Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, browsing, or using the Wood Species Library website, tools, database, APIs, and all related services (collectively, the "Service") in any manner, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference. If you do not agree to all of these terms, you must immediately cease all use of the Service.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and the Wood Species Library ("we," "us," "our," or the "Service"). You represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms.

2. Nature of the Service — Not Professional Advice

The Wood Species Library is an informational reference tool that provides data, descriptions, images, and AI-powered analysis related to wood species. The Service is intended for general educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute professional, expert, scientific, engineering, medical, legal, commercial, or any other form of professional advice.

You should always seek the advice of qualified professionals — including but not limited to wood scientists, structural engineers, toxicologists, dermatologists, trade compliance attorneys, licensed contractors, and certified arborists — before making decisions based on information obtained from this Service. The Service is not a substitute for professional judgment, physical testing, or laboratory analysis.

3. No Warranty — Comprehensive Accuracy Disclaimer

ALL CONTENT ON THIS SERVICE — INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPECIES DATA, MECHANICAL PROPERTIES, PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS, IMAGES, PHOTOGRAPHS, AI-GENERATED IDENTIFICATIONS, AI-GENERATED RECOMMENDATIONS, AI-GENERATED DESCRIPTIONS, CONSERVATION STATUSES, SUSTAINABILITY DATA, SAFETY INFORMATION, FINISHING ADVICE, WORKABILITY DATA, AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION OR OUTPUT — IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ACCURACY, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND TITLE.

We expressly disclaim all warranties and make no representations about the accuracy, completeness, reliability, currency, suitability, quality, or availability of any information, content, or functionality provided through the Service. Without limitation:

• Species data and mechanical properties are compiled from various published sources and may contain errors, omissions, transcription mistakes, or outdated information. Natural wood properties vary significantly — often dramatically — by geographic region, growth conditions, altitude, soil composition, age, moisture content, cut orientation, kiln-drying method, and individual specimen. Published values represent averages or ranges from limited sample sets and may not reflect the properties of any specific board, plank, or timber you encounter.
• Numerical values (Janka hardness, modulus of rupture, elastic modulus, crushing strength, density, shrinkage percentages, T/R ratios, and all other quantitative data) should be treated as approximate reference ranges, not precise measurements. We do not independently test or verify these values.
• Images and photographs in our database may be mislabeled, inaccurate, AI-generated, digitally altered, or unrepresentative of the species they purport to depict. Photographs are affected by lighting, color calibration, screen settings, finish, stain, and aging, and should never be used as the sole basis for species identification, purchasing decisions, or safety determinations.
• AI-generated content — including but not limited to photo identifications, species recommendations, comparisons, finish advice, substitute suggestions, project calculations, and all other AI tool outputs — are computational estimates produced by large language models that are frequently inaccurate, incomplete, or entirely fabricated ("hallucinated"). AI outputs should be treated as unverified suggestions only, never as authoritative, professional, or reliable determinations.
• Conservation and trade status information (CITES appendix listings, IUCN Red List assessments, legal/trade notes, sustainability ratings) may be outdated, incorrect, or inapplicable to your jurisdiction. Regulations change frequently. Always verify current regulations with the relevant governmental and intergovernmental authorities before sourcing, purchasing, selling, importing, exporting, or transporting any wood species. Failure to comply with international trade regulations can result in severe criminal penalties.
• Safety, allergy, and toxicity information — including sensitizer data, dust hazard information, respiratory warnings, and allergen notes — may be incomplete, inaccurate, or inapplicable to your specific situation. Individual sensitivity varies enormously. Always consult qualified medical professionals and published safety data sheets (SDS) before working with any wood species, especially if you have known allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions.
• Workability and finishing data (machining notes, gluing characteristics, blunting effects, sanding behavior, steam bending suitability, and finishing recommendations) reflect general tendencies and may not apply to your specific material, tools, conditions, or skill level.

4. Assumption of Risk

YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE IS ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. Woodworking, timber sourcing, and wood identification involve inherent risks including but not limited to physical injury, allergic reaction, respiratory illness, financial loss, legal liability, and property damage. By using the Service, you voluntarily assume all such risks, whether known or unknown, even if arising from the negligence or fault of the Wood Species Library.

5. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE WOOD SPECIES LIBRARY, ITS OWNERS, OPERATORS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONTRIBUTORS, DATA PROVIDERS, LICENSORS, AND AFFILIATES (COLLECTIVELY, THE "RELEASED PARTIES") SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR ACCESS TO, USE OF, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE THE SERVICE, REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY (INCLUDING CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, PRODUCT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE) AND EVEN IF THE RELEASED PARTIES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

This limitation applies without limitation to damages for:

• Decisions made based on species data, properties, recommendations, or any other content provided by the Service
• Incorrect identification of wood species, whether by AI tools, database content, or images
• Allergic reactions, respiratory illness, dermatitis, poisoning, cancer, or any other health issues or injuries related to wood species information obtained from the Service
• Financial losses from purchasing, sourcing, specifying, selling, or using wood species based on our data or recommendations
• Legal consequences, fines, penalties, seizures, or criminal prosecution arising from trade in regulated species based on conservation or trade data from the Service
• Any project failure, structural failure, material waste, product defects, construction defects, or property damage attributed to reliance on our data
• Loss of data, profits, revenue, business opportunities, goodwill, or anticipated savings
• Personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage of any kind
• Errors, interruptions, delays, viruses, or defects in the Service
• Unauthorized access to or alteration of your data or transmissions

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES EXCEED THE GREATER OF ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS (US $100.00) OR THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID TO THE SERVICE IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by law.

6. Your Responsibilities

You acknowledge, agree, represent, and warrant that:

• You are solely and entirely responsible for independently verifying any information obtained from the Service before relying upon it for any purpose whatsoever.
• You will not use AI-generated identifications, recommendations, calculations, or any other Service output as the sole or primary basis for safety, health, allergy, medical, commercial, structural, engineering, legal, regulatory, or financial decisions.
• You will independently confirm the identity of any wood species through qualified professionals, physical testing, anatomical analysis, or certified laboratory methods when accuracy is important for any reason.
• You will verify all conservation and trade regulations with appropriate governmental and intergovernmental authorities (including CITES Management Authorities and national wildlife agencies) before sourcing, purchasing, selling, importing, exporting, or transporting wood.
• You will consult appropriate medical professionals before working with any species that may pose allergy, respiratory, or toxicity risks.
• You will comply with all applicable local, state, national, and international laws in connection with your use of the Service.
• You assume all risk associated with the use of information from the Service and waive any claims against the Released Parties arising therefrom.
• You are solely responsible for ensuring that any wood species you select is suitable for your intended application, considering your specific environmental conditions, building codes, structural requirements, and safety standards.

7. AI Tools — Specific Disclaimer

The Service includes multiple AI-powered tools (including but not limited to Photo Identification, Wood Recommender, Species Comparer, Finish Advisor, Substitute Finder, Project Calculator, Ask Librarian, and other conversational or analytical tools). These tools use large language models and computational methods that are subject to significant and inherent limitations:

• AI outputs frequently contain factual errors, hallucinations, fabricated citations, invented species names, incorrect property values, or entirely made-up information that may appear authoritative and convincing.
• Photo identification accuracy varies widely and is inherently unreliable. Many wood species are visually indistinguishable — even to expert wood anatomists — from photographs alone. Image quality, species rarity, cut angle, lighting, finish, stain, patina, and aging all significantly affect results.
• Confidence percentages, certainty scores, or probability estimates shown by the AI are self-assessed and do not represent statistically validated probabilities. A "95% confidence" AI identification may be entirely wrong.
• AI recommendations, calculations, and analyses may not account for your specific conditions, tools, experience level, local material availability, building codes, climate, or intended use case.
• AI tools may produce different outputs for the same input at different times. Results are not deterministic or reproducible.
• No AI output from this Service should ever be relied upon for structural engineering, load-bearing applications, safety-critical decisions, medical determinations, legal compliance, or any situation where incorrect information could result in injury, illness, death, legal liability, or significant financial loss.

7A. Data Errors, Omissions, and Sources

Species data may be incomplete, outdated, mistranscribed, misattributed, averaged, converted, rounded, derived, or simply wrong. Values from published references (including government publications) describe small clear test specimens under specific conditions and do not represent any particular board, log, shipment, grade, or product. Sources may themselves contain errors, and we do not guarantee that any value matches its cited source.

Source citations, review dates, "sourced data" or completeness badges, measurement-condition notes, and review notes indicate only that a limited check was attempted on the stated date for the stated fields. They are not certifications, audits, test reports, or warranties, and they do not verify any other part of a profile.

7B. Species Identification, Names, and Look-Alikes

Common names, trade names, scientific names, and taxonomy vary and change. Look-alike, related, substitute, and similar-species listings are generated automatically or editorially from limited attributes and may be incorrect. Wood cannot be reliably identified from photos, color, or this Service; only qualified anatomical or laboratory analysis can confirm species. We are not responsible for misidentification, mislabeling, substitution, or fraud by any supplier or third party.

7C. Images and Illustrations

Many images are AI-generated or illustrative and do not depict the actual species, grain, color, figure, or quality. Photographs may be mislabeled, color-shifted by screens or lighting, or unrepresentative of commercially available material. Never rely on any image for identification, purchasing, or specification.

7D. Calculators, Estimators, and Predictors

All calculators, estimators, span tools, movement predictors, cost estimators, and similar tools use simplified formulas, assumptions, and default values that may not apply to your situation, and they may contain programming errors, rounding errors, or unit errors. Results are rough estimates only. They are not engineering calculations, structural designs, span tables, load ratings, or code-compliant values, and must not be used for any structural, safety-critical, or load-bearing purpose without independent verification by a licensed professional and your local building authority. Material quantities, waste factors, and costs may be materially wrong; always confirm with your supplier before ordering.

7E. Exterior, Durability, and Climate Guidance

Decay resistance, outdoor suitability, termite and insect resistance, weathering, and maintenance information are generalized ratings that vary widely with heartwood/sapwood content, source, climate, installation, ventilation, fastening, finish, and maintenance. The Exterior Advisor and similar tools are screening aids only and do not guarantee service life, performance, or suitability. We are not liable for rot, decay, insect damage, mold, splitting, cupping, checking, fastener failure, staining, discoloration, or any other failure.

7F. Health, Allergy, Toxicity, and Safety

Safety, allergy, toxicity, and dust information is limited, may be incomplete or wrong, and is not medical advice. The absence of a warning does not mean a wood is safe. Any wood dust may cause irritation, sensitization, respiratory illness, or other harm, and some wood dusts are classified as carcinogens. Nothing on the Service certifies any wood as food-safe, toy-safe, skin-contact safe, or suitable for any sensitive use. Consult a physician and follow applicable occupational safety regulations. We are not liable for any allergic reaction, illness, injury, or death.

7G. Prices, Availability, and Suppliers

Price tiers, availability levels, and any cost figures are rough, relative, and frequently out of date; actual prices and availability vary by region, grade, dimension, quantity, supplier, and market conditions. Mentions, acknowledgments, sponsorships, or links to suppliers or partners (including Ipe Woods USA) are not endorsements or guarantees of any product, price, quality, legality, or service. Any transaction you make with a third party is solely between you and that party.

7H. Legality, Conservation, and Trade Compliance

CITES, IUCN, legality, sustainability, and plantation information may be incomplete or outdated and does not prove that any wood is legally harvested, legally traded, certified, or sustainable. You are solely responsible for complying with the Lacey Act, EU Deforestation and Timber Regulations, CITES permits, customs rules, and all other applicable laws. We are not liable for seizures, fines, penalties, or other consequences.

7I. Saved Lists, Projects, and Browser Storage

Favorites, comparisons, project folders, recently viewed items, and similar features may be stored only in your browser and can be lost at any time through clearing browser data, using a different device or browser, private browsing, updates, or errors. We do not back up this data and are not responsible for its loss. Printed or exported summaries may be incomplete or out of date at the moment they are created.

7J. Technical Failures and Security

The Service may contain bugs, errors, viruses, or harmful components despite our efforts, and may be interrupted, delayed, hacked, or unavailable. Content may display incorrectly on some devices, browsers, or translations. We are not liable for any damage to your devices, data, or systems, or for any unauthorized access to information transmitted to or through the Service.

7K. Reliance, Aggregate Liability Cap, and Sole Remedy

You agree that you use the Service solely at your own risk and that you will independently verify any information before relying on it. To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total aggregate liability for all claims of any kind arising from or related to the Service shall not exceed the greater of the amount you paid us in the twelve months before the claim (which for free users is zero) or ten U.S. dollars (US$10). Your sole and exclusive remedy for dissatisfaction with the Service is to stop using it. Any claim must be brought within one (1) year after it arises, or it is permanently barred.

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain exclusions or limitations; in those jurisdictions our liability is limited to the fullest extent permitted by law, and nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

8. No Professional Relationship

Your use of the Service does not create any professional-client, advisor-advisee, consultant-client, or fiduciary relationship between you and the Wood Species Library or any of the Released Parties. No information provided through the Service constitutes professional consultation, and no duty of care arises from your use of the Service.

9. Intellectual Property

All original content on the Service — including but not limited to text, editorial summaries, AI-generated descriptions, database structure and compilation, software, user interface design, logos, trademarks, and original graphics — is the property of the Wood Species Library and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, trade secret, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, publicly display, create derivative works from, reverse engineer, or commercially exploit our content without express prior written permission.

Limited, non-commercial quotation with attribution may be permitted under applicable fair use doctrines. Species data and mechanical properties derived from published scientific research may be subject to their original source licenses and are credited where known.

10. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the Service for any unlawful, fraudulent, or harmful purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Service, its servers, or connected systems
• Scrape, crawl, harvest, or systematically download content from the Service by automated means without our express prior written permission
• Use the Service in any manner that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair the Service or interfere with other users
• Misrepresent AI-generated identifications, recommendations, or other outputs as certified, verified, laboratory-confirmed, or professional-grade assessments
• Redistribute, resell, sublicense, or commercially exploit Service content or data without authorization
• Introduce viruses, malware, or other harmful code to the Service
• Use the Service to compete with or replicate the Service
• Circumvent any access controls, rate limits, or technical measures implemented by the Service

11. Third-Party Content, Links, and Services

The Service may contain links to third-party websites, reference third-party data sources, or rely on third-party services (including AI providers, hosting platforms, and analytics services). We are not responsible for and do not endorse the content, accuracy, privacy practices, availability, or practices of any third-party sites, sources, or services. Your interactions with third parties are solely between you and the third party.

12. Service Availability and Modifications

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the Service (or any part thereof) at any time, with or without notice, for any reason. We shall not be liable to you or any third party for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of the Service. We do not guarantee uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free access to the Service.

13. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time in our sole discretion. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the Service. We are not obligated to provide individual notice of changes. Your continued use of the Service after any such changes constitutes your binding acceptance of the revised terms. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including but not limited to reasonable attorneys' fees, court costs, and expert witness fees) arising out of or related to: (a) your use of or reliance on the Service; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any applicable law or regulation; (d) your violation of any third-party right, including intellectual property, privacy, or publicity rights; (e) any claim that your use of the Service caused damage to a third party; or (f) any dispute between you and any third party relating to the Service. This indemnification obligation survives termination of these Terms and your use of the Service.

15. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING YOUR RIGHT TO FILE A LAWSUIT IN COURT AND TO HAVE A JURY TRIAL.

Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Service ("Dispute") shall be resolved through final and binding individual arbitration, rather than in court. There is no judge or jury in arbitration. You agree that any arbitration shall be conducted on an individual basis only and not as a class, consolidated, or representative action. You expressly waive your right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

Either party may seek injunctive or equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to protect intellectual property rights pending the outcome of arbitration.

16. Waiver of Class Actions

YOU AND THE WOOD SPECIES LIBRARY AGREE THAT ANY PROCEEDINGS TO RESOLVE DISPUTES WILL BE CONDUCTED SOLELY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. If for any reason a claim proceeds in court rather than arbitration, both parties waive any right to a jury trial.

17. Governing Law

These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles. To the extent that litigation is permitted under these Terms, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Colorado.

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or if modification is not possible, severed from these Terms. The invalidity of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.

19. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Use, together with the Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Wood Species Library regarding your use of the Service and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, proposals, and agreements, whether oral or written.

20. Waiver

The failure of the Wood Species Library to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. Any waiver of any provision of these Terms will be effective only if in writing and signed by the Wood Species Library.

21. Survival

The following sections shall survive the termination or expiration of these Terms: No Warranty, Assumption of Risk, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Dispute Resolution, Waiver of Class Actions, Governing Law, and any other provisions that by their nature should survive.

22. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms of Use, please contact us through the Service.