According to DIN 4074-1 and EN 338, structural sawn spruce, dimensions 3000 × 100 × 35 mm, was visually classified into grading/strength classes S7 (C18), S10 (C24), and S13 (C30). By analyzing the frequency response in longitudinal vibration, the samples were additionally machine graded. Based on the structural properties and anomalies present, we determined and sampled the weakest and strongest point on each specimen, where we repeated the frequency response analysis and performed a four-point static bending test. The study confirmed a more conservative grading of structural sawn timber by the visual method compared to dynamic mechanical testing. The stiffness and strength of structural sawn timber typically varied, from low values at weak points to high values above the sample average at the strongest points. The bending strength of structural sawn timber at weak locations was always significantly higher than the value specified by the strength class. The variability of the bending strength, stiffness, density and structure of the wood decreased with increasing strength class of the structural timber. Greater homogeneity of the structure of specimens from higher strength classes was also confirmed by the homogeneity of frequency spectra in dynamic mechanical tests. The bending strength of the specimens, at locations with and without structural anomalies, correlated equally with the dynamic and static modulus of elasticity.
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