This document specifies a method based on density, for the selection of pieces of wood used in determining the strength and stiffness properties of joints between members of structural timber made with mechanical fasteners. It is intended to be used in conjunction with a test standard specifying a test method. It is assumed that the wood pieces are conditioned to the relevant conditions, that the wood density is normally distributed and that any deviations are reported. This document is applicable only to specimens of structural timber. NOTE – It is emphasized that the wood density is only one of the properties that can influence the strength of a joint. Other relevant properties are, for example, growth-ring size and orientation, toughness and hardness.