How to Choose the Right Timber for Your Project
Whether you're building a fence, a raised bed, fitting out a room, or tackling a full extension—choosing the right timber can make all the difference. With so many options on the shelf (and online), we totally get that it can be a bit of a head-scratcher. But don’t worry—we’ve been helping folks choose the right wood for the job since 1981.
At Wood Green Timber, we stock a wide range of quality timber products and we’re always on hand with friendly, honest advice. Whether you're popping into our Wood Green store, or browsing online, this guide will help you get started with the basics.
Here are a few key things to consider when choosing timber for your next project:
? 1. Treated vs Untreated Timber
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Treated timber (green or brown) is pressure-treated to help resist rot, insects, and moisture—ideal for anything that lives outside: fencing, sleepers, decking, or posts.
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Untreated timber is typically used indoors or in dry conditions—great for joinery, furniture, trims, and planed timber projects.
? 2. Softwood or Hardwood?
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Softwood (like Scandinavian redwood or spruce) is easy to work with, affordable, and great for most fencing, framing, and garden jobs.
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Hardwood (like Oak or Meranti) is denser and longer-lasting—perfect for things that need to look sharp and hold up: thresholds, door linings, or external joinery.
? 3. What’s the Job?
Think about what you're building and where it’s going:
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Fencing & landscaping: Treated featheredge, rails, posts, sleepers
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Decking: UC3/UC4 treated softwood or composite boards
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Joinery & internal projects: Planed softwood, MDF, or hardwood sections
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Structural work: Sawn C24 timber for load-bearing floors, roofs, and frames
? 4. Timber Grading (C16 / C24)
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If you're doing structural work—like joists, roof rafters, or stud walls—look for C24 graded timber. It's stronger, kiln-dried, and perfect for load-bearing.
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C16 is also used for structural work but is a bit more budget-friendly and slightly lower in strength.
? 5. Appearance vs Practicality
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For visible work (like a gate, bench, or internal finish), choose timber with a cleaner finish—like planed or hardwood sections.
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For hidden frames or ground contact, practicality matters more than looks—opt for sawn and treated timber.
? 6. Indoors or Outdoors?
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Anything outdoors needs to be treated or naturally durable (like Oak or Cedar).
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For indoors, you’ve got more freedom—untreated softwood, MDF, or decorative mouldings work perfectly.
Need a Hand Choosing?
Pop into our Wood Green branch and we’ll be happy to talk through your project. Or, if you're shopping online, just drop us a message—friendly, personal advice is what we do best.
At Wood Green Timber, it’s not just about selling wood—it’s about helping you get the job done right.
