What is timber with engineered finger-joints and is it equivalent to regular timber?
Finger jointed timber is a type of wood process made by joining pieces of wood together to form a longer piece or large volume of a desired length. The pieces are cut at an angle, creating finger-like projections that interlock with each other. The joints are then glued to create a solid piece of wood.
These engineered timbers are graded the same as other timber, so are in no way inferior to solid timber, but in fact actually stronger. However, since they have only recently gained popularity customers are more likely to ask to return them if they are unaware timber engineered finger-joints are being supplied.
Timbers that are 6m or 7.2m long are likely to be supplied with engineered finger-joints. All product pages for timbers of these lengths includes the following notice:
Timber may be supplied with engineered finger-joints. Engineered timber has a glue line that is stronger than the timber itself; it also has all defects and knots removed. This makes engineered timber 60% stronger than its solid timber alternatives.
We also have include a disclaimer on these products for Suppliers. When they accept an order with timber at 6m or 7.2m, we ask that they inform us that the timber will have engineered finger-joints. If they advise that the timber has these joints, then we must inform the customer as soon as possible to ensure they are fine to take this engineered timber.
If the Supplier does not notify us and the customer refuses the delivery or requests a refund, we will not accept a failed delivery charge, collection fee or any restocking fee.