The list below of timber and sheet materials contains the most common types used by the home DIYer.
- P.S.E. Planed square edge or P.A.R. Planed all round as it is sometimes known is suitable for indoor framework, studding and general use. It is available in a wide range of sizes and can be used externally but will require treating with wood preserve.
- Sawn treated is a rough sawn timber protected with a wood preserve and is ideal for most exterior jobs. This is available in a wide range of sizes.
- P.T.G. Planed tongue and groove is suitable for floorboards.
- Traditional cladding is a smaller version of tongue and groove floorboard. It can be indoors and outdoors providing it is treated with wood preserve.
- Shiplap cladding is more suited for exterior projects like sheds or containers and is normally pretreated.
- Hardboard is used for cupboard backs in kitchen and bedroom units among others, it is only around 3 - 4mm thick and can be bought with a white finish.
- M.D.F. Medium density fibreboard comes in a wide range of sheet sizes and thickness. It is a very versatile material that gives an excellent finish.
- Strand board is used mainly for roofs that will be covered with felt.
- Plywood is a sheet material that can be used both internally and externally.
- Melamine chipboard (Contiboard) is a melamine faced chipboard suitable for cabinets, furniture, etc and comes in a wide variety of finishes, Beech, oak, etc.
When you are purchasing timber, if it is sold in single lengths always have a look to see if it is warped or twisted by simply looking down the length from one end to the other. Some DIYers prefer to use rough sawn timber rather than P.S.E. / P.A.R. if it won’t be on show as it is cheaper to buy. Any timber which is to be used for projects in damp or wet conditions should always be treated with a good quality wood preserve, pretreated in the case of fence posts, etc. This will increase its resistance against adverse conditions and probably improve its appearance. Some of the larger DIY stores such as B & Q offer a free cutting service which is invaluable if only so the timber / sheet will fit in your vehicle.
I find M.D.F. an easy sheet material to work with, there are no knots to contend with, you get a good clean cut and it has a good flat finish for painting. Ornamental pieces of woodwork are popular and can improve the finished look of your project, there are Lot’s of quality patterned and moulded beads and trims available in most DIY stores and these along with various mouldings can be easily attached with an adhesive such as Liquid nails. As an example you can buy a plain fire surround fairly cheap, add some ornamental mouldings and a couple of coats of paint / varnish or woodstain and it can be made to look like a much more expensive purchase.
Remember to use safety equipment, goggles, face mask and gloves, when handling and cutting these materials.
