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.
Is Douglas Fir Good For Outdoor Use? A Guide to Treatments
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Douglas fir is a popular species for outdoor projects like cladding, fencing and decking. It can also be used for joinery, feature trusses and structural work.
Western Red Cedar Substitutes: Which Woods Work Just As Well?
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With its alluring reddish-brown hues, excellent natural durability and sweet scent, Western Red Cedar is a go-to timber for any outdoor project. But, if you’re after something slightly different, there’s plenty of other woods that step up to the job superbly!
Your Guide to Iroko: Colour, Uses, Properties, Sustainability, Treatment & Costs
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Often dubbed ‘African teak’ and even a timber ‘Rolls Royce’, Iroko is a truly special species, suitable for almost any project.
The Best Types & Styles of Timber Outdoor Garden Fencing
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Just as a quality timber fence bestows a multitude of benefits to your garden – privacy, theming and a beautiful, natural look – a dilapidated wooden fence immediately downgrades any space.
Your Guide to Some of the World’s Most Beautiful, Best-looking & Luxury Timber Species
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There’s no shortage of dazzling, eye-catching and jaw-dropping wood species. Let’s take a look at a few of our favourites!
The Best Alternatives to Siberian Larch For Outdoor Use
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Siberian Larch is a fantastic exterior timber. But given trade restrictions with Russia — from where the species is imported — stocks are beginning to deplete.
The Best Timber For Outdoor Use: Garden Furniture, Benches, Tables & More
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Looking to add a touch of natural beauty? As a building material that slots seamlessly into almost any outdoor space, timber’s just the ticket — but no ordinary wood will do.
The Best Types of Wood (& Design Ideas) for Garden Shed Cladding
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An unsightly outbuilding immediately downgrades your garden. Here’s our guide to creating a durable, design-led shed.
What Is Wood Grain? Types, Patterns & Textures Explained
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Wood grain refers to the arrangement of a wood’s fibres, formed during the growth of a tree.
Your Guide to Western Red Cedar: The Species, Qualities & Uses
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Western Red Cedar is one of the most popularly-specified timbers. It’s no surprise why.