see note 1) Characteristics (see note 2) Average Workability Dimensional Suitability
density at movement
15 %
moisture
content
Exterior Interior
trim (see trim
note 3)
kg/m3
Cherry, American Colour varies from light straw to reddish brown. Straight fine 590 B M X SW
(Prunus serotina) grain, fine texture. Pith flecks and small resin pockets are
common. Stains and polishes well.
Chestnut, sweet Heartwood yellowish brown, similar to oak. Sapwood distinct. 560 B S SW SW
(Castanea sativa) Coarse texture, tendency to spiral grain. Discolours in contact
with ferrous metal if damp. Non-ferrous fittings or fastenings
are recommended.
Elm, white Light greyish brown. Straight but sometimes interlocked grain, 580 B M X SW
(Ulmus americana) coarse texture. Good bending properties.
Guarea Can be bought separately. Pinkish brown, sapwood pale. Fine B S SW SW
a) (Guarea cedrata) texture, often interlocked grain. a) Occasionally exudes resin. a) 590 B S SW SW
b) (Guarea b) 640
thompsonii)
Idigbo Heartwood yellowish to light yellowish brown, sapwood 560 B S SW SW
(Terminalia ivorensis) somewhat paler. Coarse texture. Discolours in contact with
ferrous metal, can stain masonry if damp. Non-ferrous fittings
or fastenings are recommended.
Iroko Colour varies from yellowish brown to dark brown, with pale 660 B/C S SW SW
(Chlorophora excelsa yellow sapwood. Interlocked grain, coarse texture. Very hard,
and C. regia) strong.
Keruing Numerous species of similar characteristics. Pinkish brown to 740 B M/L a X
(Dipterocarpus spp.) dark brown heartwood, plain appearance. Sapwood grey.
Straight grain, occasionally interlocked. Exudes resin,
BS 1186-3:1990
sometimes making finishing troublesome. Prone to severe
distortion during drying.
17
Table 3 — Some species of hardwood and their suitability for use as wood trim
18
BS 1186-3:1990
Species (see note 1) Characteristics (see note 2) Average Workability Dimensional Suitability
density at movement
15 %
moisture
content
Exterior Interior
trim (see trim
note 3)
kg/m3
Lauan Meranti Serayah Name depends on origin: Philippines, Malaysia/Indonesia, Dark A/B S SP SW
(Shorea spp.) Sabah respectively. Produced from numerous species, the red 710
timber is sold in a wide variety of colour (dark red, red, Light
light red, yellow, white) with widely varying red 550
characteristics. Those with higher density are generally
stronger, stiffer and more durable than those with lower
density. Interlocked grain, coarse texture.
Mahogany, African Reddish brown heartwood, yellowish brown sapwood. 530 B S SW SW
(Khaya spp.) Interlocked grain, moderately coarse texture.
Mahogany, Central and Pale to dark reddish brown. Some interlocked grain, 560 B S SW SW
South American texture slightly coarse. Gives excellent finish.
(Swietenia spp.)
Makore Lustrous, pinkish brown to dark red heartwood, paler 640 C S SW SW
(Tieghemella heckelii) sapwood. Straight grain, fine texture. Discolours in contact
with ferrous metal. Tends to split on nailing.
Maple, rock Pale brown heartwood, white sapwood. Straight grain, fine 740 B M X SW
(Acer saccharum) texture. A strong, taut timber, bends well. Stains and
polishes well.
Oak Colour varies, depending on species, from pale yellow a) 790 B M X SW
(Quercus spp.) brown to reddish mid brown. Sapwood distinct, paler. b) 770 B M SW SW
a) American, red Straight grain, all species medium texture except c), which c) 720 B M SW SW
b) American, white may be coarse. Discolours in contact with ferrous metals. d) 670 B M X SW
c) European Non-ferrous fittings and fastenings are required. Nailing
difficult, pre-bore.
d) Japanese
Obeche Pale straw coloured. Interlocked grain, moderatelycoarse 390 A S X SW
(Triplochiton scleroxylon) even texture. A stable, low density, easy to work timber.
© BSI 06-1999
Stains well.
Table 3 — Some species of hardwood and their suitability for use as wood trim
© BSI 06-1999
Species (see note 1) Characteristics (see note 2) Average Workability Dimensional Suitability
density at movement
15 %
moisture
content
Exterior Interior
trim (see trim
note 3)
kg/m3
Opepe Yellow to orange yellow heartwood, whitish sapwood. 750 C S S X
(Nauclea diderrichii) Irregular, interlocked grain, coarse texture, making it
unsuitable for small sections. Some surface checking
may occur.
Poplar, American yellow Yellowish to olive brown heartwood with some dark 510 A M X SW
(Liriodendron streaks, whitish sapwood. Straight grain, fine even
tulipifera) texture. Smooth finish, good nailing and staining.
Ramin White to pale straw colour. Straight grain, fine texture. 670 A L X SW
(Gonystylus spp.) Splits on nailing. Stains well.
Sapele Medium to dark reddish brown heartwood with a 640 B M SW SW
(Entandrophragma pronounced stripe. Sapwood whitish. Interlocked grain,
cylindricum) fine texture.
Sycamore White to yellowish, lustrous. Generally straight grain, 630 A M X SW
(Acer pseudoplatanus) fine even texture.
Teak Golden brown heartwood sometimes with dark 660 C S SW SW
(Tectona grandis) markings, pale yellowish brown sapwood. Straight or
wavy grain, coarse texture. Very stable. Pre-boring
recommended for nailing.
Utile Reddish or purplish brown heartwood. Pale sapwood. 660 B M SW SW
(Entandrophragma utile) Interlocked grain, open texture.
Walnut, African Heartwood bronze brown with occasional black streaks, 560 B S SW SW
(Lovoa trichilioides) sapwood distinct, buff coloured. Interlocked grain, fine
texture.
BS 1186-3:1990
Walnut, American Rich dark brown heartwood, pale sapwood. Grain 660 B SM SW SW
(Juglans nigra) varies from straight to curly, texture coarse.
19
Table 3 — Some species of hardwood and their suitability for use as wood trim
20
BS 1186-3:1990
Keys to Table 2 and Table 3
The key for workability is as follows:
A easily worked on bench or machine;
B average workability;
C difficult to work on bench.
The key for dimensional (moisture related) movement is as follows:
S small;
M medium;
L large.
The key for exterior and interior trim is as follows:
SW suitable without preservative treatment;
SP suitable when preservatively treated in accordance with BS 5589;
X unsuitable.
NOTE 1 This is not a comprehensive list of suitable species. There are other species that are suitable for woodtrim but which may not be readily available in the UK. Timbers are
listed in alphabetical order and are not in order of importance or according to extent of use.
NOTE 2 The characteristics described are for information only.
NOTE 3 Where sapwood is present in exterior trim, preservative treatment is necessary even where the species is shown as suitable without preservative treatment (SW).
NOTE 4 Dark finishes to trim absorb more heat than light finishes, hence dark finishes are more likely to cause resin exudation, shakes and increased timber movement.
NOTE 5 Even those timbers shown as suitable for external use (SW or SP) can suffer photo-degradation of exposed external surfaces if a non-opaque finish is applied.
NOTE 6 It should be noted that colour variations in timber occur.
NOTE 7 More detailed information can be found in A Handbook of Hardwoods (1972) and A Handbook of Softwoods (1977) published by and available from the Building Research
Establishment, Garston, Watford, Herts WD2 7JR.
a
Due to excessive movement on drying and the high risk of resin exudation for an indefinite period, keruing is suitable only for cladding; for this use it requires no presservative
treatment.
© BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
© BSI 06-1999 21
BS 1186-3:1990
22 © BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
© BSI 06-1999 23
BS 1186-3:1990
24 © BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
© BSI 06-1999 25
BS 1186-3:1990
26 © BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
© BSI 06-1999 27
BS 1186-3:1990
Appendix F Making good at the time of F.2.1 When sawn wood trim is to receive a finish,
decoration resin should be removed from resin pockets and the
trim should be made good as described in F.1.
F.1 General F.2.2 If the surface is planed or sanded, there
F.1.1 Provided that wood trim as supplied and fixed should be no signs of break-out or tearing of grain.
is within the timber class limits of this Part of F.2.3 When planed or sanded surfaces of wood trim
BS 1186, any making good that is necessary at the are to receive an opaque finish, unsound knots,
time of decoration should be carried out in shakes or checks, and resin pockets, should be made
accordance with F.2. good as described in F.1.
F.1.2 Any filler that is used should be suitable for F.2.4 When planed or sanded surfaces of wood trim
the end use and compatible with any finish that is to are to receive a non-opaque finish, it is
be applied. recommended that the acceptability or otherwise of
F.1.3 Where a resin pocket is to be made good, the plugs and fillers, laminating and edge jointing,
resin should be cut out or burnt out and the finger jointing or other joints in the length of wood
resulting cavity should be made good either with a trim be specified. If not specifically excluded, the
filler suitable for the end use and for any finish that supplier, fixer or decorator should be entitled to use
is to be applied, or with a plug complying with 5.4. such plugs, fillers and jointing methods in
NOTE Making good may be needed to repair unsound knots accordance with this Part of BS 1186.
(see 4.2), to fill shakes or checks (see 4.3), to repair resin pockets NOTE 1 With most non-opaque finishes, it usually results in a
(see 4.4), or to repair deviations in machining (see 4.13). more satisfactory appearance if small shakes and checks are left
F.2 Extent of making good unfilled, because of the different absorption characteristics of
filler and timber.
NOTE There is no requirement in this Part of BS 1186 for any NOTE 2 See BS 6150.
making good of defects in cases when surfaces of wood trim are
not to receive a finish.
28 © BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:1990
Publications referred to
© BSI 06-1999
BS 1186-3:
1990
BSI — British Standards Institution
BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing
British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.
Revisions
It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services.
We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover.
Tel: 020 8996 9000. Fax: 020 8996 7400.
BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.
Buying standards
Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
addressed to Customer Services. Tel: 020 8996 9001. Fax: 020 8996 7001.
Information on standards
Copyright
Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the
UK, of the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as
permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means – electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written
permission from BSI.
This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard,
of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
written permission of BSI must be obtained.