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

Matchboard 9mm York Moisture Resistant MDF Panel Landscape Short Joint 2440mm X 1220mm

3.6mm Hardwood External Grade Plywood B/BB 2440mm X 1220mm (8' X 4')

12mm Fibreboard Sheet 2200mm X 1220mm

Secolite Cement Particle Board 2400mm X 1200mm X 12.5mm

Secolite Cement Particle Board 2400mm X 1200mm X 8mm

Sundeala Eco-softboard 1220 X 610mm

Sundeala Eco-protect 1220 X 610mm

FSC Feather Edge Green Treated 1800 X 100 X 22mm

Corozinc Galvanised Corrugated 8/3 Ridge 145 x 2.5m 145 deg

OSB3 Board Tongue & Groove 2 Edge Loft Boards FSC 1220 x 300 x 18mm (3 Pack)

Richard Burbidge Panel Decorative Moulding 2400 x 21 x 8mm

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

9mm STS Construction Board 2400mm x 1200mm

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

Tradeline Track 3000mm x 52mm PT52

Structural OSB 3 Sterling Board - 2397mm x 1197mm x 9mm

47mm x 100mm Sawn Treated Timber Batten C16/C24 - 2.4m

JCW Acoustic Batten 80T for Timber Floors - 80mm x 42mm x 1.8m Length

47mm x 100mm Sawn Treated Timber Batten C16/C24 - 3.6m

47mm x 100mm Sawn Treated Timber Batten C16/C24 - 4.8m

47mm x 125mm Sawn Treated Timber Batten C16/C24 - 3m

47mm x 125mm Sawn Treated Timber Batten C16/C24 - 3.6m

47mm x 125mm Sawn Treated Timber Batten C16/C24 - 4.8m

47mm x 100mm Sawn Treated Timber Batten C16/C24 - 3m

Profloor Solo Batten Acoustic Floating Floor System 45mm x 2400mm x 40mm

Profloor Solo Batten Acoustic Floating Floor System 45mm x 2400mm x 52mm

Profloor Dynamic Batten Acoustic Floating Floor System 45mm x 2400mm x 55mm

Profloor Dynamic Batten Acoustic Floating Floor System 45mm x 2400mm x 67mm

Profloor Dynamic Batten Acoustic Floating Floor System 45mm x 2400mm x 81mm

JCW Acoustic Batten 90T for Timber Floors - 90mm x 42mm x 1.8m Length

JCW Acoustic Batten 50C for Concrete Floor - 50mm x 42mm x 1.8m Length