Durability of timbers for indoor applications in Malaysia

While some timbers are commonly used in contact with the ground especially those from the durable groups, the majority of them are utilized in buildings where they are protected from the elements of weather and totally free from subterranean termites. As such, results of the present study are important in providing an indication to the length of sendee life that could be expected from a particular timber when used indoors under Malaysian conditions. Generally, the service life of timbers that are used for above ground contact is approximately 10 times longer than the value obtained from the graveyard test. In addition, the same timbers that are destined for use in temperate environment are expected to have a longer service life than those used locally. Furthermore, the expected life span could be further enhanced should suitable coating and/or presevative be applied, and the moisture content be controlled below a reasonable level throughout its sendee life. Wood used in contact with the ground is more liable to fungal and insect attack than wood used above ground or indoors. Therefore, when choosing any timber species for a specific use, the nature of the sendee conditions should be taken into account. It should be noted also that results of the present study only apply to timbers that contain no sapwood (except timber derived from the "sapwood tree"). Should inclusion of sapwood in a piece be unavoidable then treatment with recommended preservative and treatment process should be adopted. Being susceptible to insect and fungal attacks, proper preservative treatment would ensure that the sapwood portion of the member be protected, and its durability could be extended to be equal or better than the corresponding heartwood portion.