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IS 4895 : 1985teak logs

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MTE Teak Log Grading Rules · Perum Perhutani Teak Log Grading Rules · ATIBT General Rules for Tropical Logs
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationMaterials Science · Timber and Timber Stores
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OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 4895:1985 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for teak logs. This standard specifies the requirements, grading rules, dimensions, and permissible defects for teak (Tectona grandis) logs intended for conversion into timber for joinery, furniture, and structural purposes.

teak logs

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Timber and Timber Stores
Type
Specification
International equivalents
MTE Teak Log Grading Rules · Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE), MyanmarPerum Perhutani Teak Log Grading Rules · Perum Perhutani, IndonesiaATIBT General Rules for Tropical Logs · International Tropical Timber Technical Association (ATIBT)
Typically used with
IS 3386IS 1150IS 707
Also on InfraLens for IS 4895
5Key values2Tables4FAQs
Practical Notes
! Girth must always be measured under the bark at the exact mid-length of the log.
! If girth is measured over the bark, an appropriate allowance for bark thickness must be deducted as per regional norms.
! Logs should ideally be end-coated to minimize end-splitting and checking during transit and storage.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3TerminologyCl. 4Grades of LogsCl. 5Dimensions and MeasurementCl. 6Permissible Defects
Pulled from IS 4895:1985. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
teaktimberwoodlogs

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
MTE Teak Log Grading RulesMyanma Timber Enterprise (MTE), Myanmar
HighCurrent
Myanma Timber Enterprise Teak Log Grading Rules
Defines grading, measurement, and defect classification specifically for teak logs of Myanmar origin.
Perum Perhutani Teak Log Grading RulesPerum Perhutani, Indonesia
HighCurrent
Rules for Grading Teak Logs (Jati)
Provides grading system for plantation teak logs in Indonesia, focusing on defects and dimensions.
ISO 4476:1988International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
LowWithdrawn
Wood — Coniferous and broadleaved logs — Measurement of features and determination of volume
Overlaps only on the methodology for measuring log dimensions (length, diameter) and calculating volume.
ATIBT General Rules for Tropical LogsInternational Tropical Timber Technical Association (ATIBT)
MediumCurrent
General nomenclature of tropical timber & General rules for grading
Shares principles of log grading based on defects, but is applied to African species, not teak.
Key Differences
≠IS 4895 uses a simple three-tier system (Grade I, II, III), whereas MTE (Myanmar) uses a more complex system distinguishing between veneer and sawing qualities with multiple sub-grades (e.g., 4-Star Veneer, SG-1, SG-2).
≠IS 4895 uses a quarter-girth formula [Volume = (G²/16) * L] for volume calculation, which is an approximation. Modern international practice, including MTE's current system, tends to use true volume calculations based on mid-diameter in cubic meters.
≠Grading is not tied to origin in IS 4895. In contrast, international standards like MTE's are intrinsically linked to the origin (Myanmar Teak), which implies specific wood properties (color, grain, density) beyond the visible defects graded.
≠Allowances for defects like sapwood can differ significantly. IS 4895 allows a sapwood margin based on girth, while rules for plantation teak (e.g., Indonesia) may have different allowances due to the faster growth and typically thicker sapwood layer.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are fundamentally based on grading logs by their external and visible features to predict the yield of high-quality, defect-free timber.
≈The types of defects assessed are largely universal, including knots (sound/unsound), cracks/splits, sweep (crookedness), taper, and hollowness (heart rot).
≈Measurement of dimensions for volume calculation is always done under bark to determine the net wood content of the log.
≈The principle of measuring log girth/diameter at the mid-point of the length is a common practice across IS 4895 and international systems like MTE's to average out the effect of log taper.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Minimum Girth for Grading60 cmTypically 7 feet (approx. 213 cm) for higher grades, varies by gradeMTE Teak Log Grading Rules
Minimum Length for Grading2.5 mGenerally 10 feet (approx. 3 m) or more for export quality logsMTE Teak Log Grading Rules
Volume Calculation FormulaQuarter-girth formula: (Girth/4)² x LengthHistorically Hoppus foot (similar to quarter-girth); now true volume in m³MTE Teak Log Grading Rules
Hollowness Allowance (Grade I)Permissible up to 1/10th of the mean girth of the log.Not permissible (Nil) for top Veneer Grades (e.g., 4-Star).MTE Teak Log Grading Rules
Straightness / Sweep (Grade I)Sweep not more than 1/15th (6.7%) of the length of the log.Sweep generally should not exceed 5% of the length for high grades.General International Practice / ATIBT
Measurement of GirthMeasured at the middle of the log, under bark.Measured at the middle of the log, under bark.MTE Teak Log Grading Rules
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
length measurement stepsMultiples of 10 cm
girth measurement stepsMultiples of 1 cm
minimum girth special grade150 cm
minimum length special grade3.0 m
minimum girth grade 1120 cm
Key Formulas
Volume (Quarter Girth Formula) = (g/4)^2 * L — Commonly used trade estimation for log volume
Volume (True Volume) = (g^2 / 4π) * L — Used for exact solid volume computation

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Minimum Dimensions for Different Grades
Table 2 - Permissible Defects for Different Grades
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Terminology
Clause 4 - Grades of Logs
Clause 5 - Dimensions and Measurement
Clause 6 - Permissible Defects

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 3386:1979wooden fence posts
→
IS 1150:2000Trade names and abbreviated symbols for timbe...
→
IS 707:2011Timber Technology And Utilization of Wood, Ba...
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

How is the girth of a teak log measured according to the standard?+
Girth is measured under the bark at the mid-length of the log. If there is a swelling or depression at the mid-length, the girth is measured just adjacent to it.
What are the standard commercial grades of teak logs?+
Teak logs are classified into Special Grade, Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III based on their dimensions (length and girth) and the extent of permissible defects.
Are borer holes and rot acceptable in structural teak logs?+
Live borer attacks and active decay/rot are strictly prohibited. Dead borer holes may be permitted to a limited extent in lower grades as specified in Table 2.
How is the length of the log measured?+
The length is measured from the shortest distance between the two parallel end cuts, typically rounded down to the nearest multiple of 10 cm.

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