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IS 1331 : 1971cut sizes of timber

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BS EN 1313-1 · PS 20 · AS/NZS 4491
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMMaterials Science · Timber and Timber Stores
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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 1331:1971 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for cut sizes of timber. This standard specifies the preferred cut sizes of timber for use in structural framing, doors, windows, and general construction purposes. It establishes standardized dimensions and permissible tolerances to rationalize the timber trade, ensure interoperability, and minimize wastage during milling and construction.

cut sizes of timber

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Timber and Timber Stores
Type
Specification
International equivalents
BS EN 1313-1:2010 · BSI / CEN (UK / Europe)PS 20-21 · NIST / ALSC (USA)AS/NZS 4491:2014 · Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (Australia/New Zealand)
Typically used with
IS 287IS 1150IS 399
Also on InfraLens for IS 1331
5Key values1Tables3FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Dimensions specified generally apply to rough sawn timber; if planed or finished timber is required, appropriate machining allowances must be added during procurement.
! Always account for moisture content, as timber dimensions will fluctuate with moisture variations. Specifications are usually tied to equilibrium moisture content.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3Standard SizesCl. 4TolerancesCl. 5Measurement
Pulled from IS 1331:1971. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
timberwoodlumber

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
BS EN 1313-1:2010BSI / CEN (UK / Europe)
HighCurrent
Round and sawn timber — Permitted deviations and preferred sizes — Part 1: Sawn timber
Specifies a system of preferred sizes and permitted deviations for sawn timber, directly aligning with the intent of IS 1331.
PS 20-21NIST / ALSC (USA)
MediumCurrent
American Softwood Lumber Standard
Standardizes lumber sizes, but uses a 'nominal vs. actual' system for surfaced lumber, which is conceptually different.
ISO 738:2004ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
MediumWithdrawn
Sawn timber — Sizes — Permitted deviations and shrinkage
Focuses on the methodology of calculating deviations and shrinkage, rather than listing preferred sizes, but addresses the same problem domain.
AS/NZS 4491:2014Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (Australia/New Zealand)
LowCurrent
Timber — Sawn and milled products — Appearance grade
Primarily for appearance grading but its appendices contain typical sawn sizes and tolerances, showing regional practice.
Key Differences
≠IS 1331 specifies direct metric 'cut sizes'. In contrast, the US system (PS 20) uses a 'nominal vs. actual' size convention (e.g., a nominal '2x4' has an actual surfaced dimension of 1.5 x 3.5 inches).
≠European standard EN 1313-1 explicitly links dimensions and tolerances to a reference moisture content of 20%, with rules for adjustment. IS 1331 is less explicit, and its general tolerances do not directly reference moisture content.
≠EN 1313-1 introduces 'Tolerance Classes' (e.g., TC1, TC2), allowing specifiers to choose a required precision level. IS 1331 provides a single, fixed set of tolerances based on the size of the member.
≠The range of standard thicknesses in IS 1331 (e.g., 25, 30, 40, 50, 65, 75 mm) differs slightly from the preferred thicknesses in EN 1313-1 (e.g., 25, 32, 38, 50, 63, 75 mm), reflecting different regional construction practices and rounding.
Key Similarities
≈All standards serve the fundamental purpose of rationalizing and standardizing sawn timber dimensions to ensure predictable supply and interchangeability in construction.
≈Despite system differences, there is significant overlap in common widths specified across standards (e.g., 100, 125, 150, 200 mm are common in both IS 1331 and EN 1313-1).
≈All standards acknowledge sawing inaccuracies by specifying permissible positive and negative tolerances on thickness, width, and length, although the specific values and methods differ.
≈The standards provide a logical hierarchy of sizes, covering everything from small battens and planks to large beams and scantlings, to service the full range of common construction applications.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Standard Thickness Range12, 19, 25, 30, 40, 50, 65, 75, 100 mm...16, 19, 22, 25, 32, 38, 50, 63, 75, 100 mm...BS EN 1313-1:2010
Standard Width Range75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250 mm...75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250 mm...BS EN 1313-1:2010
Sizing SystemDirect metric 'cut sizes'Nominal sizes with standardized actual (surfaced) dimensionsPS 20-21
Example Scantling Size (Nominal vs. Actual)50 x 50 mm (Cut size)Nominal 2x2 inch (Actual 38 x 38 mm)PS 20-21
Tolerance on Thickness/Width (up to 100 mm)+3 mm / -1 mm±1.0 mm (Tolerance Class 1) or +3/-1mm for some sizesBS EN 1313-1:2010
Tolerance on Length+25 mm / -0 mmGenerally +50 mm / +25 mm (allows for end trimming)BS EN 1313-1:2010
Reference State for DimensionsNot explicitly defined in relation to moisture contentDefined at a reference moisture content of 20%BS EN 1313-1:2010
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
Standard length increments100 mm
Tolerance on length+50 mm, -0 mm
Tolerance on width/thickness up to 100 mm+3 mm, -1 mm
Tolerance on width/thickness above 100 mm+6 mm, -3 mm
Measurement moisture content base12 percent (typical reference)

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Preferred Cut Sizes of Timber
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Standard Sizes
Clause 4 - Tolerances
Clause 5 - Measurement

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 287:2022Code of Practice for Design of Timber Structu...
→
IS 1150:2000Trade names and abbreviated symbols for timbe...
→
IS 399:1966Classification of Commercial Timbers and Thei...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

Do the standard sizes apply to planed timber?+
No, standard sizes generally apply to rough sawn timber unless otherwise specified.
What is the permissible tolerance for timber length?+
Typically +50 mm and -0 mm, ensuring timber is never supplied shorter than the requested nominal length.
What increments are standard lengths supplied in?+
Standard lengths are generally supplied in multiples of 100 mm (0.1 meters).

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