SIST EN 1313-2:2003

Overview

EN 1313-2:1998 is a CEN (European) standard that defines permitted deviations and preferred sizes for hardwood sawn timber. The standard specifies dimensional tolerances and preferred nominal sizes for European hardwood sawn timber referenced to a moisture content of 20%. It is intended to create consistent, repeatable size and tolerance criteria across production, trade and specification of sawn hardwood.

Key topics

• Scope and reference condition
  • Applies to sawn hardwood with measurements taken at a moisture content of 20% (reference condition for dimensional values).
• Permitted deviations
  • Specifies how much actual dimensions may deviate from nominal sizes (length, width, thickness) when timber is measured under the reference moisture condition.
• Preferred sizes
  • Defines a set of preferred nominal dimensions to promote interchangeability and simplify specification, procurement and production planning.
• Measurement principles
  • Describes the measurement basis (how and when dimensions are to be taken relative to the reference moisture content) and the meaning of tolerances.
• Multilingual and European adoption
  • The standard text is available in multiple languages and is intended for adoption by national standards bodies across Europe.

(Note: EN 1313-2 sets the principles and ranges of deviations and preferred sizes; it does not replace project-specific tolerances required by designers or clients.)

Applications

EN 1313-2 is practical for professionals who need consistent dimensional timber quality and clear procurement/specification rules:

• Sawmills and timber manufacturers - to set production targets and quality control checks.
• Timber merchants and traders - for product listing, grading and commercial contracts.
• Architects, structural engineers and specifiers - to reference standard sizes and tolerances in drawings and bills of materials.
• Quality control and inspection labs - for dimensional verification against a European reference.
• Procurement and logistics teams - to ensure delivered material meets agreed tolerances and preferred sizes.

Using EN 1313-2 reduces disputes over size discrepancies, helps standardize stock-keeping units (SKUs) and improves interchangeability in construction and woodworking.

Related standards

• EN 1313 is a series title addressing round and sawn timber; EN 1313-2 specifically covers hardwood sawn timber at 20% moisture content.
• For full compliance in projects, combine EN 1313-2 with standards addressing grading, moisture measurement, treatment and structural design as required.

Keywords: EN 1313-2, hardwood sawn timber, permitted deviations, preferred sizes, European standard, moisture content 20%, timber tolerances, sawmill quality control, timber procurement.