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

18mm Hardwood Plywood 2440mm x 1220mm

12mm Hardwood Plywood 2440mm x 1220mm

22mm P5 Moisture Resistant Chipboard Flooring T&G 2400mm x 600mm

47mm x 200mm C24 Timber (8x2) 3m

9mm Hardwood Plywood 2440mm x 1220mm

18mm Marine Plywood 2440mm x 1220mm

38mm x 89mm C16 CLS Timber (3x2) 2.4m

12mm Softwood Structural Plywood 2440mm x 1220mm

18mm OSB 3 Board 2440mm x 1220mm

18mm P5 Moisture Resistant Chipboard Flooring T&G 2400mm x 600mm

12mm MDF board 2440mm x 1220mm

12mm Marine Plywood 2440mm x 1220mm

11mm OSB 3 Board 2440mm x 1220mm

47mm x 100mm C24 Timber (4x2) 4.8m

18mm MDF board 2440mm x 1220mm

25mm MDF board 2440mm x 1220mm

9mm MDF board 2440mm x 1220mm

18mm OSB 3 Flooring Board Tongue & Groove 2400mm x 590mm

38mm x 63mm C16 CLS Timber (3x2) 2.4m

18mm Softwood Structural Plywood 2440mm x 1220mm

25mm Marine Plywood 2440mm x 1220mm

47mm x 150mm C24 Timber (6x2) 4.8m

Resilient Bar 3000mm

38mm x 63mm C16 CLS Timber (3x2) 3.0m

8ft Fence Post Green UC4 75mm x 75mm x 2400mm

6ft Recessed Concrete Gravel Board 50mm x 150mm

18mm Sheathing Plywood 2440mm x 1220mm

15mm MDF board 2440mm x 1220mm

47mm x 175mm C24 Timber (7x2) 4.8m

47mm x 150mm C24 Timber (6x2) 3.6m

12mm Moisture Resistant MDF Board 2440mm x 1220mm

25mm Moisture Resistant MDF Board 2440mm x 1220mm

47mm x 50mm Sawn Treated Timber (2" x 2") 3m

47mm x 175mm C24 Timber (7x2) 3.6m

6mm MDF board 2440mm x 1220mm

18mm Moisture Resistant MDF Board 2440mm x 1220mm

47mm x 50mm Treated Carcassing Timber (2x2) 3.6m

6ft Smooth Concrete Gravel Board 50mm x 150mm

8ft Fence Post Brown UC4 100mm x 100mm x 2400mm

6ft Recessed Concrete Gravel Board 50mm x 305mm