Gone are the days when you would pick up some timber from a supplier and not think about where it came from. That’s because Australia’s timber industry is more sustainable than ever before, which is great news for our forests. But how do you know whether or not the timber you’re buying for your home project has been sourced responsibly?

Before you go out and splash your cash on a load of wood, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about sustainable timber and how much it should cost.

What is sustainable wood?

Put simply, it is renewable wood that comes from sustainably managed forests. When one tree is cut down for use, another is immediately planted to replace it. Forest workers also ensure that they cut down trees without causing any damage to the surrounding environment. That means the forest should still be active and healthy for many years to come. It’s also worth mentioning that responsible education, safety and decent pay is provided for all those who work in sustainably managed forests.

Why buy sustainable wood?

Buying unsustainable wood can lead to deforestation. But sadly, that’s not all. It can also lead to human rights abuses, hunting of endangered species, threatening the lifestyles and even the lives of indigenous tribespeople, as well as making countless rare and threatened creatures homeless. When you buy sustainable wood, you’ll be doing your bit to support the future of sustainably managed forests, which ensures forestry is practised with care for people, animals and nature. 

How do I know if wood is sustainable?

You can look for certification from organisations like the FSC. They are a non-profit organisation that supports responsible management of forests throughout the world. Their wood-labelling scheme was set up to give consumers peace of mind that they can identify, purchase and use wood from trusted sources. You should also only buy wood from Australian producers wherever possible. When you choose imported wood from overseas suppliers, it’s much harder to know what you’re buying.

What types of wood are sustainable?

There are lots of different sustainable wood varieties available, including pines, gums, ash and maple. However, you should always avoid buying endangered timbers like ebony, teak and African mahogany, as they are not sustainably grown.

Buying certified wood is best, and opting for Australian wood is usually a safe choice too. Not only will you be sure of what you’re getting, but you’ll also save on import and transportation costs.

How much will sustainable wood cost?

It really depends on where you’re buying the wood and what kind of wood you want to purchase. Generally speaking, there are three grades including:

·       The cheapest, which has more knots, grain and natural variation (around $40/m2).

·       Standard or mid-grade timber ($50 – $70/m2).

·       The most expensive grade with the fewest defects ($60 – $100/m2).

Now that you’re clued-up on sustainable wood, check out Yellow Pages listings for trusted timber suppliers near you.