IS 287:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for design of timber structures. This standard provides recommendations for the maximum permissible moisture content of timber based on its end-use (e.g., structural, joinery, furniture) and the climatic zone in India where it will be used. Engineers and architects use this to specify timber drying/seasoning requirements to prevent shrinkage, warping, and fungal decay.
Provided guidelines for the structural design of timber members in buildings, including allowable stresses and design considerations.
Overview
- Status
- Superseded — superseded by IS 287:2022
- Usage level
- Specialized
- Domain
- Materials Science — Timber and Wood
- Type
- Guidelines
Also on InfraLens for IS 287
Practical Notes
! India is divided into four climatic zones (Zone I to Zone IV) based on average annual relative humidity. You must know your project's zone to specify the correct moisture content.
! Moisture content should be checked at the time of fabrication or installation, not just at the time of delivery to the site.
! Thicker sections of timber (>50mm) are generally permitted slightly higher moisture content than thin joinery sections.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4Climatic Zones
Cl. 5Recommended Moisture Content
Cl. 6Method of Determination of Moisture Content
timberwood
International Equivalents
🌐
International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Zone I (Dry) Relative Humidity< 40%
Zone IV (Damp) Relative Humidity> 67%
Structural timber moisture limit (Zone I)12%
Structural timber moisture limit (Zone II)14%
Doors and windows moisture limit (Zone II)12%
Furniture moisture limit (Zone II)10%
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Recommended Maximum Moisture Content for Different Uses of Timber
Table 2 - Climatic Zones of India
Frequently Asked Questions3
How many climatic zones are defined for timber moisture?+
Four zones (Zone I to IV) based on the region's average annual relative humidity (Table 2).
What is the recommended moisture content for structural timber in a moderate zone?+
14% for Zone II (Table 1).
What is the moisture content limit for doors and windows in coastal/damp areas?+
16% for Zone IV (Table 1).
QA/QC Inspection Templates
📋
QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.