In a world where timber supply chains are complex and global, knowing exactly what species you’re dealing with has never been more important. Whether you’re verifying a supplier’s claim, investigating a failure, resolving a dispute, or assessing heritage fabric, accurate species identification is essential.

Filros Timber Consultancy offers laboratory‑grade timber species identification using microscopic techniques, supported by our extensive Xylarium, published anatomical keys, and one of the UK’s most comprehensive reference libraries of timber specimens and literature. 

Our ex‑TRADA timber specialists provide clear, authoritative identification that stands up to scrutiny from manufacturers, insurers, conservation officers and legal teams.

Why species identification matters

1. Quality and performance verification

Different species behave differently. Mis‑specified timber can lead to premature failure, excessive movement, poor durability or unacceptable appearance.

2. Supply chain assurance

Species substitution — intentional or accidental — is increasingly common. Independent verification protects your project, your client and your reputation.

3. Heritage and conservation work

Accurate species identification is essential for like‑for‑like repairs, conservation approvals and long‑term maintenance planning.

4. Dispute resolution and warranty claims

When something goes wrong, knowing the true species is often the key to understanding liability.

5. Compliance and sustainability

Species identification supports due diligence for EUTR/UKTR, FSC/PEFC claims and responsible procurement.

How we identify timber species - Microscopic anatomical analysis

We prepare thin sections of the timber and examine them under magnification to assess:

• Vessel arrangement and perforation types
• Ray structure and height
• Parenchyma patterns
• Resin canals, tyloses and deposits
• Fibre characteristics
• Growth ring boundaries and porosity

Published identification keys

We use authoritative sources including:

• Standard anatomical keys for hardwoods and softwoods
• Regional identification guides
• Specialist monographs and research papers
• Historic reference texts for heritage species
• These allow us to narrow down species or species groups with high confidence.

This method is the internationally recognised standard for reliable species identification.

Filros’ Xylarium & Library

Our in‑house Xylarium contains hundreds of verified timber specimens, covering:

• Commercial hardwoods and softwoods
• Lesser‑known tropical species
• Historic and heritage timbers
• Engineered wood veneers and substrates

Each specimen is catalogued, photographed and cross‑referenced with published anatomical data.

Extensive reference library

Filros maintains a large technical library of timber identification literature, including rare and out‑of‑print works. This enables us to identify unusual, historic or imported species that fall outside typical commercial lists.

What we can identify

• Solid timber
• Veneers and decorative panels
• Flooring and parquet
• Furniture components
• Joinery and mouldings
• Heritage timbers and structural elements
• Engineered wood cores (where anatomical features remain visible)

We can often identify species even from small samples, offcuts or damaged material.

Typical clients

• Joinery manufacturers and door producers
• Furniture makers and kitchen manufacturers
• Architects and interior designers
• Conservation architects and heritage bodies
• Contractors and fit‑out specialists
• Loss adjusters, insurers and legal teams
• Homeowners dealing with disputes or warranty claims
• Timber merchants and importers

What you receive

• A clear, independent identification of species or species group
• Photomicrographs of key anatomical features
• Comparison with reference specimens and published keys
• Commentary on suitability, performance or specification (if required)
• Evidence suitable for insurance, warranty or legal proceedings

When to call Filros

1. You suspect species substitution
2. A supplier’s documentation doesn’t match the material
3. A failure has occurred and the species is in question
4. You need authoritative evidence for a dispute
5. You’re working on a heritage building and need accurate species data
6. You want independent verification before manufacture or installation

Independent, authoritative, scientifically robust

Filros Timber Consultancy combines microscopic analysis, a verified Xylarium, and decades of specialist timber knowledge to deliver species identification you can rely on. Our reports are clear, defensible and trusted across the timber and construction industries.