How to use the Timber Member Reference
Have the current published span-table row, proposed clear span, member identity, spacing, loading and support conditions available; the tool does not provide a design table.
The workspace starts blank. Load example temporarily fills the controls with demonstration data; reload or use the tool’s New or reset action, where provided, before entering live information.
- Choose the source workflow and Units, then enter Proposed clear span, Element, strength class and spacing.
- Transcribe Maximum span from the verified source row and record the Exact source/table/row reference.
- Complete species, grade stamp, actual size, loads, bearing, moisture, deflection, restraint and alteration information.
- Review the comparison and Information completeness panels, then retain the structural engineer verification as an open requirement.
Worked examples
These examples explain the set-up, expected output and review needed without changing the tool workspace.
Published joist-row check
- Set-up
- Enter the project clear span and transcribe one candidate maximum span from a named current table row with its size, spacing, species and grade assumptions.
- Result
- The record shows the arithmetic comparison without presenting the candidate as structurally adequate.
- Review
- Confirm loads, bearings, holes, notches, vibration and all table notes with the structural engineer.
Preliminary depth comparison
- Set-up
- Create separate records for two source-verified member rows under exactly the same span and loading context.
- Result
- Compare which options merit coordination space while keeping their source details visible.
- Review
- Do not interpolate between rows or transfer values between species, grades or loading categories.
Suggested workflow
Place the tool in a controlled project or practice process rather than treating its output as an isolated verdict.
- Obtain the correct current table and establish its full loading and material scope.
- Transcribe one candidate row with all qualifying notes and compare it with the project span.
- Send the complete record and project conditions for structural design and verification.
Check before saving or issuing
- The maximum span and project span use the same units and clear-span definition.
- Species, grade, actual size, spacing and loads match the cited source row.
- Bearing, restraint, service conditions and proposed alterations have been recorded.
Common problems
- Candidate appears to pass with missing information: the numerical comparison is not an adequacy verdict; complete the review fields.
- Source cannot be reproduced: replace general notes with the exact publication, edition, table and row.
- A value was copied from an old orientation table: obtain current published data for the project jurisdiction.
Output
A source-recorded candidate comparison and outstanding verification checklist.
Professional boundary
The values are not a timber member design and must be verified against current published data by a qualified structural engineer.