Abstract

In 1981, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) had brought out a Handbook of Kerala Timbers, for the benefit of various sectors involved in timber production, processing and marketing which provides information for 162 common timbers. Properties and uses of 77 timbers are provided in the handbook of which 52 timbers are imported species. The information presented on various properties of timbers and their standard trade and botanical names will facilitate selection of right timber for various applications. The handbook was prepared by collating published technical information and newly investigated properties of 77 timbers obtained from wood farm/agroforestry sectors and imported sources of Kerala, including those supplied from other states in India. For each timber, before description of properties, standard trade name and vernacular names are given in accordance with Indian Standard or as mentioned in the international sources of publications for imported timbers. Timber species are organised in the text as per the standard trade name in alphabetical order. Each timber is described by Color, Weight, Texture, Strength group, Durability and Treatability