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IS 3731 : 1985teak squares

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Malaysian Grading Rules for Sawn Hardwood Timber (MGR) · Myanmar Teak Grading Rules · BS EN 942
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationMaterials Science · Timber and Timber Stores
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 3731:1985 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for teak squares. This standard prescribes the requirements, dimensions, tolerances, and grading rules for teak squares (Tectona grandis) used in construction, joinery, and general carpentry. It categorizes teak squares into grades based on the presence and extent of natural defects like knots, splits, and sapwood.

teak squares

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Timber and Timber Stores
Type
Specification
International equivalents
Malaysian Grading Rules for Sawn Hardwood Timber (MGR) · Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), MalaysiaMyanmar Teak Grading Rules · Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE), MyanmarBS EN 942:2019 · BSI (UK) / CEN (Europe)NHLA Rules for the Measurement and Inspection of Hardwood and Cypress · National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), USA
Typically used with
IS 287IS 1150IS 1708IS 3364
Also on InfraLens for IS 3731
6Key values1Tables3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Inspect teak squares carefully for hidden end-splits which might propagate during seasoning.
! Moisture content should be checked as per IS 287 before finalizing dimensions, as shrinkage can affect the final squared dimensions.
! Sapwood proportion is a key differentiator between grades and significantly affects the long-term durability and termite resistance of the teak.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3General RequirementsCl. 4Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 5GradingCl. 6Permissible Defects
Pulled from IS 3731:1985. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
timberteakwoodTectona grandis

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
Malaysian Grading Rules for Sawn Hardwood Timber (MGR)Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), Malaysia
HighCurrent
Malaysian Grading Rules for Sawn Hardwood Timber
Provides detailed rules for visual grading of sawn tropical hardwoods based on defects, a similar methodology to IS 3731.
Myanmar Teak Grading RulesMyanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE), Myanmar
HighCurrent
Grading Rules for Teak Logs and Conversions
Defines specific export grades for teak sawn timber from a primary source country, focusing on the same defects as IS 3731.
BS EN 942:2019BSI (UK) / CEN (Europe)
MediumCurrent
Timber in joinery - General requirements
Specifies quality and moisture content for timber used in joinery, a primary end-use for teak squares, but lacks specific grading rules.
NHLA Rules for the Measurement and Inspection of Hardwood and CypressNational Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), USA
MediumCurrent
Rules for the Measurement and Inspection of Hardwood and Cypress
Establishes a standard for appearance grading of hardwood lumber, but for temperate species and using a different grading methodology.
Key Differences
≠IS 3731 is specific to Teak (Tectona grandis), whereas standards like the MGR or NHLA rules cover a wide range of tropical or temperate hardwood species, respectively.
≠The Indian Standard uses a defect-based system on the entire piece (counting/sizing knots, sapwood etc.). The NHLA standard uses a 'cutting' system, grading lumber based on the percentage yield of clear, defect-free wood that can be cut from it.
≠Grade nomenclature is different. IS 3731 uses 'Grade 1, 2, 3'. The MGR uses 'Prime, Select, Standard', and NHLA uses 'FAS (Firsts and Seconds), Selects, No. 1 Common', reflecting different market conventions.
≠Moisture content in IS 3731 is a fixed maximum (12%) unless otherwise agreed. European standards like BS EN 942 often define moisture content based on the timber's end-use service environment (e.g., indoor heated vs. outdoor).
Key Similarities
≈The primary basis for grading across IS 3731, MGR, and MTE rules is the visual assessment of natural characteristics and defects such as knots, grain deviation, sapwood, and splits.
≈All standards heavily restrict or prohibit sapwood in their higher grades, as teak sapwood lacks the durability and aesthetic qualities of its heartwood.
≈The intended application for the higher grades in all comparable standards is for appearance-critical uses like high-end furniture, architectural joinery, and decorative items, where visual quality is paramount.
≈All standards and rules include specifications for dimensional tolerances, allowing for acceptable deviations from the nominal sawn sizes for width, thickness, and length.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Moisture Content (Max)Shall not exceed 12% unless otherwise agreed.Varies by end-use; e.g., 8-12% for interior use in centrally heated buildings.BS EN 942:2019
Sapwood Allowance (Highest Grade)Grade 1: Permitted on one edge, not exceeding 1/10th of the face width.Prime Grade: Generally specified as 'Free of Sapwood' (FOS).Malaysian Grading Rules (MGR)
Knots (Highest Grade)Grade 1: Sound knots up to 15 mm diameter, max two per metre length.Prime Grade: One face must be practically clear of all defects; reverse face has limited small knots.Malaysian Grading Rules (MGR)
End SplitsPermissible if total length at each end does not exceed 50 mm.Generally limited, often to a length not exceeding the width of the timber piece.Malaysian Grading Rules (MGR)
Dimensional Tolerance (Thickness > 100mm)Oversize tolerance of +6 mm, no undersize tolerance (-0 mm).Tolerance Class 1: +4 mm / -2 mm.BS EN 1313-2
Warp (Bow)Not to exceed 6 mm in a length of 2 m.Permitted up to 10 mm per 2 m length for pieces over 20 mm thick.BS EN 942:2019
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
standard length range1.0 m to 5.0 m
length increments0.25 m
standard cross section range100 mm to 250 mm
cross section increments25 mm
tolerance on length+50 mm, -0 mm
tolerance on width and thickness+3 mm, -0 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Permissible Defects for Teak Squares
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - General Requirements
Clause 4 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 5 - Grading
Clause 6 - Permissible Defects

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 1708:2014Methods of Testing Small Clear Specimens of T...
→
IS 3364:2000Methods of measurement and evaluation of defe...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What are the standard length intervals for teak squares?+
Standard lengths range from 1.0 m to 5.0 m, increasing in steps of 0.25 m.
Are negative tolerances permitted on the cross-section dimensions?+
No, the tolerance on width and thickness is strictly +3 mm and -0 mm.
What is the main criteria for grading teak squares?+
Grading into Grade I and Grade II is primarily based on the permissible extent of natural defects such as sapwood, knots, shakes, and splits.

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