Choosing quality timber can make all the difference to how easily your project comes together and how well it lasts. Before you start building a new fence, raised bed or garden feature, there are a few important things to consider, from the size and finish of the timber to how it will be used, whether it will touch the ground and what treatment it may need.
That is where the right advice can be invaluable. Prepared timber offers a smoother, more consistent finish that is easier to measure, cut and work with, while choosing the right type of timber for the job can help you avoid problems later on.
At Woodford Forest and Landscape, our experienced team can help you work through those choices and select timber that suits your project, setting and the finish you want to achieve.
What Do We Mean by Quality Timber?
Quality timber is about choosing the right material for the job.
The wood should be strong enough for its purpose, with the right size, finish and treatment for where it will be used. Timber used outdoors must be able to cope with rain, frost, sun and changes in moisture.
Good timber is often easier to work with. Straighter lengths and even sizes make it simpler to measure, cut and fix each part. This can save time and help you achieve a neater, more reliable result.
Wood is a natural material, so some knots, grain and movement are normal. The key is choosing sound timber that suits the project and has been stored and treated with care.
PSE Redwood
Better Timber Can Mean a Longer-Lasting Project
Outdoor timber has a hard job. It may sit in damp soil, support heavy loads or face years of wind and rain.
The right treatment can help protect wood from rot and insect damage. This is vital for parts that touch the ground, such as fence posts. A strong post gives the whole fence a firm base. If the posts fail, even the best panels and rails will not stay secure.
The same rule applies to sleepers. The right sleeper can form a strong raised bed, step, border or retaining edge. Choose the size and type with care, based on how it will be used and whether it will touch soil.
Good timber will still need correct fitting and care. No type of wood is free from all movement or wear. However, choosing the right material gives your project a much better start.
Sleepers
A Better Finish Starts with Better Materials
Quality timber does more than add strength. It can also improve the look of the finished job.
Straight boards help create clean lines. Even sizes reduce gaps and uneven joins. A sound surface is also easier to stain, oil or paint.
This is useful when the timber will stay on show. Prepared timber has a smoother and more even finish than rough-sawn wood. It is a good choice for visible frames, rails and other details where a tidy result matters.
Good timber boards can also make fencing and garden edging look neat and complete. When boards are straight and well matched, they are easier to line up and fix in place.
Quality Decking Feels Better Underfoot
A deck is one of the most used areas in a garden. It needs to look good, feel secure and cope with regular use.
Choosing straight, consistent decking boards can make the build much easier. Bent or uneven lengths may leave large gaps or create an untidy surface. They may also take more time to fit.
Quality decking timber gives you a sound base for the project. You can then choose the board finish that will best suit the space. Grooved boards offer a classic deck look, while smooth boards give a clean finish.
Do not focus on the top boards alone. The frame below is just as important. Use sound joists, the right fixings and a clear plan for drainage. A deck will only last if every part of the build works together.
Smooth Decking
Plan Ahead to Save Time During the Build
A little planning before you choose your timber can make the build much easier. Knowing exactly what you need will help you select timber that is suitable for the job and ready to work with.
Before you buy, check:
- What the timber will support
- Whether it will be in contact with the ground
- The length and size you need
- Whether the timber will be visible once the project is finished
- What type of finish you want
- Which fixings and treatments you will need
If you are unsure, ask for advice before you start. The team at Woodford Forest and Landscape can help you choose the right timber, treatment and other materials for your project.
Protect Timber After Cutting and Installation
Even treated timber may need a little extra protection once you start working with it. Cutting or drilling timber can expose areas that were previously protected, so freshly cut ends may need to be treated with a suitable end-grain preservative.
Once installed, visible timber such as decking, rails and garden features may also benefit from oils, stains or wood preservatives to help protect the surface and maintain its appearance.
Always follow the guidance for the treatment you are using and apply it to clean, dry timber. Checking your timber regularly will also help you spot areas that may need a little extra care before they become a bigger problem.
Choose the Right Timber with Confidence
Every outdoor project is different. A deck needs different timber from a fence. A raised bed may need a different sleeper from a garden step.
At Woodford Forest and Landscape, our team can help you choose timber that suits your project, setting and practical requirements. We stock prepared timber, sleepers, decking timber, fence posts, timber boards and wood treatments for trade and home projects.
Visit Woodford Forest and Landscape or get in touch with our team for friendly, practical advice before you start.