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

OSB 3 Tongue & Groove Flooring Board 2400x590x18mm

47x200mm C24 Sawn Treated Timber 6m

Hardwood Throughout Plywood 2440mm x 1220mm x 25mm | 2.98m2

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

Metpost 100mm X 100mm X 750mm Post Support System 2

Grange Elite Malo Panel 1800 X 1800mm

Grange Elite Malo Panel 1800 X 1500mm

75 X 75 X 2400mm Green Treated Fence Post

Elite Esprit Panel 1.2m

Grange Elite Esprit Square Panel 1800 X 900mm

Grange Elite Lille Panel 1800 X 1800mm

Round Top Palisade Picket Fence Panel 0.9m

47x100mm Homegrown Untreated Carcassing Timber 2.4m

47x75 Homegrown Untreated Carcassing Timber 2.4m

Metpost Flush Fit Bolt Down System 2 99-103mm

Heavy Duty Trellis Golden Brown 0.9m

Heavy Duty Trellis Golden Brown 1.2m

Tongue & Groove Ledged & Braced Gate - 0.9 X 1.8m

Elite Meloir Gate 0.9 X 1.8m

Heavy Duty Trellis Golden Brown 0.61m

13mm X 100mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (4'' X 0.5'') Finish 8.5mm X 94mm

50mm X 100mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (4'' X 2'') Finish 44mm X 94mm

38mm X 150mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (6'' X 1.5'') Finish 33mm X 144mm

32mm X 150mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (6'' X 1.25'') Finish 27mm X 144mm

25mm X 200mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (8'' X 1'') Finish 20.5mm X 194mm

32mm X 32mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (1.25'' X 1.25'') Finish 27mm X 27mm

13mm X 50mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (2'' X 0.5'') Finish 8.5mm X 44mm

16mm X 50mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (2'' X 0.6'') Finish 12mm X 44mm

38mm X 50mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (2'' X 1.5'') Finish 33mm X 44mm

32mm X 75mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (3'' X 1.25'') Finish 27mm X 69mm

50mm X 75mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (3'' X 2'') Finish 44mm X 69mm

MDF Board 2440x1220x3mm

6mm American White Oak Veneered MDF Board A/B Grade 2440mm X 1220mm (8' X 4')

13mm X 25mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (1'' X 0.5'') Finish 8.5mm X 20.5mm

32mm X 275mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (11'' X 1.25'') Finish 27mm X 269mm

38mm X 275mm Planed Softwood PAR Timber (11'' X 1.5'') Finish 33mm X 269mm

ULTIPRO Hardwood Plywood FSC 2440x1220x5.5mm

Latvian Birch Plywood FSC 2440 X 1220 X 18mm

Cheshire PSE Stripwood Oak 8x45x2400mm

ESSGEE SG Marine Plywood FSC 2440 X 1220 9mm