FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
Can you supply Siberian larch?
Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the UK Government imposed strict sanctions on the import of Russian sawn goods and plywood into the UK. At that point CSI [Specialities] Ltd Board of Directors immediately ceased the import of Russian Larch. Any timber that was imported prior to the war, as designated by Bill of Lading date was considered legal. We are aware of offers of Siberian larch within the market, from what are best described as “dubious” sources and involve timber that has in fact originated from Russian forests. We as a company will not be involved in any efforts to circumvent sanctions.
What is the minimum volume I need to buy?
Our material from landed UK stock is sold in minimum 1-2 pack lots. Forward orders, direct ex SWM and Finland are in full load 50m3 multiples.
What dimensions do you hold?
Our UK stock consists of sawn dimensions in order to satisfy the cladding market at 23/25 x 100/125/150mm, for the decking market 32/38 x 125/150, and trim/bespoke 46/50 x 100/150mm.
What lengths are available?
Typical lengths are 3.0m & longer, heavy are 3.6-4.5m, with 4.8-5.7m as developing.
Do you sell machined/profiled timber?
No! CSI [Specialities] Ltd focuses on importing sawn items only. Our customers carry out machining/coating themselves therefore adding value. For us to supply machined/painted items would cut across their business.
Does the Thermowood® need to be treated?
SWM Wood Thermowood® products offer a long service life. When further processing by sawing or planing to profile, these properties remain unchanged and do not necessarily require maintenance, reducing the environmental impact of the product during use.
Will the Thermowood® weather or turn silver?
Yes, like all timber species, exposure to natural UV light will weather it to a uniform silver/grey colour. Depending upon the aspect or exposure of the building and time of year, this process will start within a few months.
Can it be painted?
We recognise that many end users, especially in domestic use, may desire that the material maintains its natural colour or has a surface coating applied. SWM Thermowood® makes an excellent base for surface coatings and can be treated with pigmented or tinted oils, stains, paints or varnishes.
What is the Nordic Ecolabel?
Available on our Spruce Thermo D Selects, the Nordic Ecolabel accreditation is recognised as one of the world's toughest environmental certifications. It is awarded to products and services which meet ambitious environmental targets. These requirements consider the entire lifecycle of the product, from the raw material production and use, through to its recycling and disposal, making our Spruce Thermo D selects a true environmental choice.
How is the Spruce Thermo D Selects different from normal S/F Spruce Thermowood®?
SWM/CSI [Specialities] Ltd source select spruce from a single primary source to ensure consistency in the grading of our Spruce Selects. The raw material originates from one of the best Whitewood areas in Finland, renowned for its joinery quality material. The method of sawing the logs and our bespoke grading criteria produces a Thermowood® product which replicates the appearance (round knot & grain pattern) of a sawfalling Siberian Larch, albeit with a light brown colour.
What do you recommend for a wide cladding?
Our Spruce Thermo D Selects are available in 30 x 200mm sawn sections, allowing customers to achieve a full 25mm finish thickness and a wide profile for use in barn style featheredge or shadow gap wide cladding profiles.
Can Thermowood® products be used in Sauna applications?
Yes, our Pino Premio and FrakéNoir® products are perfect for use in saunas. A paraffin oil can be used to protect the timber from sweat and bring up the colour shades to the desired appearance.