Although producers such as Vicbeam advise that their timber “has been kiln dried to between 12-16%” (info from website) we feel that the upper limit is not likely to apply across the board and moisture content after manufacture is likely to be below 16%.

We assume the windows and doors will be rained upon, with no shelter from verandahs or canopies. This will require a durable timber that can stand up to the weather. In addition, the doors will need a strong timber with good screw-holding properties since triple-glazed 3.1m high doors will be very heavy. There are several species of Manilkara.

Several different grading systems are used in Europe, but not the F-grade series unless the timber is being graded specifically for the Australian market. If the F8 timber in question complies with all relevant Australian Standards our understanding is that it doesn’t necessarily have to be graded in Australia. Note that “all stress grade marks are making a claim that the marked timber belongs to a graded population of timber with the structural properties that comply with the designated stress grade” (Australian Standard 2858).