The natural durability of timber may be defined as ‘the inherent resistance of timber to attack by wood destroying organisms such as wood decaying fungi and wood destroying insects’. Natural durability only refers to the heartwood of the tree.

In Malaysia, natural durability of timber is determined using a ‘graveyard’ test. In this test, wood stakes 50mm x 50mm in section are inserted in the ground so that half of the length of the stake is buried. The average time taken for these stakes to fail is used to assign a natural durability rating. In Malaysia, four natural durability ratings exist.

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