Timber: Its Nature and Behaviour, Second Edition - Materials Science

In this review of Timber: Its Nature and Behaviour, Second Edition the reviewer finds a rigorous, materials-focused reference for anyone who needs to understand how wood performs in real-world use. The book adopts a true materials science approach to timber and explains how structure and moisture interact to determine physical and mechanical behaviour, so it is especially valuable for engineers, architects and advanced craftsmen who require a technical grounding rather than a how-to overview.

Key Features

• Materials science perspective: Explains timber performance in terms of internal structure so readers gain a deeper, mechanistic understanding rather than just rules of thumb.
• Moisture interaction: Describes the complex ways moisture affects physical and mechanical behaviour, helping readers anticipate dimensional change and serviceability issues.
• Range of behaviours covered: Examines both physical and mechanical properties across many timbers and panel products, making it useful for specifying materials in design and construction.
• Processing considerations: Discusses how processing affects timber properties, which is helpful when choosing or preparing materials for particular applications.
• Reference to standards: Relates performance to European specification levels and testing methods, offering practical context for compliance and testing decisions.

Who It's For

This book is best for professionals and serious students: structural engineers, architects, timber technologists and advanced woodworkers who need an evidence-based explanation of why timber behaves as it does and how that behaviour links to testing and specification. It serves as a technical reference that supports informed decision-making on material selection and detailing.

Those seeking basic woodworking instructions, simple project patterns or a casual introduction to species identification should look elsewhere; this edition assumes interest in structure-property relationships and the role of moisture in performance rather than step-by-step craft guidance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, science-led explanation of timber structure that informs accurate specification and design.
• Comprehensive treatment of moisture effects, valuable for predicting dimensional change and service performance.
• Connection to testing methods and European specification levels aids practical application in professional contexts.

Cons

• Not a beginner-friendly woodworking guide, so casual DIYers may find the material too technical.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Timber: Its Nature and Behaviour, Second Edition is a strong, technically grounded reference that is worth the investment for professionals who need to understand the how and why of timber performance. It links structure and moisture to measurable behaviour and testing, making it good value for designers and engineers who rely on accurate material knowledge rather than introductory craft tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for architects?
Yes; its focus on structure, moisture interaction and performance makes it well suited to architects specifying timber in buildings.

Does it teach woodworking techniques?
No; the book explains timber behaviour and processing effects but does not provide basic step-by-step woodworking instruction.

Does it reference testing standards?
Yes; the text relates timber performance to European specification levels and associated testing methods.