There’s something deeply satisfying about selecting the perfect timber for your project.
The right wood brings character and beauty, but are you aware of what your local woodlands can offer? There are many options, each with distinct advantages that might make them perfect (or problematic) for your project.
Read on to explore the key differences to help you make an informed decision for your next woodworking, construction or joinery project. The most obvious benefit is environmental. Using locally sourced timber dramatically reduces the carbon footprint of your project – no long-distance shipping means fewer emissions.
The Appeal of British Timber
British woodlands produce some exceptional timber species that have been used in construction and fine woodworking for centuries. European oak, ash, Douglas fir and other home-grown timber options offer distinct advantages.
British timbers that we currently and have previously produced include:
- European oak – Oak has been the go-to choice in the UK for centuries. Oak has been used in almost anything wood can be used for. It is strong, durable and beautiful. It’s used in shipbuilding, timber frames, frame housing and carports, wine barrels, fine furniture, flooring, fencing, garden sleepers and much more. While Oak is often seen as the default choice, other species may be more suitable depending on the project.
- European ash – Ash is as strong and as attractive as oak. It is also more cost-effective. The main downside to ash is that, without modification, it is not durable; therefore, it is not suitable for external applications. Common uses include flooring, handles, and internal joinery. With modification, external cladding.
- Douglas fir – Douglas fir is a great all-rounder, not as durable or as strong as oak, but is much more predictable and is easier to work with, especially when cutting large section beams, while being at a fraction of the cost of oak. Douglas fir is not suitable for ground contact without treatment. Common uses are construction beams, railway work, cladding, flooring, docking blocks and many more
- Larch – UK-grown Larch is strong but is only moderately durable. It can be unpredictable in lengths exceeding 4 meters which may limit application. However, this product is excellent for cladding, construction, boat building and flooring
- UK-grown Western red cedar – Although the same species as the timber supplied from North America, it does not have the same appearance. What is commonly exported from North America is old-growth material. The UK material is more similar to the plantation or second-growth material from North America. It is lighter in colour, has wider growth rings and rarely comes free of knots. UK cedar is a good replacement when you are after cedar cladding but are conscious about the product’s carbon footprint and want to leave the old-growth trees for wildlife. Cedar excels as cladding but is not considered structural and indents easily.
- Pine – East Brothers cut both a Corsican and Scots pine, a robust, stable and widely available softwood. We mainly produce fencing and sleepers, as pine is great at absorbing treatment. East Brothers typically cut pine for these uses, but can customise it for other applications if needed.
- Spruce – Spruce is light in weight and light in colour. The trees can become very large so we can offer a range of sizes. East Brothers have used spruce for packaging requirements, crane mats, commercial shelving and other bespoke projects. If you require spruce, please contact us with your requirements.
- Sycamore – Sycamore features a pale cream colour, and though not highly durable, the hardwood is suitable for furniture and kitchenware. Sycamore has a fine grain which makes it easy to work and finish. Occasionally, the grain in sycamore can be rippled, which can make sycamore hard to work, but if done right, it can have the most amazing pattern and can really increase the value of a product.
- English Walnut – Walnut features a deep rich brown colour and often striking swirling and curling grain patterns. English walnut is not very common, but from time to time, trees become available. English walnuts’ uses would include high-end furniture and gun stocks
- Beech –Beech is another light, tight-grained wood which has great strength and impact resistance. Beech’s weakness is its lack of durability and stability. Beech is suitable for cutting boards, work benches, handles, and furniture.
- Poplar – Poplar, when dry, has a great strength-to-weight ratio. It is not durable, so it is not suitable for long-term outside use. Poplar is quite unpredictable, so I would struggle to recommend it. However, it can be improved with thermal modification and used for cladding.
- Western Hemlock – UK-grown Hemlock is a very underused timber. We can source large trees so that wide boards can be produced. It is very easy to dry and is stable. This timber should be considered for internal furniture and carpentry
- Lawson Cypress Rarely used but available when needed, we’ve supplied Lawson Cypress for packaging and even bespoke beams for constructional uses. If you’re looking for something unusual or have a specific UK-grown species in mind, let us know, and we may be able to help!
Making Your Choice: Factors to Consider
When deciding on the timber for your specific project, consider these key questions:
- Durability requirements – Will the timber face challenging conditions requiring exceptional natural resistance?
- Visual preferences – Do you need the specific aesthetic qualities of certain species?
- Budget constraints – Is the potentially higher cost of tropical timber justified by your application?
- Workability needs – Will you be hand-working the timber or using machines, and how might density affect this?
There’s rarely a universally “best” choice – the right timber depends on your specific project requirements, values and constraints.
Expert Guidance for Your Timber Selection
The world of timber is complex, with each species offering unique characteristics and best-use cases. At East Bros Timber, our team understands the nuances of both local and tropical timber.
We can help you understand your choices to find the perfect material for your specific project.