CE Marking of Structural Timber: the European Standardization Framework and its Effects on Italian Manufacturers

Structural timber has been used for centuries in construction and represents a traditional building component in many countries of the European Union. Nowadays, the interest in its use has been renewed due to several factors such as: ease of processing, relative lightness, mechanical performance, sustainability and decorative appearance. On March 2011, the European Parliament adopted the Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 (known as CPR), laying down harmonized conditions for the marketing of construction products. According to CPR’s dispositions, since January 1st 2012 CE marking of structural solid timber has been mandatory. While on one hand for the building sector enterprises this implies remarkable challenges, on the other hand it will allow a better valorization of structural timber. In this context, the present work illustrates the European standardization framework for CE marking of structural timber, particularly with respect to the visual grading method applicable to solid wood products and to the Italian experience in adopting the new rules.