LONDON: Timbmet, one of Europe's leading timber distributors, and the UK's exclusive supplier of Red Grandis, a pure Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) red hardwood, is to offer a legal and sustainable alternative to Sapele or Meranti timber.

The introduction of Red Grandis demonstrates how a new plantation-grown species with Pure FSC certification can be brought to the market with unique customer benefits in terms of sustainability, natural durability, ease of use and continuity of supply ñ particularly important given ever increasing global demands on timber as a natural resource.

A high-grade clear timber delivering consistency of colour, appearance, grain and workability, Red Grandis – or Eucalyptus grandis, to give it its generic name – is most often used in the production of internal mouldings, including skirting, architrave and thresholds, furniture, cabinets and exterior cladding profiles, as well as within the window and door frame industry.

Red Grandis has undergone independent third-party testing by TRADA Technology Limited and Building Research Establishment, achieving great results for natural durability and resistance to fungi – key for long-term performance – as well as Class D35 for strength and stiffness, and Class C35 for density to prove its suitability for joinery and structural use.

Under the plantation growing process, intensive pruning is carried out to provide a knot-free, clear, uniform timber with sapling thinning to enable the trees to reach significant diameters. It is easy to machine and shape, and because all lengths are identical, there is less waste and reduced production time, as well as a much better finish overall.

Red Grandis is also available as a Timbmet Engineered Component (TEC), offering proven strength and extraordinary efficiency. This technology retains and enhances the beauty and appeal of natural wood with finger-jointing technology, wood veneers, advanced adhesives and substrates, such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), aluminium and plastic ñ providing perfect solutions for discerning customers.

In sawn format, Red Grandis is available in 2.4m and 4.8m lengths, and in various widths and thicknesses.

'We are delighted to add Red Grandis to the Timbmet product portfolio," says Richard Curtis, merchant business manager. "With an annual growth rate of 3.4 metres in height and 25mm in diameter, this red hardwood can grow to 60 metres high, with mature trees available after just 23 years, ensuring continuity of supply for years to come."