What is wood?

The mark of responsible forestry
CU-COC-806054
© 1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C.

Most of us recognise a tree when we see one even if we can't name it. But once it becomes timber the names and terms are endless. Here is a short guide to some of the products you may wish to purchase from us.


  • Softwood: open grained wood from a coniferous tree, not always literally soft

  • Hardwood: from a broad-leafed tree eg. oak, ash, maple

  • Sawn: cut to size with a rough finish

  • Planed: a smoother finish with less rough edges

  • Regularised: checked for size conformity

  • Treated: with preservative usually for outdoor use

  • Graded: checked for strength to comply with building standards

  • Joinery: higher quality with less knots and imperfections

  • Plywood: made of compressed layers of glued wood, sold in sheets

  • Chipboard: made of compressed wood chips, sold in sheets

  • Tongue & Groove: boards machined to slot together for flooring or panelling

  • MDF: medium density fibreboard, sold in sheets, smooth finish, indoor use

  • Mouldings: strips of wood used for skirting, architrave and fancy edges, etc.

If you still don't know what you need just ask. If we don't stock it we may be able to source it for you.