Timber Condition Test

 

Protect Your Structures with Expert Timber Integrity Assessments

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Timber elements in outdoor structures naturally degrade over time—particularly when exposed to moisture, soil contact, or embedded in bark, mulch, or other ground coverings. This can result in hidden internal decay that poses a significant safety risk. The danger is especially high in structural elements that rely on single posts or beams, such as playground supports, tree assessment, shade poles, bridges, flying -fox posts and other load-bearing timber components. Unfortunately, visual inspections alone often fail to detect deterioration occurring inside the wood.

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To address this, Playsafe carries out a Timber Condition Test using the RESI Drill, a specialist diagnostic tool designed to assess internal timber strength without causing damage. A fine 1 mm steel needle with a chisel tip is driven into the timber, measuring resistance and feed force as it penetrates.

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This process allows early detection of internal decay, cavities, cracks, fungal attack, or embrittlement that would otherwise remain hidden. A sudden loss of resistance in the readings clearly signals deterioration, while feed force measurement provides sensitivity to subtle defects and weakening.

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This non-invasive method is widely recognised and trusted for evaluating timber integrity in safety-critical structures including playground equipment, poles, bridges, shade structures, and residential or commercial buildings. The results provide an evidence-based assessment of structural soundness, supporting informed decisions about maintenance, repair, or replacement. Importantly, it reduces the likelihood of prematurely removing serviceable timber, helping ensure both safety and cost efficiency across timber asset management.

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That’s where Playsafe’s Timber Condition Test makes a real difference.

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Non-Invasive Testing for Safer Playgrounds

Suitable for all wood types and components up to 1000mm in diameter, this test provides critical insights into the structural health of your equipment.

 

This service is particularly valuable for equipment where structural support relies heavily on a single timber post, such as:

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• Flying Fox posts

• Log Swings

• Old-style Timber Forts

• Balance Beams

• Vertical climbing features

• Shade-sail posts, pergolas and structures

• Walkway bridges

• Trees

 

These types of structures are especially vulnerable to internal timber failure, and a breakdown in one post can compromise the entire play unit.​​​​​​​​​​​​