Timber is commonly used in construction and for furniture, as it machines easily and can be finished in a range of ways, from polishes and varnishes to paints. As a solid and strong material, it’s a popular choice for shelving or cupboards, as it can be decorated to fit the décor of your home easily.
Available planed all round or rough cut, timber has countless useful properties and a host of potential applications. From commercial uses to projects around the home and in the garden, timber is easy to work with and incredibly versatile thanks to its strength and durability. Our team can help you choose the right type of timber for your needs and will deliver it to your door, cut to your exact specifications.
Types of Timber
Timber comes in a range of different forms, from joinery timber to specialist and constructional carcassing timber. The latter is generally treated to protect it from fungal attacks – Kiln Dried timber is commonly used to provide extra strength and stability. Timber for studwork is used for building frames and partition walls in homes, while roof battens can be used for roofing applications such as fixing tiles to a pitched roof.
Joinery timber is used when the appearance of the wood matters, such as for furniture. Oak timber or redwood sheets are often used for this purpose, as they have a beautiful finish. Finally, specialist timber is for applications such as floorboards or scaffolding.
Hardwood Vs Softwood
The variance between hardwood and softwood timber actually comes from the botanical differences – hardwood timber typically comes from a deciduous tree, which is slower growing and usually denser as a result. Softwood trees are known as a gymnosperm, such as pine, redwood or larch, and are usually less dense so they’re easier to cut. In practical terms, the denseness of the wood affects whether it will split if you hammer a nail into it. For this reason, you need to drill, screw or bolt holes into hardwood, whereas softwood will accept nails easily without splitting.
Treated vs Untreated
Untreated timber has been sourced, dried and cut to the desired length and sold without any treatment to prevent it from insect attacks or decay. Treated timber, however, undergoes a treatment to make it last longer. Timber merchants usually use chemical processes or pressure treat the wood to achieve this result.
Laser Cut Timber
Most timber can be laser cut up to 20mm in thickness, depending on the type of wood. We also offer wood engraving services as well, if you want to personalise your materials with a design or message. If you have an idea in mind, contact us and we can provide you with a quote.