This study tested the machinability of three major timber species grown in Tasmania, Australia, under different resource management schemes: plantation fiber-managed hardwood (Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Eucalyptus nitens Maiden) and plantation sawlog-managed softwood (Pinus radiata D. Don). P. radiata was used as a control to identify significant differences in machining fibre-managed plantation timber against sawlog-managed plantation timber with numerically controlled computer technology and manually fed timber production techniques. The potential to fabricate architectural interior products such as moldings with plantation fiber-managed hardwood timber that is high in natural features was the focus of this study. Correlations between wood species, variation in moisture content, and density of individual machinability characteristics were analyzed to determine factors impacting the overall quality of plantation wood machinability. Correlations between species and within species groups from the resulting machinability tests are highlighted and discussed. The results indicate that the machinability of sawlog-managed softwood P. radiata is superior in some circumstances to fiber-managed hardwood E. globulus and E. nitens specimens, according to the American Society for Testing and Materials D1666-11. Full article

In this study, 145 poplar (Populus × euramericana cv.’74/76’) seedlings, a common plantation tree species in China, were selected and their ultrasonic velocities were measured at four timepoints during the first growth year. After that, 60 poplar seedlings were randomly selected and cut down to determine their acoustic velocity, using the acoustic resonance method. The effects of influencing factors such as wood green density, microfibril angle, growth days, and root-collar diameter on acoustic speed in seedlings and the relationship between ultrasonic speed and acoustic resonance speed were investigated and analyzed in this work. The number of specimens used for investigating growth days and root-collar diameter was 145 in both cases, while 60 and two specimens were used for investigating wood density and the microfibril angle, respectively. The results of this study showed that the ultrasonic speed of poplar seedlings significantly and linearly increased with growth days, within 209 growing days. The ultrasonic velocity of poplar seedlings has a high and positive correlation with growth days, and the correlation was 0.99. However, no significant relationship was found between the ultrasonic velocity and root-collar diameter of poplar seedlings. Furthermore, a low and negative relationship was found between wood density and ultrasonic speed (R² = 0.26). However, ultrasonic velocity significantly decreased with increasing microfibril angle (MFA) in two seedlings, and thus MFA may have an impact on ultrasonic speed in poplar seedlings. In addition, ultrasonic velocity was found to have a strong correlation with acoustic resonance velocity (R² = 0.81) and a good correlation, R² = 0.75, was also found between the dynamic moduli of elasticity from ultrasonic and acoustic resonance tests. The results of this study indicate that the ultrasonic technique can possibly be used to measure the ultrasound speed of young seedlings, and thus early screen seedlings for their stiffness properties in the future. Full article

The local chemistry and mechanics of the control and phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin modified wood cell walls were analyzed to illustrate the modification mechanism of wood. Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) is most widely distributed in the subtropical regions of China. However, the dimensional instability and low strength of the wood limits its use. Thus, the wood was modified by PF resin at concentrations of 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%, respectively. The density, surface morphology, chemical structure, cell wall mechanics, shrinking and swelling properties, and macro-mechanical properties of Masson pine wood were analyzed to evaluate the modification effectiveness. The morphology and Raman spectra changes indicated that PF resin not only filled in the cell lumens, but also penetrated into cell walls and interacted with cell wall polymers. The filling and diffusing of resin in wood resulted in improved dimensional stability, such as lower swelling and shrinking coefficients, an increase in the elastic modulus (E_r) and hardness (H) of wood cell walls, the hardness of the transverse section and compressive strength of the wood. Both the dimensional stability and mechanical properties improved as the PF concentration increased to 20%; that is, a PF concentration of 20% may be preferred to modify Masson pine wood. Full article

Currently, ultrasonic measurement is a widely used nondestructive approach to determine wood elastic properties, including the dynamic modulus of elasticity (DMOE). DMOE is determined based on wood density and ultrasonic wave velocity measurement. The use of wood average density to estimate DMOE introduces significant imprecision: Density varies due to intra-tree and intra-ring differences and differing silvicultural treatments. To ensure accurate DMOE assessment, we developed a prototype device to measure ultrasonic wave velocity with the same resolution as that provided by the X-ray densitometer for measuring wood density. A nondestructive method based on X-ray densitometry and the developed prototype was applied to determine radial and intra-ring wood DMOE profiles. This method provides accurate information on wood mechanical properties and their sources of variation. High-order polynomials were used to model intra-ring wood density and DMOE profiles in black spruce and jack pine wood. The transition from earlywood to latewood was defined as the inflection point. High and highly significant correlations were obtained between predicted and measured wood density and DMOE. An examination of the correlations between wood radial growth, density, and DMOE revealed close correlations between density and DMOE in rings, earlywood, and latewood Full article

Background and Objectives: In the near future, in Europe a raised availability of hardwoods is expected. One possible sales market is the building sector, where medium dense European hardwoods could be used as load bearing elements. For the hardwood species beech, oak, and sweet chestnut technical building approvals already allow the production of hardwood glulam. For the species maple and ash this is not possible yet. This paper aims to evaluate the economic feasibility of glulam production from low dimension ash and maple timber from thinnings. Therefore, round wood qualities and the resulting lumber qualities are assessed and final as well as intermediate yields are calculated. Materials and Methods: 81 maple logs and 79 ash logs cut from trees from thinning operations in mixed (beech) forest stands were visually graded, cant sawn, and turned into strength-graded glulam lamellas. The volume yield of each production step was calculated. Results: The highest volume yield losses occur during milling of round wood (around 50%) and “presorting and planning” the dried lumber (56%–60%). Strength grading is another key process in the production process. When grading according to DIN 4074-5 (2008), another 40%–50% volume loss is reported, while combined visual and machine grading only produces 7%–15% rejects. Conclusions: Yield raise potentials were identified especially in the production steps milling, presorting and planning and strength grading. Full article

The research on population shows that the count of overweight people has been constantly growing. Therefore, designing and modifying utility items, e.g., furniture should be brought into focus. Indeed, furniture function and safety is associated with the weight of a user. Current processes and standards dealing with the design of seating furniture do not meet the requirements of overweight users. The research is aimed at designing flexible chairs consisting of lamellae using the finite element method (FEM). Three types of glued lamellae based on wood with different number of layers and thickness were made and subsequently, their mechanical properties were tested. Values for modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture were used to determine stress and deformation applying the FEM method for modelling flexible chairs. In this research, the methodology for evaluating the ultimate state of flexible chairs used to analyse deformation and stability was defined. The analysis confirms that several designed constructions meet the requirements of actual standards (valid for the weight of a user up to 110 kg) but fail to meet the requirements for weight gain of a population. Full article

Research Highlights: Orthotropic tension behaviors of poplar and Chinese fir were investigated at a wide relative humidity (RH) range. Background and Objectives: Poplar and Chinese fir are typical plantation tree species in China. Mechanical properties of plantation-grown wood varies from naturally-grown one. To utilize poplar and Chinese fir woods efficiently, fully understanding their moisture content (MC) and orthotropic dependency on tension abilities is necessary. Materials and Methods: Plantation poplar and Chinese fir wood specimens were prepared and conditioned in series RH levels (0–100%). Tensile modulus (E) and strength (σ) were tested in longitudinal (L), radial (R), and tangential (T) directions. Results: The E and σ results in transverse directions confirmed the general influence of the MC that decreased with increasing MC. However, both E and σ in L direction showed a trend that increased at first, and then decreased when MC increased. The local maximums of stiffness and strength may be associated with straightened non-crystalline cellulose, induced by the penetration of water into the wood cell wall. Using the visualization method for compliance, the tension abilities of poplar and Chinese fir exhibited clear moisture and orthotropic dependency. Conclusion: Both poplar and Chinese fir showed a significantly higher degree of anisotropy in the L, R, and T directions. The results in this study provided first-hand data for wooden construction and wood drying. Full article

Knowledge of the coefficients of wood bendability (K_bendC and K_bendB) and of the effects of selected factors on the listed characteristics in bending stress has both scientific and practical significance. It forms a foundation for designing tools for bending and determines the stress that products and their parts can be exposed to during use. This study analyzes the effects of selected factors on the selected characteristics, such as the coefficients of wood bendability (K_bendC and K_bendB). The selected factors of this study were wood species (WS) (Fagus sylvatica L. and Populus tremula L.), non-wood component (carbon fiber and glass fiber), position of the non-wood component in the laminated material (top and bottom), material thickness (T) (6 mm, 10 mm, and 18 mm), and adhesive (polyvinyl acetate and polyurethane), as well as their combined interaction on the monitored characteristics described above. The results contribute to the advancement of knowledge necessary for the study and development of new materials with specific properties for their intended use. The measured values of laminated structures can be compared with the values measured on the samples from the wood. The results can improve the innovative potential of wood processing companies and increase their performance and competitiveness in the market. Full article

Full sets of elastic constants of green Chinese larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr) with 95% moisture content at four different cross-section sampling positions (from pith to sapwood) were determined in this work using three-point bending and compression tests. Variations in the material constants of green Chinese larch from pith to sapwood were investigated and analyzed. The results showed that the sensitivity of each elastic constant to the sampling position was different, and the coefficient of variation ranged from 4.3% to 48.7%. The Poisson’s ratios ν_RT measured at four different sampling positions were similar and the differences between them were not significant. The coefficient of variation for Poisson’s ratio ν_RT was only 4.3%. The four sampling positions had similar Poisson’s ratios ν_TL, though the coefficient of variation was 11.7%. The Poisson’s ratio ν_LT had the greatest variation in all elastic constants with a 48.7% coefficient of variation. A good linear relationship was observed between the longitudinal modulus of elastic E_L, shear modulus of elasticity G_RT, Poisson’s ratio ν_RT, and sampling distance. E_L, G_RT, and ν_RT all increased with sampling distance R. However, a quadratic relationship existed with the tangential modulus of elasticity E_T, radial modulus of elasticity E_R, shear modulus of elasticity G_LT, and shear modulus of elasticity G_LR. A discrete relationship was found in the other five Poisson’s ratios. The results of this study provide the factual changes in the elastic constants of green wood from pith to sapwood for numerical modelling of stress wave propagation in trees or logs. Full article

The deflection of a test material occurs under bending stress that is caused by force. In terms of plasticity and elasticity, the deflection can be quantified at two main areas, which are the limit of proportionality and the modulus of rupture. Both of these deflections are of great importance in terms of the scientific and practical use. These characteristics are particularly important when designing structural elements that are exposed to bending stress in terms of the size of the deflection in their practical application. This study analyzed the effect on the size of the deflection at the limit of proportionality and at the modulus of rupture. Wood species (Fagus sylvatica L. and Populus tremula L.), material thickness (6 mm, 10 mm, and 18 mm), non-wood component (glass and carbon fiber), position of the non-wood component in the layered material (up and down side with respect to the loading direction), and adhesive used to join the individual layers (polyurethane and polyvinyl acetate) were the observed factors. Glass fiber reinforcement proved to be a better option; however, the effect of correctly selected glue for individual wood species was also apparent. For the aspen laminated materials, polyurethane adhesive (PUR) adhesive was shown to be a more effective adhesive and PVAc adhesive was better for the beech-laminated materials. These results are of great importance for the production of new wood-based materials and materials were based on non-wood components, with specific properties for their intended use. Full article

Interesting aesthetic properties of tropical woods, like surface texture and colour, are rarely impaired due to weathering, rotting and other degradation processes. This study analyses the colour of 21 tropical woods before and after six weeks of intentional attack by the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana. The CIEL^*a^*b^* colour system was applied for measuring the lightness, redness and yellowness, and from these parameters the hue tone angle and colour saturation were calculated. Lighter tropical woods tended to appear a less red and a more yellow, and had a greater hue tone angle. However, for the original woods was not found dependence between the lightness and colour saturation. Tropical woods at attack by C. puteana lost a weight from 0.08% to 6.48%. The lightest and moderately light species—like okoumé, iroko, ovengol and sapelli—significantly darkened, while the darkest species—wengé and ipé—significantly lightened. The majority of tropical woods obtained a brighter shade of yellow, typically wengé, okoumé and blue gum, while some of them also a brighter shade of green, typically sapelli, padouk and macaranduba. C. puteana specifically affected the hue tone angle and colour saturation of tested tropical woods, but without an apparent changing the tendency of these colour parameters to lightness. The total colour difference of tested tropical woods significantly increased in connection with changes of their lightness (ΔE^*_ab = 5.92 − 0.50·ΔL^*; R² = 0.37), but it was not influenced by the red and yellow tint changes, and weight losses. Full article

Bamboo grid packing (BGP) is a new kind of cooling packing, used in some Chinese hyperbolic cooling towers, which has excellent potential to complement or replace cooling packing made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cement, and glass fiber-reinforced plastic. For bamboo applications, mechanical properties and service life are matters of concern; this is strongly associated with bamboo’s chemical composition and mass loss. To better understand the mechanics of mechanical property deterioration and service life reduction, this study investigated the effects of hygrothermal environments in cooling towers on the chemical and elemental composition, mass loss, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, and color changes of BGP. The results showed that BGP that had been in service for nine years in cooling towers exhibited major decreases in content of hemicellulose and benzene-ethanol extractives, as well as a significant increases in the content of α-cellulose and lignin. Exposure to the hygrothermal environment led to a decrease of oxygen content and around 8% mass loss, as well as an increase in carbon content compared to control samples. The hot water flow in cooling towers not only hydrolyzed hemicellulose, but also degraded some functional groups in cellulose and lignin. The lightness (L*) and chromaticity (a* and b*) parameters of the used BGP all decreased, except for the a* value of the outer skin. The total color change (ΔE*) of the inner skin of used BGP exceeded that of the outer skin. Full article

The structural integrity of wood is closely related to its brittleness and thus to its suitability for numerous applications where dynamic loads, wear and abrasion occur. The structural integrity of wood is only vaguely correlated with its density, but affected by different chemical, physico-structural and anatomical characteristics, which are difficult to encompass as a whole. This study aimed to analyze the results from High-Energy Multiple Impact (HEMI) tests of a wide range of softwood and hardwood species with an average oven-dry wood density in a range between 0.25 and 0.99 g/cm³ and multifaceted anatomical features. Therefore, small clear specimens from a total of 40 different soft- and hardwood species were crushed in a heavy vibratory ball mill. The obtained particles were fractionated and used to calculate the ‘Resistance to Impact Milling (RIM)’ as a measure of the wood structural integrity. The differences in structural integrity and thus in brittleness were predominantly affected by anatomical characteristics. The size, density and distribution of vessels as well as the ray density of wood were found to have a significant impact on the structural integrity of hardwoods. The structural integrity of softwood was rather affected by the number of growth ring borders and the occurrence of resin canals. The density affected the Resistance to Impact Milling (RIM) of neither the softwoods nor the hardwoods. Full article

The moisture content (MC) control is vital in the wood drying process. The study was based on BP (Back Propagation) neural network algorithm to predict the change of wood MC during the drying process of a high frequency vacuum. The data of real-time online measurement were used to construct the model, the drying time, position of measuring point, and internal temperature and pressure of wood as inputs of BP neural network model. The model structure was 4-6-1 and the decision coefficient R² and Mean squared error (Mse) of the training sample were 0.974 and 0.07355, respectively, indicating that the neural network model had superb generalization ability. Compared with the experimental measurements, the predicted values conformed to the variation law and size of experimental values, and the error was about 2% and the MC prediction error of measurement points along thickness direction was within 2%. Hence, the BP neural network model could successfully simulate and predict the change of wood MC during the high frequency drying process. Full article

The use of heat-treated timber for building with wood is of increasing interest. Heat treatment improves the durability and dimensional stability of wood; however, it needs to be optimized to keep wood’s mechanical properties in view of the possible structural use of timber. Therefore, dry vacuum heat treatment varying the maximum temperature between 170 °C and 230 °C was used on fir (Abies alba Mill.) structural timber, visually top graded according to EN 338, to analyze its final weight loss, hygroscopicity, CIELAB color, and dynamic elastomechanical properties. It turned out that weight loss and total color difference of wood positively correlates with the increasing intensity of the heat treatment. The maximum 40% reduction of the hygroscopicity of wood was already reached at 210 °C treatment temperature. The moduli of elasticity in longitudinal and radial direction of wood, determined by ultrasound velocity, increased initially up to the treatment temperature of 210 °C, and decreased at higher treatment temperature. Equally, the Euler-Bernoulli modulus of elasticity from free-free flexural vibration of boards in all five vibration modes increased with the rising treatment temperature up to 190 °C, and decreased under more intensive treatment conditions. The Euler-Bernoulli model was found to be valid only in the 1st vibration mode of heat-treated structural timber due to the unsteady decrease in the evaluated moduli of elasticity related to the increasing mode number. Full article

Due to its advantages of good heat-resistance, environmental-friendliness, and low cost, bamboo grid packing (BGP) has become a promising new type of cooling packing. It is being increasingly used in Chinese industrial cooling towers to replace cooling packings made of polyvinyl chloride, cement, and glass fiber reinforced plastic. However, mechanical properties and fungal resistance are a concern for all bamboo applications. In this study, the modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), density, crystallinity, and environment scanning electron microscope (ESEM) properties were compared between fresh BGPs and those that had been in service for nine years in the cooling towers. The results showed that the MOR, MOE, density, crystallinity, and the crystal size of the used BGPs decreased to some extent, but still met the requirements for normal use in a cooling tower. The ESEM observation showed that the used BGPs were not infected by fungi. The decrease in mechanical properties could be caused by the decrease of density, crystallinity, and the decomposition of the chemical components of bamboo, but not by fungal infection. Full article

This study presents an acoustic-based predictive modeling framework for estimating a suite of wood fiber attributes within jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) logs for informing in-forest log-segregation decision-making. Specifically, the relationships between acoustic velocity (longitudinal stress wave velocity; v_l) and the dynamic modulus of elasticity (m_e), wood density (w_d), microfibril angle (m_a), tracheid wall thickness (w_t), tracheid radial and tangential diameters (d_r and d_t, respectively), fiber coarseness (c_o), and specific surface area (s_a), were parameterized deploying hierarchical mixed-effects model specifications and subsequently evaluated on their resultant goodness-of-fit, lack-of-fit, and predictive precision. Procedurally, the data acquisition phase involved: (1) randomly selecting 61 semi-mature sample trees within ten variable-sized plots established in unthinned and thinned compartments of four natural-origin stands situated in the central portion the Canadian Boreal Forest Region; (2) felling and sectioning each sample tree into four equal-length logs and obtaining twice-replicate v_l measurements at the bottom and top cross-sectional faces of each log (n = 4) from which a log-specific mean v_l value was calculated; and (3) sectioning each log at its midpoint and obtaining a cross-sectional sample disk from which a 2 × 2 cm bark-to-pith radial xylem sample was extracted and subsequently processed via SilviScan-3 to derive annual-ring-specific attribute values. The analytical phase involved: (1) stratifying the resultant attribute—acoustic velocity observational pairs for the 243 sample logs into approximately equal-sized calibration and validation data subsets; (2) parameterizing the attribute—acoustic relationships employing mixed-effects hierarchical linear regression specifications using the calibration data subset; and (3) evaluating the resultant models using the validation data subset via the deployment of suite of statistical-based metrics pertinent to the evaluation of the underlying assumptions and predictive performance. The results indicated that apart from tracheid diameters (d_r and d_t), the regression models were significant (p ≤ 0.05) and unbiased predictors which adhered to the underlying parameterization assumptions. However, the relationships varied widely in terms of explanatory power (index-of-fit ranking: w_t (0.53) > m_e > s_a > c_o > w_d >> m_a (0.08)) and predictive ability (s_a > w_t > w_d > c_o >> m_e >>> m_a). Likewise, based on simulations where an acoustic-based w_d estimate is used as a surrogate measure for a Silviscan-equivalent value for a newly sampled log, predictive ability also varied by attribute: 95% of all future predictions for s_a, w_t, c_o, m_e, and m_a would be within ±12%, ±14%, ±15%, ±27%, and ±55% and of the true values, respectively. Both the limitations and potential utility of these predictive relationships for use in log-segregation decision-making, are discussed. Future research initiatives, consisting of identifying and controlling extraneous sources of variation on acoustic velocity and establishing attribute-specific end-product-based design specifications, would be conducive to advancing the acoustic approach in boreal forest management. Full article

Modern architecture suggests the use of opened spaces with large transparent envelope surfaces. Therefore, windows of long widths and large heights are needed. In order to withstand the wind loads, such wooden windows can be reinforced with stiffer materials, such as aluminium (Al), glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP), and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). The bending stiffness, load-bearing capacity, and flexural rigidity of hybrid beams, reinforced with aluminium, were compared through experimental analysis, using a four-point bending tests method, with those of reference wooden beams. The largest increases in bending stiffness (29%–39%), load-bearing capacity (33%–45%), and flexural rigidity (43%–50%) were observed in the case of the hybrid beams, with the highest percentage of reinforcements (12.9%—six reinforcements in their tensile and six reinforcements in their compressive zone). The results of the experiments confirmed the high potential of using hybrid beams to produce large wooden windows, for different wind zones, worldwide. Full article

Douglas-fir, the most important timber species in the Pacific Northwest, US (PNW), has high stiffness and strength. Growing it in plantations on short rotations since the 1980s has led to concerns about the impact of juvenile/mature wood proportion on wood properties. Lumber recovered from four sites in a thinning trial in the PNW was analyzed for relationships between thinning regime and lumber grade yield. Linear mixed-effects models were developed for understanding how rotation age and thinning affect the lumber grade yield. Log small-end diameter was overall the most important for describing the presence of an appearance grade, generally exhibiting an indirect relationship with the lower quality grades. Stand Quadratic Mean Diameter (QMD) was found to be the next most uniformly important predictor, its influence (positive or negative) depending on the lumber grade. For quantity within a grade, as log small-end diameter increased, the quantity of the highest grade increased, while decreasing the quantity of the lower grades differentially. Other tree and stand attributes were of varying importance among grades, including stand density, tree height, and stand slope, but logically depicted the tradeoffs or rebalancing among the grades as the tree and stand characteristics change. Structural lumber grade presence was described best by acoustic wave flight time, log position (decreasing presence in upper logs), and an increasing presence with rotation age. A smaller set of variables proved useful for describing quantity within a structural grade. Forest managers can use these results in planning to best capture value in harvesting, allowing them to direct raw materials (logs) to appropriate manufacturing facilities given market demand. Full article

The study is focused on the surface changes of five hardwoods (oak, black locust, poplar, alder and maple) that were exposed to natural weathering for 24 months in the climatic conditions of Central Europe. Colour, roughness, visual and chemical changes of exposed surface structures were examined. The lowest total colour changes (ΔE*) were found for oak (23.77), the highest being recorded for maple (34.19). Roughness differences after 24-month exposure (ΔR_a) showed minimal changes in poplar wood (9.41); the highest changes in roughness were found on the surface of alder (22.18). The presence of mould and blue stains was found on the surface of maple, alder and poplar. Chemical changes were characterized by lignin and hemicelluloses degradation. Decreases of both methoxy and carbonyl groups, cleavage of bonds in lignin and hemicelluloses, oxidation reaction and formation of new chromophores were observed. In the initial phases of the degradation process, the discoloration was related to chemical changes; in the longer period, the greying due to settling of dust particles and action of mould influenced the wood colour. The data were confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The obtained results revealed degradation processes of tested hardwood surfaces exposed to external environmental factors. Full article

A fast-growing global population, increasing urbanization, and an increasing flow of people with different building cultural backgrounds bring material use in the housing sector into focus. The aim of this study is to identify material preferences in the building environment in cities and to determine if the building cultural background impacts those preferences. The data in this study consisted of responses from two groups of dwellers in Norway, including immigrants from countries where wood is an uncommon building material and native Norwegians from a building culture where wood is common. We found that the most preferred materials were often the same as the most common materials currently used in city buildings. Only small differences were found between the two groups of dwellers that were studied. Most differences were related to concerns about material choice in general and where individuals wanted to live. Respondents who preferred city living preferred commonly used city materials, such as concrete and steel. For cladding materials, stone/bricks were the most preferred. However, stained or painted wood was one of the most preferred, even though it is not commonly used in city buildings. Full article

The importance of the aesthetic performance of wood is increasing and the colour is one of the most important parameters of aesthetics, hence the colour stability of twelve different wood-based materials was evaluated by several in-service and laboratory tests. The wood used for wooden façades and decking belongs to a group of severely exposed surfaces. Discolouration of wood in such applications is a long-known phenomenon, which is a result of different biotic and abiotic causes. The ongoing in-service trial started in October 2013, whilst a laboratory test mimicking seasonal exposure was performed in parallel. Samples were exposed to blue stain fungi (Aureobasidium pullulans and Dothichiza pithyophila) in a laboratory test according to the EN 152 procedure. Afterwards, the same samples were artificially weathered and re-exposed to the same blue stain fungi for the second time. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the synergistic effect of weathering and staining. The broader aim of the study was to determine the correlation factors between artificial and natural weathering and to compare laboratory and field test data of fungal disfigurement of various bio-based materials. During the four years of exposure, the most prominent colour changes were determined on decking. Respective changes on the façade elements were significantly less prominent, being the lest evident on the south and east façade. The results showed that there are positive correlations between natural weathering and the combination of artificial weathering and blue staining. Hence, the artificial weathering of wood-based materials in the laboratory should consist of two steps, blue staining and artificial weathering, in order to simulate colour changes. Full article