All about timber
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If you’re not in the trade, timber jargon can sometimes be confusing. C24? CLS? PAR? PSE? Treated or untreated? Unseasoned? Kiln Dried? Regularised? Even if you are in the trade, help is at hand! Maybe you want to build a few planters or raised flower beds for the garden, repair a fence, create a decking area or building a shed. Don’t know where to start ? Don’t worry, Gibbs & Dandy are here for you. We’re your local timber experts. We operate a Full Timber Service Mill in Luton to accommodate any job, big or small. 

Our branch colleagues will be happy to guide you to the right types for your specific project, but we’ve put together a guide to types of timber to use in common projects. This should get you on the right path.

Landscaping & decking projects

Composite timber is perfect for decking and outdoor projects. It’s a mixture of wood fibres and plastics to provide that extra density needed for long-lasting decking. It is a premium option but is designed to really stand the test of time, some offer a 25 year guarantee. If you want to go down the more traditional route we have a wide range of timber decking to choose from in various options including redwood, treated and green. Available in a range of sizes to suit any sized area.

Explore decking

Fencing projects

There are plenty of options when it comes to fencing. To get that really nice, layered fencing appearance, you can go for feather edge timber, which allows panels to overlap slightly and look really neat. We have a great selection of panels to choose from in various sizes.

Explore fencing

Structural construction projects​​​​​​​

Carcassing timber is best suited for structural work, like roof trusses, floor joists and studwork. It’s available in various strengths, the most common being C24 and C16. Both are designed to suit different load bearing weights. Carcassing timber can be treated or untreated, depending on what you need it for. For example, if you’re using it to build a shed, you’d opt for treated carcassing to prevent fungus and insect damage. Whereas untreated timber is better suited for indoor applications where it won’t be exposed to moisture or insects.

Explore carcassing timber

Joinery - furniture and mouldings

Looking for that solution for your joinery project? From staircases, shelves, signage, shopfitting and furniture to kitchen & bathroom joinery, exhibition displays, and general-purpose joinery, MDF can be a great economical option; it's versatile in performance and creates a smooth finish that is ideal for painting.

Explore MDF or explore MDF mouldings for skirtings and architrave requirements.

For other joinery applications, choose from our range of sustainably sourced softwood and non-tropical hardwood plywoods. With its durability, core & strength, plywood lends itself to a wide variety of end applications. Projects include furniture, children’s toys, roofing, stud wall construction and more. Dependent on species, plywood can also create an ideal surface for varnish and other stain & wax applications for the perfect finish.

Explore plywood

Timber buzzwords:

• FSC – Forest Stewardship Council. Refers to timber certified by FSC, a non-profit organisation which is concerned with responsible forestry worldwide.
• CLS – stands for Canadian Lumber Standard. Made from species like fir, pine or spruce and is planed, treated and shaped during the manufacturing process. Great for structural work.
• OSB – stands for Oriented Strand Board. It’s an engineered type of wood which makes it good for heavy load bearing work, such as sheathing in flooring which can be covered with carpet or other floor types.
• Green – you’d be forgiven for thinking green timber means the timber is coloured green, but it isn’t. All green timber means is the timber is recently cut and hasn’t been dried, so will contain more moisture.