Wood and wood-based materials are taking centre stage in contemporary architecture — from striking multi-storey structures to innovative urban designs. Understanding their properties is essential to avoid costly mistakes and to apply standards such as Eurocode 5 with confidence.

This book offers a clear, practical overview of the key physical and mechanical characteristics of major wood species and wood-based products — including moisture behaviour, elasticity, creep, and strength. It also addresses crucial topics such as protection, fire performance, bonding, and non-destructive monitoring of timber structures.

Whether you are an architect, civil engineer, or a professional in the wood industry, this is your go-to reference for designing and building with timber. It is equally valuable as an introduction for mechanical engineers, chemists, automation specialists, and vocational students entering the field.

Peter Niemz is an Emeritus Professor at the Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zürich, Switzerland, where he previously served as Head of the Wood Physics Group. He is an Elected Fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science.

Dick Sandberg is a Mechanical Engineer and Professor of Design and Fabrication of Timber Constructions at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Gjøvik, Norway, and an Elected Fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science.