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The NATIONAL STRUCTURAL TIMBER SPECIFICATION FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION (NSTS) is an ambitious initiative by TRADA to support the rapidly increasing use of timber. It aims to be the definitive, comprehensive, stand-alone national specification for structural timber, complementing the existing national specifications that are widely used for steel and concrete buildings.
NSTS contents:
Scope and definitions
Information requirements
Materials
Workmanship (general, fabrication and erection)
Protective treatments and finishes
Quality assurance
The NSTS is also available in paperback format from the TRADA bookshop.
NSTS PROJECT SPECIFICATION FOR STRUCTURAL TIMBER (Members only)
This is a supplement to the NSTS in the form of an MS Word template document which can be used for projects. It should be used in conjunction with the NSTS. It is designed to include:
It is important that users download the latest version of NSTS and the corresponding Project Specification template.
DOWNLOAD PROJECT SPECIFICATION (TRADA members only)
Find out more about TRADA membership.
NSTS Core Steering Group and consultation process
The NSTS initiative is highly collaborative and driven by a Core Steering Group consisting of the following TRADA members:
Nick Milestone, Bowmer and Kirkland (Chair)
Andrew Lawrence, Arup
Paul Newman, Kingspan
Adrian Young, BM TRADA
Jacquie Shanahan, BM TRADA
A group of peer reviewers provided specific expertise on aspects of the NSTS, representing TRADA members Smith and Wallwork, BAM Construct UK, Ramboll UK, Cullinan Studio, Bowmer and Kirkland, Waugh Thistleton, KLH, the NHBC and BM TRADA. In addition, all members and selected organisations were invited to comment on the draft documents during a wider consultation.
Feedback
If you would like to provide feedback on the NSTS please contact the publications team.
Membership
Join TRADA and benefit from free access to the NSTS PROJECT SPECIFICATION plus a number of other membership benefits including expert advice from the telephone helpline and access to the latest technical information online.
TRADA Bookshop
The NSTS is also available for sale in paperback from the TRADA Bookshop. Additionally you will find a wide range of timber books and guidance documents, including several referenced in the NSTS. Members typically receive 35% discount on own branded books and documents, as well as 10% on British Standards.
Training and events
TRADA membership offers discounts on a large selection of practical timber training courses. A listing of training courses and events relevant to timber is available here.