Timber Types

There is a huge range of timbers available to us, but this page shows and lists the ones we use most commonly. We have divided them into two categories according to durability. The ratings of durability are quite interesting and are based on the following:

A stake of timber, 600 x 50 x 50mm is driven into the ground and left to rot. Its durability is rated according to how long it takes to rot:

0-5 yrs Perishable
5-10 yrs Non durable
10-15 yrs Moderately durable
5-25 yrs Durable
25+ yrs Very durable

This is, of course, a pretty harsh test, and timber used for exterior joinery, well protected by paint or stain, and not in direct contact with the ground would be expected to last much longer.

We prefer not to use any timbers with a durability rating lower than “Durable” for exterior joinery.

Exterior Joinery
	IDIGBO	540 kg/m3	Quite a popular, low-priced hardwood. It takes paint well, and also looks excellent when finished with a Light Oak stain.
	OAK (American White)	760 kg/m3	Although expensive, American White Oak is used extensively, and is very beautiful. It remains cheaper than European Oak.
	UTILE	660 kg/m3	Moderately expensive but a very attractive, Mahogany-like timber. We use it extensively because it is stable, durable, and paints or stains delightfully.

Interior Joinery
	ASH	660 kg/m3	Moderately priced. It’s an attractive, pale cream to light brown timber, with good strength. (It can be difficult to match the solid to veneered panels, because the veneers tend to be selected for cleanliness and pale colour.)
	BEECH (Steemed)	675 kg/m3	Reasonably priced. An attractive, hard timber with a pinkish colour when steamed. (Also available unsteamed, when the colour is much paler.) Very popular for joinery and turning, and matched well by veneers.
	CHERRY	580kg/m3	This is an expensive, but very beautiful timber. Also readily available on veneered boards. The colour varies from light brown to reddish chocolate brown, and it has a lovely figure and grain.
	MAPLE	680kg/m3	A lovely, pale timber, less expensive than Cherry. It is strong and hard and finishes beautifully.
	TULIPWOOD	500kg/m3	The colour ranges from white to olive green/brown. It’s light and not renowned for its strength, but still very useful. It works well and is excellent for moulding. It takes a painted finish wonderfully.
	SOFTWOOD (European Redwood, or Pine)	510kg/m3	The absolute staple of the Joinery trade. Extensively used, and well known to everyone. It is a very useful, inexpensive timber.