This study was performed to evaluate the reduction in bending properties of radiata pine sapwood associated with incipient brown-rot decay. Decayed bending specimens by Tyromyces palustris and Gloeophyllum trabeum for varoious periods were tested destructively. Brown-rot decay by T. palustris and G. trabeum caused serious reduction in bending properties at very early stages of decay, with about 30 percent decrease in bending strength observed for only 1~2 percent weight loss. In general, the reduction in bending properties caused by T. palustris was somewhat greater than that by G. trabeum. Work to maximum load was reduced most severely and rapidly from the onset of decay, while modulus of elasticity showed a much more moderate rate of reduction. Modulus of rupture was affected by decay to a greater extent than was modulus of elasticity. Since a relatively strong correlation between weight loss and bending strength was observed, the residual strength of decayed wood can be predicted by weight loss due to decay. The results of this study indicate that very early stages of brown-rot decay reduce the bending strength significantly. Thus, it is recommended that all load-bearing members in wooden structures, especially those that are periodically wetted, should be inspected regularly to prevent a sudden failure even though there are no definite signs of decay.