Buyer’s Guides
Buyer’s Guides
Any commercial or home improvement project needs careful planning and consideration — you’re bound to have plenty of questions and queries. Our team of timber experts are here to help.
From decking to cladding, from fencing to oak structures, we’ve pulled together our insights into a series of buyers’ guides to help you with planning, designing and costing your next project.
What’s the Difference Between Feather-edge and Shiplap Cladding?
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The type of wood you choose for your cladding project is one key consideration, but you also need to think about the profile — that is, how boards are machined. Feather-edge and shiplap are two popular options.
Tropical Timber Species Guide: Ipe
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Ipe, also known as Brazilian Walnut, is a central and south American hardwood with a deep, rich brown appearance and truly remarkable strength.
Douglas Fir vs Siberian Larch Cladding: Which Is Best?
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When it comes to exterior jobs like cladding, two timber species often cross many people’s lips — Douglas Fir and Siberian Larch. Which is best for your project?
Cedar or Larch Fencing? Plus Design Ideas & Inspiration!
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If you’re looking to create that ideal enclosed space or define your property, these two often come top of the list. Their physical, technical and aesthetic attributes lend themselves perfectly to the job.
Garden Fence Height Rules & Regulations in the UK
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Planning a garden fencing project? Not only do you need to stay on the right side of your neighbours, but also the law. Don’t get found out by fencing regulations!
Tropical Timber Species Guide: Sapele
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A popular substitute for mahogany, sapele is an African hardwood boasting a gorgeous reddish-brown colour, along with exceptional strength and density.
A Guide To Exterior Treatments, Stains And Oils For Oak
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Oak is a trusted, time-honoured timber. This popular hardwood has been a construction material of choice for thousands of years.
Cladding vs. Rendering: Differences, Design Ideas & Costs
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As two popular exterior finishes for homes across the UK, both cladding and rendering can add value and curb appeal to your property.
Garden Room & Garden Office Timber Cladding: Ideas, Inspiration & Options
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Timber cladding offers a smart, modern and nature-inspired finish for garden rooms, helping them to slot seamlessly into their outdoor surroundings.
Rough Sawn vs. Planed Timber: The Differences (With Examples)
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When buying timber, you may encounter terms like ‘sawn’, ‘rough sawn’, ‘planed’, ‘planed all round’ (PAR) and ‘planed square edge’ (PSE) — even ‘S1S’, ‘S2S’ and so on. What exactly do these mean and how does timber with these characteristics differ?