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

Marlon Fsx 6mm Solid Polycarbonate Clear Sheet 2000 x 1000mm

Richard Burbidge Trademark Pine Half Pyramid Cap 120 x 50 x 60mm

47mm x 150mm Sawn Treated Timber C24 (6" x 2") 3m

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

47mm x 200mm Sawn Treated Timber C24 (8" x 2") 5.4m

47mm x 200mm Sawn Treated Timber C24 (8" x 2") 3m

47mm x 50mm Sawn Treated Timber (2" x 2") 3.6m

25mm x 50mm BS5534 Graded Sawn Treated Roofing Batten (2" x 1") 4.2m

25mm x 38mm Sawn Treated Timber Batten (1.5" x 1") 3.6m

75mm x 225mm Sawn Treated Timber C24 (9" x 3") 3.6m

8mm Bendy Flexible Plywood Long Grain 2440mm x 1220mm (8' x 4')

18mm Marine Plywood BS1088 2440mm x 1220mm (8' x 4') - Pack of 50

47mm x 225mm Sawn Treated Timber C24 (9" x 2") 3m

18mm Birch Plywood Throughout BB/BB 2440mm x 1220mm (8' x 4') - Pack of 22

25mm Marine Plywood BS1088 2440mm x 1220mm (8' x 4') - Pack of 36

12mm x 1220mm x 2440mm MDF Board - Pack of 75

Cellecta DECKfon Ultramat 15 Acoustic Overlay Floor Mat 1200mm x 1200mm x 15mm

PVC Corrugated Sheet Clear 2.5m x 950mm 2.5m x 950mm

12mm STS Construction Board 1200mm x 800mm

9mm STS Construction Board 2400mm x 1200mm

Forest Garden 6ft x 4ft (1.83m x 1.23m) Pressure Treated Vertical Board Fence Panel - Pack of 3

47mm x 175mm Sawn Treated Timber C24 (7" x 2") 7.2m

Axiome 10mm Clear Polycarbonate Sheet 2000mm x 1050mm

Axiome 10mm Clear Polycarbonate Sheet 3000mm x 1050mm

Axiome Clear 16mm Polycarbonate Sheets 2500mm x 690mm

Axiome Clear 16mm Polycarbonate Sheets 3000mm x 690mm

Axiome 10mm Opal Polycarbonate Sheet 2000mm x 1050mm

Axiome 10mm Opal Polycarbonate Sheet 2500mm x 1050mm

Axiome 10mm Bronze Polycarbonate Sheet 2000mm x 1050mm

Axiome 16mm Opal Polycarbonate Sheet 2000mm x 2100mm

Twinwall Polycarbonate Sheet Clear 4000mm x 700mm x 10mm

Triplewall Polycarbonate Sheet Clear 2000mm x 2100mm x 16mm

Triplewall Polycarbonate Sheet Clear 2000mm x 700mm x 16mm

Triplewall Polycarbonate Sheet Clear 2000mm x 900mm x 16mm

Triplewall Polycarbonate Sheet Clear 2500mm x 2100mm x 16mm

Triplewall Polycarbonate Sheet Clear 2500mm x 700mm x 16mm

Triplewall Polycarbonate Sheet Clear 2500mm x 900mm x 16mm

Triplewall Polycarbonate Sheet Clear 3000mm x 2100mm x 16mm

Triplewall Polycarbonate Sheet Clear 3000mm x 700mm x 16mm

Triplewall Polycarbonate Sheet Clear 4000mm x 1050mm x 16mm