The federation said that specifiers, who often make the decisions on materials to use for a specific project, were increasingly choosing timber as their first choice material.

“The interest in the use of timber as a material in many applications from doors and windows, to fire doors, furniture and flooring is increasing and it seems people are beginning to get excited about timber again and recognising its appeal,” said Richard Lambert, BWF chief excutive.

“It’s up to us within the timber-using industries to continue into 2007 the promotion of timber as a valuable and sustainable resource which can be used in building and construction industries to make fine, durable and sustainable products.”