Question 1

1. What is timber?

Accepted Answer

Timber refers to wood that’s been processed into beams, planks, or boards for construction, carpentry, joinery, and related uses.

Question 2

2. What is lumber?

Accepted Answer

Lumber is the North American term for what’s known in the UK as timber. Both refer to processed wood, but the term "lumber" is rarely used in UK trade except for imported goods or technical specs. Canadian Lumber Standard (CLS) timber, for example, is widely used in UK framing.

Question 3

3. What’s the difference between hardwood and softwood?

Accepted Answer

Hardwood comes from deciduous trees like oak or beech, which grow slowly and produce dense, strong wood. Softwood comes from conifers like pine or spruce, which grow faster and are generally lighter and easier to cut. The term refers to the species, not actual wood hardness. In construction, softwood is commonly used for structural work, while hardwood is reserved for finishing and high-load applications.

Types of hardwood used in UK construction:

Typical hardwoods for building projects include:

Oak
Ash
Beech
Sapele

Types of softwood used in UK construction:

Softwoods commonly used for UK building projects include pine, spruce, and fir. These are widely used for framing, internal partitions, and general-purpose timber supplies.

Question 4

4. What’s the difference between a carpenter and a joiner?

Accepted Answer

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are different roles. A carpenter usually works on-site and deals with structural elements like floor joists, roof trusses, or timber frames. A joiner typically works off-site in a workshop, producing precision-made components such as staircases, doors, and fitted furniture. While both work with wood, their tools, environments, and focus areas are different. Some tradespeople do both.

Question 5

5. What is timber frame construction?

Accepted Answer

Timber frame construction uses a skeleton of load-bearing wooden studs and beams to support a building’s structure. Prefabricated panels are often assembled off-site, allowing for quick installation on-site. This method is commonly used in residential housing in the UK (although the external leaf is often still made of masonry) due to its efficiency, consistency, and lower environmental impact.

Compare timber supplies and prices

4.8m x 47x100mm C24 Carcassing Timber

Caberdek P5 T&G MR Chipboard Flooring 2400x600x22mm

ESSGEE SG Marine Plywood FSC 2440x1220x12mm

Marine Plywood 18 x 1220 x 2440mm

Moisture Resistant MDF Board 2440x1220x18mm

Moisture Resistant MDF Board 2440mm x 1220mm x 12mm

Elliotis Softwood Pine Structural Plywood 2440x1220x18mm

Fence Post Repair Spur Concrete 100x100x1200mm

Hardwood External Grade Plywood B/BB 2440x1220x12mm

47mm x 100mm Structural Graded C24 Treated Carcassing Timber 5400mm (4'' x 2'')

47mm x 125mm Structural Graded C24 Treated Carcassing Timber 5400mm (5'' x 2'')

MDF Board Moisture Resistant FSC 2440x1220x25mm

Ronseal Fence Life Plus 5 Litres Mignight Blue

47mm x 125mm x 4.2m Treated C24 Regularised Kiln Dried (5 x 2)

47x225mm C24 Sawn Treated Timber 6m

Moisture Resistant MDF Board 2440x1220x9mm

25mm x 1220mm x 2440mm Marine Plywood

Standard Hardboard FSC 2440 X 1220 X 3.2mm

47x200mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 4.8m

Q Mark Plywood Hardwood EN636-3S Class 2 FSC 2440x1220x3.6mm

MDF Board 2440x1220mmx18mm

MDF 2440mm x 1220mm x 12mm

75x225mm C24 Sawn Treated Timber 6m

47x150mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 4.8m

47x225mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 4.8m

MDF Board 2440x1220x9mm

Supreme Concrete Recessed Gravel Board 1830 X 305 X 50mm

Grange Elite Esprit Square Panel 1800 X 1500mm

Moisture Resistant MDF Board 2440x1220x6mm

Birch Throughout Plywood BB/BB 2440x1220x12mm

47x175mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 6m

9mm x 1220mm x 2440mm Hardwood Throughout External Structural Plywood

MDF Board 2440x1220x15mm

47x175mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 4.8m

18mm 2440x1220mm OSB 3 Board

Moisture Resistant MDF Board 2440x1220x22mm

Fire Retardant MDF Board Euro Class B 2440x1220x18mm

47x125mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 4.8m

47x175mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 3.6m

47mm x 125mm x 3.0m Treated C24 Regularised Kiln Dried Sawn Timber (5 x 2)