Kereste

Kereste is the Turkish term for timber or lumber used in construction, carpentry, and related wood industries. It refers to sawn timber and boards produced from logs, including rough-sawn and planed products, prepared in standard dimensions to meet building, manufacturing, and joinery needs. In Turkish markets and trade, kereste is a broad category that covers various wood products intended for structural use, finish carpentry, and interior or exterior applications.

Production and classification depend on forestry practices and milling. Logs harvested from managed forests are processed at sawmills and planing mills, where products are sorted by species, grade, dimensions, and moisture content. Kereste can be derived from softwood or hardwood species, and it is offered in different moisture states, such as green, air-dried, or kiln-dried, to suit specific installation requirements and climates.

Common applications include structural framing and support elements in buildings, flooring components, wall and roof timbers, furniture components, cabinetry, and packaging or pallets. Formats range from rough boards to smooth, planed timber, with a variety of thicknesses and widths to fit construction and manufacturing standards.

Market and regulation: Kereste forms a substantial portion of Turkey’s domestic timber consumption and export activity, linking forestry, milling, and distribution sectors. The industry operates under national forestry and trade regulations, with emphasis on sustainable harvesting and timber traceability. Certification programs and reforestation initiatives are part of broader efforts to ensure responsible supply chains and reduce illegal logging, contributing to long-term forest management in the region.