European funding supports the free implementation of the new visual strength grading system for beech wood in timber-sector companies until August 2026
The LIFE Haya – Hardwood For The Home project has taken a decisive step towards its goal of opening up new markets for Spanish beech wood: thanks to the support of the European Commission’s LIFE Programme, sawmills and wood-processing companies can now implement, completely free of charge, the new visual strength grading system for Spanish beech wood. In this case, the classification has been developed by Cesefor, one of the project partners.
Until now, the absence of this type of classification prevented Spanish beech wood from being marketed for structural use. The new tool, already available as an initial type test, reaches strength class D35 with an estimated yield of 50%. It is also easier to implement than mechanical strength grading — also available since last year — which, although it offers higher yields and higher strength classes, requires a certain level of investment and is therefore being adopted more gradually. Together, both grading systems provide companies with a complete and flexible framework to access the structural timber market.
Demand for beech wood for structural use is growing steadily. Project partners Egoin and Gámiz are already working on its application in beech glued laminated timber (GLT) and mixed beech-pine CLT panels. In addition, the visual grading system also enables its direct use in light timber-frame structures, significantly expanding the construction potential of this species.
This is precisely where LIFE Haya’s funding becomes decisive. Companies joining the initiative before August 2026 that do not yet have CE marking will be able to access the implementation of the grading system, certification, and two years of audit costs completely free of charge, including both internal audits, carried out by Cesefor, and external audits, carried out by Certinalia. Companies that already have CE marking will be able to include the new species at no additional cost. Without this European financial support, the entry barrier for many companies, especially smaller ones, would be considerably higher.
Looking ahead, the aim is for this classification to be incorporated into the UNE 56546 standard and, subsequently, into UNE-EN 1912, thereby consolidating its recognition at both national and European level.
