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

47x75mm Sawn Timber C24 Grade - 4.8metre

47x50mm Homegrown Treated Carcassing Timber 3.6m

Grange Elite Malo Panel 1800 X 1200mm

White Melamine Faced MDF Board 2440x1220x18mm

Hardwood External Grade Plywood B/BB 2440x1220x9mm

Softwood Plywood C+/C Grade 2440x1220x18mm

Hardwood External Grade Plywood B/BB 2440x1220x15mm

Far Eastern Marine Grade Plywood 2440x1220x25mm

47x50mm Homegrown Treated Carcassing Timber 2.4m

Chipboard T&G Loft Flooring Panel 18mm x 1220mm x 320mm Pack of 3

47x200mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 3.6m

47x150mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 3.6m

47x225mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 3.6m

47x150mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 4.2m

47x150mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 5.4m

47x175mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 4.2m

47x225mm C24 Carcassing Timber 4.2m

GoodHome Fully finished White MDF Ogee Skirting board (L)2.4m (W)119mm (T)18mm

MDF Board 2440x1220x25mm

Moisture Resistant MDF Board 2440x1220x22mm

75x75mm Arris Rail Treated Brown

47x200mm C24 Sawn Treated Timber 7.2m

47x150mm C24 Sawn Treated Timber 7.2m

47mm x 200mm Structural Graded C24 Treated Carcassing Timber 5400mm (8'' x 2'')

47mm x 175mm Structural Graded C24 Treated Carcassing Timber 7200mm (7'' x 2'')

47x250mm C24 Sawn Treated Timber 4.8m

Pointed Timber Peg Sawn and Treated 47mm x 50mm x 600mm

47x100mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 3.6m

47x125mm C24 Regularised Treated Timber KD 3.6m

75mm x 75mm x 3.0m (3") Arris Rail Brown Treated

OSB3 FSC 2440x1220x11mm

Hardwood Plywood (L)2440mm (W)1220mm (T)12mm

6'' Concrete Gravel Board 50mm X 150mm X 1830mm

8' Slotted Concrete Intermediate Post 94mm X 109mm X 2440mm

6' X 6' Grange Standard Feather Edge Treated Timber Fence Panel

Treated Incised UC4 Fence Post Green 100 X 100 X 2400mm

Fence Post Repair Spur Concrete 75x75x1000mm

Treated Incised UC4 Fence Post Brown 100 X 100 X 2400mm

Treated Incised UC4 Fence Post Green 75 X 75 X 2400mm

Supreme Concrete Recessed Gravel Board 1830 X 150 X 50mm