Sheffield Dendrochronology Lab - Dendrochronological Methods

Dendrochronology and Standing Buildings

In practice, it is usually necessary to sample eight to twelve timbers in order to date a building reliably or, where there is more than one major construction phase, eight to twelve timbers per phase.

If a building is undergoing restoration and timbers are being replaced, it may be possible to remove slices of about 5 cm thickness and send them to the laboratory. Otherwise samples are taken by drilling into the timber with a hollow corer in a discrete position. This causes a little sawdust and leaves a hole 15mm in diameter. We believe that it is more in keeping with a historic building to leave the holes unplugged but they can be filled with plugs if preferred.

Once the building has been sampled, we try to produce a report of the results within eight weeks. We cannot guarantee that our work will result in the production of a date.

Dendrochronology and Archaeological Timber

In practice it is preferable to sample as many timbers as are available in a structure in order to date it. This increases the chances of obtaining a date although, as with any scientific method, we cannot guarantee that our analysis will result in the production of a date.

Samples should be about 5 cm thick and taken from the widest part of the timber or, if present, through the part which contains sapwood. They should be labelled, sealed in clear polythene and sent to the laboratory for assessment. If assessment is to be carried out on site please consult the laboratory for advice.

To contact the Dendrochronology Laboratory:
Dendrochronology Laboratory
West Court, 2 Mappin Street
Sheffield S1 4DT
UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +0114 22 22954

email : dendro@sheffield.ac.uk