Go to timber merchants and you'll probably find that they sell an absolutely huge range of timber supplies. You'll find redwoods, mahogany and oak, to name but just a few. If you are looking for a specific type of timber in various lengths or widths, it would probably be in your best interest to visit timber merchants, as opposed to a standard DIY store. At timber merchants you'll find it much easier to buy, for example, a strip of wood cut to a precise length. Stocking timber supplies in huge amounts, timber merchants will be able to provide you with an extensive selection of woods. You will be able to find the right type of timber for your next project, accompanied with expert advice provided by the professional members of staff that work at these particular locations.
If you are searching for timber supplies to use for your next building project then you may be stuck trying to figure out exactly what type of timber supplies that you require. There are two basic types of supplies out there for you to choose from - sawn timber or planed timber. Both are sold in huge amounts by timber merchants, so you won't have too much difficulty in tracking them down.
Sawn timber is typically used in areas where it can't be seen, so, for example, underneath floorboards or up in the roof of a structure. Sawn timber, which can be purchased in bulk amounts, is very inexpensive and is usually rough in texture. It isn't designed to be used for decorative purposes and as a result doesn't usually feature straight edges - rather jagged ones. You'd most typically see sawn timber in fences or in sheds. However, before sawn timber can be used in the outside environment it has to be treated and given a water-resistant finish.
Planed timber - available from most good timber merchants - is basically sawn timber that has been treated and planed down so that it has a smoother texture. This allows it to be used in the decorative side of building projects. Timber supplies that have been planed down will typically feature the stamp PAR. This acronym indicates that the wood has been planed all round. Planed timber might be used to produce a balustrade or a banister for use in the home environment.
At timber merchants it is also possible to find wood that has been cut into fine sheets. These particular timber supplies vary significantly and have different uses. For example, plywood is very rough material and is good to use when covering roofs or other large flat areas on buildings. Laminated plywood, however, is a very thin material that can feature a nice glossy finish, meaning that it looks presentable enough to be displayed prominently in the home. There are also other types of timber supplies similar to plywood such as MDF which is medium density fibreboard. Chipboard - extensively known as a cheaper, lower quality version of MDF - is another extremely common site at timber merchants. You can also find laminated chipboard too - supplies that are very commonly found in the kitchen. This looks a lot like laminate plywood, but is usually much thicker and used in the production of kitchen cupboards and cabinets.
Timber merchants specialise in selling a variety of different timber supplies. This article examines just a few of the types of wood they sell.