The Thünen Centre of Competence on the Origin of Timber is the central contact facility for government agencies, timber trade, consumers and associations to verify the species of wood and/or wood products and its origin. In addition to the analysis of wood samples, plywood, fiberboard, paper and charcoal can also be analyzed.

Sampling

For the macroscopic and microscopic wood identification of solid wood specimens, e.g. scantlings, boards, furniture etc., representative samples with a length of approx. 2 to 10 cm should be taken and sent (postage) to the Thünen Centre of Competence. The minimum size of the samples is restricted to a dimension of approx. 5 to 10mm which allows a preparation without additional embedding procedure. Smaller specimens, e.g. individual veneer layers or fibre particles can be embedded for the preparation of microscopic slides which requires a higher methodological effort. The number of samples for the wood identification depends on the special request, e.g. different wood species in a window scantling or furniture; in case of doubt, several test specimens should be collected and provided.

A differentiation/separation between sapwood and heartwood is not necessary because the wood anatomical structures are unaffected by the synthesis and deposition of heartwood extractives. However, heartwood samples should be preferred (if available) which obtain additional characters for the wood identification. The samples should be provided in dry (air-dry) conditions.

Fees

• According to the valid regulations of the Thünen Institute, the costs for the wood identification of one (solid) wood sample amounts to 123.00 € + VAT. The costs include (i) the preparation of the microscopic sections, (ii) the light microscopic analyses of the sections, and (iii) the preparation of the scientific report.
• A higher fee rate of 184.00 € + VAT will be charged for the microscopic analyses of plywood samples, veneers and wood chips which require a higher methodological effort.
• The analysis of fibreboards, paper and wood charcoal will be charged 368.00 € + VAT. Particleboards will be charged 736.00 € + VAT.

Contact and postal address for samples:

Thünen Institute of Wood Science
AG Koch
Leuschnerstr. 91 d
21031 Hamburg
Mail: holzherkuenfte@thuenen.de