UK Timber Sizes

Most Independent Timber Merchants in the Uk will offer a range of both Sawn and Planed Timber. Care needs to be taken in understanding the sizes stated, some are stated in ‘sawn’ sizes and others in ‘finished’ (ie planed). Below is a guide that should prove useful for those of you looking to buy Timber but are not fully conversant with Timber sizes.

Sawn Timber

Usually refers to Sawn Carcassing that is ordinarily used for building and construction, ie joists, beams etc. Traditionally this material was sold in sawn sizes such as 4” x 2” or 47mm x 100mm, now days the Uk market is used to offering this material ‘regularised’, ie it has smooth planed eased edges making it easier to work with and these sizes are slightly under the sawn sizes as the table below indicates. Regularised Timber can be purchased both untreated and treated, also in C16 and C24 structural grade. Sold in lengths 2.4m – 6.0m in increments of 300mm.

Planed Timber

Also known or referred to by Timber Merchants as PAR (Planed all round) and PSE (Planed square edge). Ordinarily this type of timber is used for second fix, joinery, shelving etc and is far superior to construction and building timber. Machined from Scandinavian Vth or Unsorted Pine Redwood and ordinarily sold in lengths of 1.8m – 5.4m.

The above list is not exhaustive, it is generaly reflect standard stock sizes that most Merchants would expect to offer, in addition many Merchants will also offer a range of Ex 32mm and Ex 38mm Planed stock. Those with their own maching facilities such as TimberClick London will also be able to machine to your specific requirement.