What does SBC 201 require for structural timber?
SBC 201 mandates structural timber to carry a standard strength grade (e.g., C24 per EN 14081), a compressive strength test report of at least 24 N/mm², moisture content below 19%, and a documented certificate of origin. It applies to trusses, timber columns, structural formwork, and load-bearing frames.
Plywood used in concrete formwork falls under SBC 201-CH23, requiring a lateral pressure test per ASTM D198 and a minimum density of 550 kg/m³ at 18 mm. Riyadh Timber attaches these tests with every shipment.
Non-compliant timber is rejected by the consultant during review, halting the site for weeks. Choosing a SBC 201-compliant supplier from the start ensures smooth approvals.
How does SBC 301 specify loads on structural timber?
SBC 301 sets design loads on timber elements: dead load 0.5–1.5 kN/m², residential live load 2 kN/m², commercial 4 kN/m², wind up to 1.2 kN/m² in Riyadh, and seismic per zone. Each timber element is designed against these loads with a 1.5–2 safety factor.
For concrete formwork, lateral casting pressure is added per the formula P = (γ x h), where γ is concrete density (24 kN/m³) and h is pour height. Tall columns (>3 m) experience 50–70 kN/m².
The structural engineer applies SBC 301 to size timber columns and prop spacing; any deviation requires recalculation and consultant approval before execution.
What does SBC 801 require for fire on timber?
SBC 801 requires timber on escape routes, stairs, fire-rated doors, and electrical rooms to carry at least B-s2,d0 rating per EN 13501-1 or ASTM E84 Class B (flame spread ≤75). Standard timber needs treatment or intumescent coating to meet the rating.
Fire-retardant plywood treated with insoluble salts achieves Class A (flame spread ≤25), used for exits, stairs, hospitals, and schools. It carries BS 476 Part 7 or EN 13501-1 marking.
Private villas allow standard interior wood, but the fire door between house and garage required by SBC 801 must be 30- or 60-minute rated.
How do I choose fire-retardant timber per requirements?
Select Class A fire-retardant plywood treated with phosphate and ammonium salts per ASTM E84 (flame spread <25, smoke <450). Doors: 44 mm plywood with insulating core, rated 30, 60, or 90 minutes per EN 1634-1 or BS 476 Part 22.
Intumescent coating is an alternative to upgrade standard timber to Class B at 200–400 micron dry film thickness. Apply in two coats on a clean, level surface and reapply every 10 years.
Each fire-retardant sheet ships with an accredited lab certificate (UL, Warringtonfire, Exova) and a permanent edge mark that survives installation.
What structural strength classifications are recognised?
Mandatory grades for structural softwood: C16, C18, C24, C30 per EN 14081. C24 is the most common for trusses and columns on Saudi projects. Hardwood grades: D30, D40, D50 per EN 338. Plywood: F8/F11/F14 per AS/NZS 2269 or EN 13986.
Each sheet or beam carries a stamp showing grade, origin, production date, and batch number. The consultant verifies the stamp on site before approving use.
Falling below the mandated grade forces redesign with larger sections, raising cost by 20–40%. Specifying the right grade from the start saves both time and budget.
What are the common questions about SBC and timber?
Yes, SBC 201 is mandatory for all residential and commercial buildings in Saudi Arabia since 2018. Exceptions are temporary buildings (<12 months) or remote agricultural stores. The municipality does not issue a building permit without SBC compliance.
Request a Compliance Certificate from an accredited body referencing the SBC clause and matching standards (EN, ASTM). Riyadh Timber attaches this for every batch of approved plywood and softwood.
Commercial Chinese plywood does not comply with SBC 201 for structural formwork because of low density (420 kg/m³) and MR resin. It is acceptable only for interior decoration and short-term applications; structural formwork requires WBP Indonesian.
The consultant orders work to stop and the affected portion to be removed, with cost borne entirely by the contractor without compensation. If a collapse causes damage, liability becomes criminal under Saudi building law.
Yes, schools per SBC 801 require B-s2,d0 rating for all interior wood surfaces and 60-minute fire doors between classrooms and corridors. Wood furniture is subject to E1 formaldehyde emission limits.
Yes, Mostadam green building rating adds an FSC or PEFC requirement for managed-forest wood and rewards low-carbon materials. For Gold/Platinum certification, at least 50% of timber must be certified.
Need timber compliant with the Saudi Building Code?
Send your bill of quantities and consultant requirements, and our team will supply approved timber with full SBC 201 and SBC 801 certificates with a formal quote within 4 hours.