Key considerations when choosing timber for a DIY project
Because it is a versatile and attractive material, timber is used for a wide range of DIY activities in our homes and gardens and can help to achieve excellent lasting results.

Here we look at some of the key considerations to make when choosing a wood type for your latest ‘do it yourself’ project that can help get the job done to the highest standard.
Colour
When it comes to colouring timber is extremely versatile with a wide selection of shades available to suit any environment or scheme. Most wood types, especially light-coloured variations such as oak and beech, can also be easily treated in order to achieve the colour or finish required and can even be painted.
Exposure
A major consideration when choosing new timber is the exposure the new structure will have to environmental elements such as rain and light. High density wood types are recommended for outdoor uses such as fences and sheds as they will be more resistant to the rigours of the different seasons, preventing issues such as decay and warping.
Longevity
If you are choosing timber for an installation that will be used frequently, such as flooring or garden decking, it is important to choose a highly durable variation such as hardwood. Selecting the correct type of wood for use in high-traffic areas or structures that are regularly used (doors, windows etc) will ensure that they are more resistant to damage, wearing and discolouration.
Purpose
The quality and type of wood used for your project depends on what you plan to build. For example, display items such as fencing will require low density wood that can be easily treated whilst timber used for supporting structures must be strong but is not likely to need any cosmetic treatment.
Find out more
Timber and fencing merchant Ryall & Edwards is Surrey’s largest fencing and timber centre, occupying a twenty-six-acre site within close proximity to the M23.
If you would like to find out more about the range of hardwood timber available from Ryall & Edwards, and how we can help to make your DIY projects a success, please contact our friendly customer services team today on 01342 842288.
