Our timber
For our products, we strive for sustainability by using responsible materials. Timber forms the basis of our products and is also our passion. Our basic timber species are oak, chestnut, cumaru, Accoya, Nobifix and Douglas fir. In addition, in consultation, we are open to processing other types of timber and sustainable materials.
Our different types of timber
Douglas fir is particularly durable due to the large amount of resin it naturally contains. This European softwood species is increasingly appreciated by architects because of its durability (class III), fine processing and good availability. Douglas is very suitable as a construction material, especially for patio covers, fences, decking and garden furniture. Our Douglas products are delivered exclusively with foot supports to avoid direct contact with the ground, which extends the life of the timber.
Chestnut is a robust and durable material that naturally belongs to durability class I-II. The presence of high tannic acid in the heartwood contributes to its high durability. The fine-grained nature of sweet chestnut makes it highly resistant to moisture. It is very suitable for making fences, garden furniture, bridges and as support posts for coastal fencing. This species of tree grows fairly quickly while still yielding hardwood. In some parts of southern Europe, coppice culture has existed for more than two thousand years. In these areas, due to the rotation time of the coppice (15-20 years), only a limited area is always felled, thus maintaining a diverse biotope.
Our oak timber, sourced from France, is classified with durability class II and thus falls under European hardwood. Oak is strong and hard, yet reasonably easy to work and finish. Under water, however, it requires good protection, such as in polework and yacht building. Oak can be used almost anywhere, such as in shipyards, bridge construction, water works and, of course, as a lighting fixture. Oak, like sweet chestnut, contains a high natural tannic acid content. Metals that come into contact with oak can therefore corrode quickly. Oak possesses a unique character with beautiful flame markings. Untreated and exposed to the elements, it acquires a natural slight graying over the years. For our lighting products, oak is supplied freshly finely sawn as standard.
Cumaru is a stable, durable timber species with beautiful colour and appearance. In addition to its beautiful appearance, cumaru is also known for its longevity. This South American timber species has a yellow to reddish-brown colour. Despite its weight and hardness, cumaru can be worked well. When planed, it results in a very smooth surface. Timberlab uses cumaru as standard for the PUNTO fixture. In addition, the PUNTO can be supplied with the FSC 100% certificate, which guarantees that the timber comes from sustainably managed forests.
Nobifix® is one of our naturally treated, sustainable timber types, developed and treated in the Netherlands. Locally sourced pine timber is treated under pressure with a chemical‑free product, significantly extending the timbers’ lifespan. This process gives the timber its characteristic, rich brown colour, while remaining non‑toxic, free from lacquer and maintenance-free. With an expected lifespan of 25 years, Nobifix® offers durability comparable to tropical hardwoods.
Accoya is a very interesting timber species, especially when sustainability is a priority. Accoya timber falls into Durability Class I and is the most durable timber in the world. Above ground, Accoya retains its quality for more than 50 years, and in ground-water contact it remains in top condition for 25 years or more. Accoya undergoes thorough modification and is preserved by a natural acidification process. Therefore, when Accoya is cut or profiled, there is never a wood surface exposed that has not been preserved. This modification offers two key benefits: guaranteed confidence in the durability of the timber and assurance of consistent quality to established standards.
Both our path and street lights can be buried in the ground. Accoya offers as much as a 25-year warranty even when installed in the ground. For other timber species, this depends on the type of timber used, soil type, moisture and other weather conditions. For optimal longevity and added ease of installation, Timberlab has designed a metal structure, our pole brackets.
Our post holders are made of stainless steel or galvanized steel and ensure the longevity of the timber, as shown in the climate classification table. We have designed suitable post holders for all our products, where you can choose foot holders with or without pin. For maximum stability, we recommend a post holder with pin, for example in soft ground. When using a foundation pin, for additional stability you can choose to add concrete or stabilization sand. Do not use concrete directly in contact with timber because it affects the durability of the timber.
Curious about our post holders? Discover them below.
Footrest 100 with flange
Models: EYE 100, PERI 100, TORRE 100 and SPINA 100
Material: stainless steel 304/316
Weight: 3kg
Footrest 100 with pin
Models: EYE 100, PERI 100, TORRE 100, and SPINA 100
Material: stainless steel 304/316
Weight: 2 kg
Postholder 150
Models: EYE 150, PERI 150, TORRE 150, SPINA 150 and FARO
Material: Stainless steel 304/316
Weight:11kg
Footrest 150 with flange
Models: EYE 150, PERI 150, SPINA 150, TORRE 150, and FARO
Material: Stainless steel 304/316
Weight: 4kg
Footrest lantern
Models: STRATO, STELLE, ANGELO, DARIO and PILA
Material: Hot-dip galvanized
Weight: 7kg
Pole Holder
Models: STRATO, STELLE, ANGELO, DARIO, and PILA
Material: Hot-dip galvanized
Weight: 20kg
Footrest round with pin
Models: ICON
Material: Hot-dip galvanized with powder coat
Weight: 30kg
At Timberlab, we work exclusively with raw timber. We do not use lacquer or chemical treatment, because timber is naturally durable and therefore requires no maintenance. Through the influence of UV light, algae and natural oxidation, the timber slowly takes on a silver-gray hue. We see the natural silvering of the timber as a unique, characteristic feature that fits perfectly with our vision of sustainable design.
Weather conditions and other outside influences can affect the structure, quality and colour of the timber. Sometimes ‘stains’ may appear on the timber during the silvering process, but they will disappear again and the timber will silver evenly. These are the most common ‘stains’ and their cause:
Generally, the timber will naturally silver evenly and it is best to leave the wood alone. Should you still be dissatisfied or have questions about the wood, you can always contact our customer care team.
The silvering process takes time and varies by timber species. Oak goes relatively quickly, while Accoya takes the longest. In the table below you will find examples of graying material and an indication of how long this process takes. Once the timber is fully silvered, the colour remains beautifully even and retains its natural appearance.
| Timber type | Fully silvered after... | Photo fresh | Photo silvered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas | 1.5 to 3 years |
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| Chestnut | 1-1,5 years |
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| Oak | 1-1,5 years |
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| Cumaru | 10-12 months |
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| Nobifix® | 3-5 years |
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| Accoya® | 2-3 years |
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The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization dedicated to forest conservation and responsible forest management worldwide. Responsible forest management occurs when ecological, social and economic aspects associated with forest management are taken into account in a balanced manner.
PEFC is an international label that guarantees that timber and paper products come from sustainably managed forests and that the forest area is preserved.
| Class | Lifespan | Timber species |
|---|---|---|
| I | >25 years | Accoya*, Nobifix®, cumaru | ,
| II | 15 - 25 years | Chestnut, oak |
| III | 10 - 15 years | Douglas fir |
| IV | 5 - 10 years | |
| V | < 5 years |
* Accoya is guaranteed to last for over 50 years above ground and 25 years in ground or freshwater. For more information, visit www.accoya.com.
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