Learn how to avoid common mistakes when buying timber. Understand the importance of checking grades, treatment, sustainably sourced and types of timber.
Ignoring Timber Grades and Quality
One common mistake when buying timber is not checking the grade or quality. Timber is separated into grades to show its strength, appearance, and how many natural defects it has, like knots or splits. These grades help people choose the right timber for different jobs.
For example, higher-grade timber is often smoother, stronger, and better for building or making furniture, while lower-grade timber may be fine for rough work like fencing or garden projects. Lower-grade timber may also be cheaper, but it can be weak, uneven, or full of knots. This can cause problems later, especially if the timber is used for important parts of a project like floors, walls, or furniture.
If you ignore the grade, you might end up with timber that isn’t strong enough or doesn’t look right for your project. This can lead to problems like warping, breaking, or the need to replace parts later on. Always look at the grade and choose timber that suits what you are building. It may cost a bit more, but it will last longer and give a better finish.
Not Checking if the Timber Is Treated
Another common mistake when buying timber is not checking if it has been treated. Treated timber goes through a process that helps protect it from rot, insects, and moisture. This is especially the case if your timber will be used outside, underground, or in places where it might get wet, such as in fencing, decking, sheds, or garden borders. Without proper treatment, timber used in these areas can become soft, mouldy, or start to rot much faster than expected.
Timber is usually treated with special chemicals to protect it from rot, insects, mould, and moisture. These treatments soak into the wood and help it last longer, especially when used outdoors or in damp places.
One method is preservative treatment, where chemicals such as copper-based solutions are used to stop fungi and insects from causing damage.
Professionals usually use pressure treatment to push preservatives deep into the wood, giving it stronger and longer-lasting protection. Water-based treatments are common for indoor use, as they are safer to handle and have less smell, though they may not give enough protection for outdoor use unless sealed.
Oil-based treatments are often used for outdoor timber because they help repel water and protect the surface from weather damage. Treated timber may look green or brown, depending on the chemicals used. It is always important to check what the timber has been treated with and make sure it is suitable for your project.
Using the right treated timber helps it last longer, saves money in the long run, and keeps your structure strong and safe.
Failing to Plan for Waste or Offcuts
A common mistake when buying timber is not planning for waste or offcuts. When cutting timber to size, there are often leftover pieces that are too short or uneven to use. Some parts of the timber may also have knots, splits, cracks, or rough ends that need to be cut off and thrown away.
If you only buy the specific amount you think you need for your project, you may find yourself running out before the job is finished. If this happens, it could mean your work is delayed and could lead to extra trips to the shop and further costs. It’s always a good idea to allow for at least 10% extra to cover any waste, small mistakes, or last-minute changes to your plan.
When you plan for waste means, it means you should always have enough good timber to finish the job completely without rushing or settling for poor-quality pieces. It helps the project go more smoothly and can even save money in the long run.
Forgetting to Check If It’s Sustainably Sourced
Another common mistake when buying timber is forgetting to check if it’s sustainably sourced. Sustainable timber comes from forests that are carefully managed to protect the environment, support wildlife, and allow trees to grow back naturally.
It also takes into account the rights of local people and workers. When timber is not sustainably sourced, it may come from areas where forests are being cut down too quickly, harming animals, plants, and local communities. This can lead to long-term damage to the planet.
To make sure the timber is sustainable, look for labels such as PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).
These labels show that the timber has been checked and meets high standards for the environment and fair working conditions.
Asking where the timber comes from and choosing certified wood is an easy way to help protect forests and make better choices for the future. It may not cost much more, but it makes a big difference.
Not Knowing What Type of Timber You Need
Not knowing what type of timber you need is another mistake many people make. There are two main types of timber out there, known as softwood and hardwood. Softwood comes from trees like pine, spruce, and fir. It is usually cheaper, easier to work with, and is commonly used for general building work, furniture frames, shelving, and flooring.
Hardwood comes from trees like oak, ash, beech, and mahogany. It is stronger, heavier, and often used for high-quality furniture, doors, window frames, and flooring where strength and appearance are important.
Each type of timber also behaves differently. Some are better for indoor use, while others are more suited to outdoor projects. For example, treated softwood can be used for fencing or garden decking, while hardwood like oak is better for long-lasting outdoor structures or fine joinery work. Using the wrong type of timber for your project can lead to a number of problems, such as warping, cracking, or faster wear and tear.
Always think about where and how the timber will be used, and ask for advice if you’re not sure. Choosing the right type of timber for your project will help it last longer and look better.
Welcroft Lee Logistics provides efficient timber supply and delivery services throughout Eastbourne, Brighton & Hastings. Whether it's a one-off project or you're looking to stock-up before multiple jobs, you can rely on our timber suppliers.
