The paper is aimed at the characterization and grading of two potential timbers species inrnEthiopia using EN-338 (2009) strength classification for Euro code 5 timber design. Therntimber species namely Cupressus lusitanica mill and Eucalyptus globulus labill werernobtained from Gullele Botanic Garden (GBG). Physical and mechanical properties of thernselected timber species were determined in according with EN 13183-1 (2002), EN-373rn(1957) and EN 408(1995) on small clear specimens. Three point bending tests based onrnEN 373 (1957) with specimen size 2x2x38 cm was carried out using a universal testingrnmachine (UTM). Mechanical properties of timbers such as bending strength, modules ofrnelasticity and compressive strength of each timber species were determined. Strengthrngrading of timber species was conducted by adjusting the material property value at 12rn% moisture content equivalent. rnForty five samples from each species, 15 sample from bottom, 15 from middle and 15rnfrom top for each species were tested. rnCompression stress parallel to the grain samples were prepared and tested. Thernexperimental results were compared with the analytical values. The analyticalrncompressive strength value was derived by the formula from EN-338 and these valuesrnwere used to verify the test results. rnFinally, the timber species were then graded according to EN 338 (2009). And hencernCupressus lusitanica mill and Eucalyptus globulus labill were assigned to C-16 and D-24rnclass, respectively.