A-Z of Self Build Guides Materials Sourcebook: Wood

Date Published:

03/06/2008

Most softwood comes from managed forests in temperate regions including the UK, Scandinavia, Russia and North America. Ninety five per cent of the timber used in Europe is from European forests, which are increasing in size by 3,500 square miles every year. As a general rule, the colder the climate, the better the quality of the timber, as the trees grow more slowly.

Bridget Peirson

Cedar (of Lebanon)

Lowdown: Pale, with lots of knots.
Good for: Interior carpentry and furniture.
Bear in mind: Distinctive aroma.

Douglas Fir

Lowdown: Light brown with straight grain.
Good for: Cladding, internal and exterior carpentry. Long lengths available.
Bear in mind: Avoid contact with iron when damp.

Scots Pine

Lowdown: Pale, creamy and knotty.
Good for: General purposes - interior carpentry and structural work.
Bear in mind: Not very durable.

Spruce

Lowdown: Light with straight grain.
Good for: General construction and joinery.
Bear in mind: Not durable.

Western Red Cedar

Lowdown: Warm, reddish brown with wavy grain. Ages to silvery grey if left unprotected.
Good for: exterior cladding and joinery as weather-resistant.
Bear in mind: Iron fixings cause staining.

Yellow Pine

Lowdown: Pale, straight-grained wood.
Good for: Doors, interior and exterior carpentry, furniture.
Bear in mind: Very soft and not durable.

Endangered Woods

Some woods, like zebrano, are listed as having a critical conservation status (see the Global Trees Campaign at www.globaltrees.org), so have not been mentioned. However, there are many companies that can provide the look for you by manufacturing an imitation grain into a wood-effect for, for example, flooring.

Manufactured Woods

Made from varying degrees of timber and waste products bonded together, these include plywood, blockboard, fibreboard and wood laminate. What they have in common is that they're cheap and come in a huge choice of specifications, often in panels which are larger than ones which could be cut from a tree. They have a variety of applications, from panelling and cladding to flooring and furniture.