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

12mm STS Construction Board 1200mm x 800mm

6mm STS Construction Board 2400mm x 1200mm

Axiome 10mm Clear Polycarbonate Sheet 2500mm x 1050mm

Axiome 10mm Clear Polycarbonate Sheet 3000mm x 1050mm

10mm Axiome Opal Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheet 1050 x 4000mm

Axiome 10mm Bronze Polycarbonate Sheet 2000mm x 1050mm

Cuprinol Ducksback 5 Year Shed & Fence Treatment Harvest Brown 5l

22mm x 150mm Green Treated Sawn Carcassing Timber - 4.8m

3.6m Arris Rail Brown Treated 75mm x 75mm

6mm Hilux Calcium Silicate Board 2440mm x 1220mm

Hicem Fibre Cement Board 2440 x 1220mm Delivery Zone 1 / 6mm

10mm Axiome Opal Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheet 1050 x 2000mm

10mm Axiome Opal Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheet 1050 x 2500mm

47mm x 100mm C24 Timber (4x2) 4.2m

3mm Standard Hardboard 2440mm x 1220mm

11mm SterlingOSB Zero OSB 3 Board 2440mm x 1220mm

18mm SterlingOSB Zero OSB 3 Board 2440mm x 1220mm

19mm x 38mm Treated Timber Batten - 3.6m

3m Arris Rail Green Treated 75mm x 75mm

22mm x 100mm Sawn Treated Carcassing Timber 3.6m

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

6ft x 3ft Featheredge Standard Fence Panel Brown 0.9m

9ft Corner Concrete Fence Post 2.7 m

6ft x 5ft Grange Elite Meloir Fence Panel 1.5m

6ft x 3.5ft Grange Elite Meloir Fence Panel 1.05m

6ft x 3ft Grange Elite Meloir Fence Panel 0.9m

6ft x 6ft Grange Elite Malo Fence Panel 1.8m x 1.8m

6ft x 5ft Grange Elite Malo Fence Panel 1.8m x 1.5m

6ft x 4ft Grange Elite Malo Panel 1.8m X 1.2m

Grange Elite Esprit Square Panel 1800 X 1500mm

6ft x 4ft Grange Elite Esprit Treated Timber Fence Panel 1.2m

Grange Elite Esprit Square Panel 1800 X 900mm

100mm x 100mm Timber Fence Post Cap Dark Brown

75mm x 100mm Sawn Untreated Carcassing Timber 4.8m

120mm x 120mm Timber Fence Post Cap Green

47mm x 100mm Sawn Treated Carcassing Timber 2.4m

47mm x 100mm Sawn Untreated Carcassing Timber 2.4m

47mm x 75mm Sawn Untreated Carcassing Timber 2.4m

75mm x 75mm x 750mm Metpost Post Support System 2

100mm x 100mm Metpost Repair Spur Wedge Grip