Timber and wood are natural materials with a wide range of physical and mechanical properties, making them challenging to measure. Some methods for evaluating these properties are destructive and time-consuming, while others, though nondestructive, have proven inaccurate results or complexity. This creates a critical need for the development and application of nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDTE) techniques for timber and wood-based materials. This research spans the entire process, from manufacturing to in-service assessment, with a focus on NDTE techniques that could generate data to improve the design and performance of wood in structures, reducing costs and risks for the end-user. The study explored the feasibility of using a simple and portable parallel plate electrode system (PPES) for the nondestructive testing of timber. The findings include the electromagnetic characterization of Malaysian timbers, suggesting a new method for strength grading. The results demonstrate that PPES can accurately estimate the physical and mechanical properties of timber, showing promise for defect detection in timber members. This could potentially improve the current Malaysian timber grading system.