In a market full of options, specification can feel overwhelming. Architects and contractors aren’t just choosing timber. They’re choosing performance, longevity, compliance and risk mitigation. Behind every product decision sits a bigger question: will this work, and will it last? At Russwood, that question drives everything we do. That’s why research and development isn’t an add-on. It’s fundamental to how we operate.
Quality first: the foundation for trust
At Russwood, gaining and keeping our customers’ trust has been at the heart of our approach since the beginning. That’s why quality comes first. We don’t cut corners or sell anything that hasn’t been thoroughly tried and tested against our own standards.
One of the ways we continue to push boundaries and advance timber specification is through significant investment in research and development (R&D).
Assured product performance, tested by Highland weather
Our headquarters in Newtonmore, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, provides the ideal environment for testing timber products in challenging real-world conditions. It’s here that we ensure every product we supply performs to the high standards our customers expect.
At our dedicated outdoor testing area, cladding, decking and coatings are exposed to the elements and monitored over time. This long-term testing gives us valuable insight into how our products weather, perform and age, enabling us to provide evidence-based guidance and specify timber with confidence.
We monitor:
- Surface finish durability
- Colour change and weathering behaviour
- Fixings interaction and detailing performance
- Maintenance requirements over product lifespan
Visitors can view façades and detailing at different stages of weathering, offering insight into how timber matures on a live building. It’s easy to book an appointment using this form.
Maintaining this testing area represents a significant investment, but it gives us long-term confidence in the recommendations we make — confidence we can pass on to our customers.
Meet our R&D team
Company founder, John Russell remains heavily involved in our R&D work. He’s supported by an in-house team of timber experts, each bringing specialist expertise. They provide invaluable guidance on wood science, coatings, fire retardants, fixings and advanced timber cladding systems.
- Gareth Davies – Head of Technical, R&D
Gareth leads the department and brings a strong background in wood science with a focus on evidence-based specification. - David Ross – New Product Developer
David also lectures in design at the Glasgow School of Art. His design expertise helps translate research into practical, buildable solutions. - Ross McCormack – Cladding System Development Technician
Develops detailed drawings and supports system development, ensuring solutions are robust in theory and workable in practice. - Scott McNeill – Technical and R&D Support
Brings valuable hands-on knowledge, helping to bridge the gap between specification and installation.
Sharing our knowledge
Research is only valuable if it’s shared.
Alongside ongoing product development and testing, we’re committed to sharing our expertise with the architectural and design community. From CPD seminars and technical guidance to our hands-on Timber Detailing Masterclass, we help architects, designers and specifiers build confidence in designing with timber.
Our Timber Detailing Masterclass explores best practice in timber detailing through practical examples, real-world applications and discussions with our technical specialists.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of timber performance, refine your detailing knowledge or stay up to date with the latest developments in timber specification, our events are designed to inspire and support better timber-first design.
