If you’re sorting a job in the garden — maybe a fence, planter, decking or something else that needs a bit of wood — it’s easy to grab the first thing you see. But not all timber’s the same, and picking the wrong stuff’s the fastest way to waste money and time.
Treated Timber? Almost Always, Yeah
Look, if the wood’s going outside, just get it treated. Anything touching soil or catching rain needs it. It’s not expensive and it’ll last. Treated timber doesn’t rot as fast, and bugs tend to leave it alone. If you’re sticking a post in the ground or building raised beds, don’t even think about using untreated.
That cheap, untreated stuff’s fine if it’s staying dry. Inside a shed? Workshop? Sure. But outside? You’ll regret it in a year.
Picking Timber for the Right Job
Softwood’s what most people buy. It’s cheap, takes a screw easy, and does the job. Perfect for fences, decking frames, even shed walls if you’re painting it.
Hardwood’s heavier and tougher. Costs more, but it lasts. Oak, iroko, all that. You won’t need to treat it much either. Best for benches, gates, things that get seen or used a lot.
Also, if you’re building something with weight on it — decking or a shed floor — don’t muck about. Use timber marked C16 or C24. That just means it’s been checked and won’t snap under load.
Handy Extras Most People Forget
Few things that help a lot:
- Gravel boards. They sit at the bottom of fences to stop the panel soaking up water from the ground.
- Post spikes. No digging, no concrete. Bang them in and drop the post in.
- Weed membrane. Chuck it under gravel or bark. Slows weeds right down.
- Joist hangers, if you’re doing decking. Stops the wood shifting about.
And bulk bags? Use them. Bark, gravel, topsoil — whatever. One bag’s easier than twenty trips with small bags from the DIY shop.
Buying Tips – Real Ones, Not Sales Talk
Here’s the deal. Timber prices change all the time. Don’t overpay, but also don’t grab the cheapest pile at the back. Have a look. Warped? Split ends? Dodgy knots? Leave it.
Some yards let you pick through the stack. Others don’t. If you’re ordering online, ask for a quick photo of the batch — some places will send one.
Delivery’s worth it, especially if you’re buying longer lengths or fence panels. You’re not getting a 2.4m post in a hatchback. And no one wants to do five runs because the wood didn’t fit.
That’s pretty much it. Don’t overthink it. Get what works, not what looks nice on the rack. If it’s going in the ground, treat it. If you want it to last, don’t cheap out. And if you’re not sure what you need, ask someone who’s built more than one fence.Contact BTL Timber & Garden Supplies for more information.