Timber & Board Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Materials for Your Projects

When planning any house improvement project—whether it's a garden makeover, installing interior partitions, or revamping a living space—selecting the right timber and boards is essential. From structural work to fine finishes, timber comes in a wide variety of types, each suited to a specific purpose. Likewise, man-made boards like MDF, plywood, and plasterboard play a vital role in modern construction and interior design.

This comprehensive timber and board buying guide will walk you through the different options available, including construction timber, finishing timber, decorative timber, and various types of plasterboard, so you can confidently choose the right materials for your next project.

Understanding Timber: Types and Uses

Broadly speaking, timber is categorized into three main types:

1. Construction Timber – Built to Support

Construction timber is designed for strength and support, often used where the visual finish is less important. It's the backbone of many building projects and is essential in structural and framing applications.

Common Types of Construction Timber:

• Studwork Timber
  Ideal for indoor use, particularly for building stud walls and partitioning. Remember to drill pilot holes and countersink screws to prevent the timber from splitting.

• Sawn Kiln-Dried Timber
  Best for non-structural internal work like battening, framing, or boxing in. It has a rougher finish but is cost-effective.

• Treated Studwork
  Pressure-treated to resist rot, insects, and fungus, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Treated Sawn Kiln-Dried Timber
  Great for outdoor framing, shed building, and non-structural applications. Enhance joint strength with wood glue and dowels.

• Utility Garden Timber
  Perfect for outdoor projects like composters, raised beds, pergolas, and fencing. Always re-treat cut ends for maximum durability.

• Roofing Battens
  These timbers provide secure fixing points for roofing sheets or tiles. Choose blue battens for compliance with BS5534, especially for NHBC-registered new builds.

2. Finishing Timber – For Visible Applications

When the appearance matters, finishing timber is your go-to. These timbers offer smooth finishes and are ideal for joinery and exposed interior work.

Common Finishing Timber Options:

• Whitewood Spruce
  A versatile, light-colored timber with a clean, modern appearance. Ideal for furniture, shelving, and decorative joinery.

• Floorboards
  Available as structural boards for direct installation over joists or decorative options for laying over existing flooring. Many come pre-finished with lacquer for durability and style.

3. Decorative Timber – Adding the Final Touch

Decorative timber enhances the aesthetic of your space while offering some functional benefits. It's ideal for finishing touches like mouldings and rails.

Decorative Timber Types:

• Dado & Picture Rails
  Add character to your walls while protecting them from damage or allowing art to hang without nails.

• Heavyweight Mouldings
  Suitable for large skirting boards and architraves. Longer lengths reduce visible joints for a seamless look.

• Engineered Oak Mouldings
  Provide elegance and strength for skirting, window boards, and architrave. For a perfect external joint, use wood glue and stagger the mitre cut slightly for a tight fit.

Man-Made Boards: Versatile and Cost-Effective

Compared to natural timber, man-made boards are generally more affordable and offer excellent versatility. They’re widely used in construction, furniture making, and cabinetry.

Popular Man-Made Boards:

• MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard)
  Smooth, easy to cut, and ideal for painting without edge treatments. Comes in various thicknesses.

• Plywood
  Strong and stable, plywood consists of multiple layers of wood veneer, with grains running in alternating directions. Suitable for both structural and decorative purposes.

• Hardboard
  Lightweight and inexpensive, hardboard is good for drawer bottoms or floor underlay. Condition before installation to prevent swelling from moisture.

• HDF (High-Density Fibreboard)
  Higher density than MDF, offering better strength and finish. Ideal for veneering, laminating, and detailed paint finishes.

• OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
  A highly durable and structural board used in roofing, flooring, and wall sheathing. Suitable for humid conditions.

Plasterboard: The Go-To for Modern Interiors

Plasterboard is essential in any modern house improvement project. It provides a smooth surface for painting or wallpapering and can be tailored for specific environments.

Types of Plasterboard:

• Standard Plasterboard
  Great for everyday wall and ceiling installations. Available in square or tapered edges for different finishing styles.

• Thermal Check Plasterboard
  Comes with a bonded thermal insulation layer to help regulate indoor temperatures.

• Vapour Check Plasterboard
  Includes a vapour control membrane, ideal for preventing condensation in lofts or high-humidity areas.

• Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard
  Treated with water-repellent additives, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or as backing for tiling.

• Cement Board
  A robust, rot-proof alternative to plasterboard for wet zones like bathrooms and utility areas.

• Acoustic Check Plasterboard
  Designed for soundproofing, this high-density board is great for media rooms or between dwellings.

• Fire Check Plasterboard
  Contains glass fibre for increased fire resistance—ideal for garages, stairwells, or between floors.

Sustainable Timber: A Responsible Choice

No matter what type of timber or board you're using, always ensure it's sourced sustainably. Look for certification from organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®). This ensures the wood has been responsibly harvested to meet strict environmental and social standards.

At B&Q, all wood and paper products are guaranteed to meet legal and environmental requirements—so you can build better with a clear conscience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right timber and board materials is essential for any house improvement project. Whether you need robust construction timber for framing, smooth finishing timber for exposed joinery, elegant decorative timber for detail, or reliable plasterboard for internal surfaces, understanding your options helps you make informed decisions.

By selecting the right materials—and ensuring they’re sustainably sourced—you'll set a strong foundation for any project, indoors or out.