Timber and Board Buying Guide

Types of Timber & Boards

There are two main categories of timber: softwood and hardwood. Softwood is a common choice for construction due to its low cost and durability. It is sourced from trees such as pine, spruce, and fir, and is used for framing, flooring, and fencing. Hardwood, on the other hand, is denser and more durable than softwood, making it an ideal choice for high-quality furniture and flooring. Some popular hardwoods include oak, maple, and cherry.

There are several types of boards available, each with its own unique properties and uses. Here are some of the most common types:

• Plywood: Plywood is made up of thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together to create a strong and durable board. It is commonly used for flooring, walls, and roofs, and is available in a variety of grades and thicknesses.
• MDF: Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a composite board made up of wood fibers and resin. It is an affordable and versatile option that is often used for furniture, shelving, and cabinetry.
• Particleboard: Particleboard is similar to MDF but is made up of smaller particles of wood that are compressed and glued together. It is a cost-effective option that is commonly used for furniture, cabinets, and shelving.
• Hardboard: Hardboard, also known as high-density fiberboard (HDF), is a dense and durable board that is made up of wood fibers and resin. It is often used for flooring, wall paneling, and decorative applications.
• OSB: Oriented strand board (OSB) is a type of engineered wood that is made up of strands of wood that are bonded together with resin. It is commonly used for roofing and flooring, and is known for its strength and durability.
• Decorative Timber: Decorative timber is often used in applications where appearance is a primary concern, such as trim, molding, and accents. It comes in a variety of species, including hardwoods and softwoods, and can be finished in a range of styles, from natural to painted or stained.
• Furniture Panels: Furniture panels are engineered boards that are specifically designed for use in furniture construction. They are often made from a combination of materials, including MDF, particleboard, and plywood, and can be finished in a range of styles and textures to match any decor.
• Rough Swan Timber: Rough sawn timber is wood that has been cut directly from the log and has not been planed or smoothed. It is often used in applications where a rustic or natural look is desired, such as outdoor decking or fencing.
• Sheet Timber: Sheet timber is a type of board that is made from thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together to form a larger panel. It is often used in applications where strength and stability are important, such as flooring, roofing, and walls.
• Treated Timber: Treated timber is wood that has been chemically treated to increase its resistance to decay and insect infestation. It is often used in outdoor applications, such as decking, fencing, and landscaping.
• Planed Smooth Timber: Planed smooth timber is wood that has been planed and sanded to create a smooth and even surface. It is often used in applications where appearance and consistency are important, such as cabinetry, furniture, and flooring.

Uses of Timber and Boards

Timber and boards are used for a wide range of construction and renovation projects. Here are some of the most common uses:

• Decorative Timber: Decorative timber is often used in applications where appearance is a primary concern, such as trim, molding, and accents. It can also be used in furniture construction to add visual interest and texture.
• Furniture Panels: Furniture panels are specifically designed for use in furniture construction. They can be used to create everything from simple bookshelves to complex cabinetry, and can be finished in a range of styles and textures to match any decor.
• Rough Swan Timber: Rough sawn timber is often used in outdoor applications, such as decking, fencing, and landscaping. It can also be used in interior design to add a rustic or natural element to a space.
• Sheet Timber: Sheet timber is often used in construction applications where strength and stability are important, such as flooring, roofing, and walls. It can also be used in furniture construction to create custom pieces with unique shapes and sizes.
• Treated Timber: Treated timber is commonly used in outdoor applications, such as decking, fencing, and landscaping. It can also be used in construction applications where resistance to decay and insect infestation is important, such as foundation posts and framing.
• Planed Smooth Timber: Planed smooth timber is often used in cabinetry, furniture, and flooring applications where appearance and consistency are important. It can also be used in decorative applications, such as trim and molding.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of timber and boards:

• Softwood Timber: Softwood timber is affordable, easy to work with, and readily available. However, it is not as durable as hardwood and can be prone to warping and cracking if not properly treated and maintained.
• Hardwood Timber: Hardwood timber is known for its beauty, durability, and resistance to decay. It is a more expensive option than softwood, but is often worth the investment due to its longevity. However, hardwood can be more difficult to work with due to its density and hardness.
• Plywood: Plywood is a strong and durable board that is often used for flooring, walls, and roofs. It is available in a range of thicknesses and grades, and can be easily cut to size. However, plywood can be prone to warping if not properly installed and maintained.
• MDF: MDF is an affordable and versatile board that is often used for furniture, shelving, and cabinetry. It is easy to work with and can be painted or stained to match any decor. However, MDF is not as strong or durable as other types of boards, and can be prone to swelling if exposed to moisture.
• Particleboard: Particleboard is a cost-effective option that is often used for furniture, cabinets, and shelving. It is easy to work with and can be painted or laminated to match any decor. However, particleboard is not as strong or durable as other types of boards, and can be prone to swelling if exposed to moisture.
• Hardboard: Hardboard is a dense and durable board that is often used for flooring, wall paneling, and decorative applications. It is easy to work with and can be painted or stained to match any decor. However, hardboard can be prone to warping if exposed to moisture, and is not as strong or durable as other types of boards.
• OSB: OSB is a strong and durable board that is often used for roofing and flooring. It is easy to work with and can be cut to size with a saw. However, OSB can be prone to swelling if exposed to moisture, and is not as strong or durable as other types of boards.
• Decorative Timber: Decorative timber is perfect for adding a touch of natural beauty to any application. It comes in a wide range of species, colors, and finishes, which can be easily painted or stained to match any decor. Additionally, decorative timber can add a visually appealing finish to any project. However, it may be more expensive than other types of timber, and it may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications due to its decorative nature.
• Furniture Panels: Furniture panels provide a stable and durable base for furniture construction. They can be finished to match any decor and can be easily cut to size and shaped for custom applications. Furniture panels are perfect for creating custom furniture pieces. However, furniture panels may not provide the same level of natural beauty as solid wood. They may also be more expensive than other types of timber.
• Rough Sawn Timber: Rough sawn timber is perfect for creating a rustic and natural look to any application. It has a textured surface that can add character to a space and may be less expensive than other types of timber. Rough sawn timber can also be easily cut to size for custom applications. However, it may require additional sanding or finishing for a smooth surface, and it may not be suitable for applications where a flat and level surface is required.
• Sheet Timber: Sheet timber provides a stable and consistent surface for flooring, roofing, and walls. It can be easily cut to size for custom applications and can be used in curved applications. Sheet timber is perfect for creating a modern and clean finish to any project. However, it may not provide the same natural beauty as solid wood, and it may be more expensive than other types of timber.
• Treated Timber: Treated timber is resistant to decay and insect infestation, making it suitable for outdoor applications. It provides long-lasting durability and can be used for a variety of applications, including decking, fencing, and landscaping. However, treated timber may be more expensive than untreated timber, and it may contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.
• Planed Smooth Timber: Planed smooth timber provides a smooth and even surface for any application. It can be easily painted or stained to match any decor and can be used for decorative applications, such as trim and molding. Planed smooth timber is perfect for creating a modern and clean finish to any project. However, it may be more expensive than rough sawn timber, and it may not provide the same natural beauty as rough sawn timber.

Choosing the right timber and board for your construction or renovation project can be a daunting task, but with the right information, it can be a straightforward process. By understanding the different types of wood available, their uses, and their advantages and disadvantages, you can make informed decisions that will save you time, money, and headaches down the line. Whether you are framing a new home, building a deck, or creating custom furniture, there is a timber or board that is right for your needs.