When you’re planning a build, renovation or outdoor project, the materials you pick at the start will shape everything that follows. The right timber and sheet materials make construction smoother, improve durability, and help to ensure a professional finish, while the wrong choice can lead to warping, weakness, or unnecessary rework. Choosing carefully is essential – and we’re here to help.
At Sherman & Young Timber, we’re proud to be a leading Wigan timber merchant, supporting our customers with everything from structural work to garden improvements and interior joinery. With so many different types of timber and sheet materials available, we’re here to discuss some of our most essential products, so you can make informed decisions from day one.
Choose hardwood for projects like flooring and staircases
First, we have hardwood, one of the most robust and visually appealing timber options available. Known for its density, strength, and natural character, it offers a tight grain and long-lasting performance, and is ideal for projects where both appearance and longevity matter.
Hardwood performs particularly well in high-use or high-impact areas, with different types offering slightly different characteristics. American white oak is widely used for its strength and timeless appearance, and is a great choice for durable, charming internal flooring. Ash provides a lighter tone and good flexibility, making it well-suited to furniture-making and components that need to be shaped into gentle curves or rounded forms. Beech is also commonly used in internal joinery and workshop applications, while Sapele’s distinctive warm reddish tone is a popular choice for doors, trims, and decorative joinery. At Sherman & Young Timber, we’re proud to offer a wide range of PAR hardwood, planed all round for a smooth, ready-to-use finish that reduces the amount of preparation needed on site.
Pick C16 timber for structural work
Next is C16, one of the most commonly used structural timber options in construction. Valued for its consistency and reliability, it’s strength-graded to meet recognised structural standards, making it a dependable choice for projects where performance matters. For example, if you’re building internal stud walls, flooring joists, or general framing for a domestic extension, this timber provides a solid and practical solution.
Our C16 timber is available in a variety of sizes and lengths, and comes untreated for internal structural work and pressure-treated for external applications or areas where damp conditions may be present. It’s easy to cut, fix, and handle on-site, while still offering the structural performance needed for most domestic and light commercial builds.
Consider rough-sawn timber for framing and landscaping projects
Rough-sawn timber is a practical and cost-effective option commonly used across a wide range of construction and landscaping jobs. Unlike planed timber, it’s supplied with a more natural, unfinished surface. Our range includes structural essentials like roofing battens, as well as a variety of options for outdoor projects where a more natural, rustic appearance is preferred. This includes pressure-treated pyramid and square top posts for fencing and decking, and planks for garden edging and fence panel repairs.
Look for sheet materials that offer stability and versatility
Alongside solid timber, sheet materials form the backbone of many construction and joinery projects. These engineered boards are designed to provide consistency across larger surfaces, making them ideal for flooring, roofing, walls, and furniture construction. Here’s a quick breakdown of some commonly used options:
- OSB 3 – a strong, stable engineered board made from compressed strands of wood, OSB is widely used in structural, load-bearing applications (for example, subflooring, roofing, wall sheathing, etc).
- MDF – provides a smooth, consistent surface that’s easy to cut and shape, making it ideal for interior work. Commonly used for shelving, fitted furniture, and decorative panels.
- Chipboard – a cost-effective option used in flooring and general interior construction.
- Hardboard – a lightweight, flexible sheet material that’s commonly chosen for backing panels, drawer bases, and protective coverings.
- Contiboard – pre-finished chipboard with a durable melamine surface, great for shelving, cupboards, and internal furniture.
- Plywood: offers excellent strength and resistance to bending or warping; used for everything from van flooring and shed roofing to cabinetry and interior panelling. For projects exposed to high levels of moisture or areas prone to constant damp, you can use marine plywood for added durability and protection.
Practical guidance for choosing your materials
When choosing materials for your project, there are a few simple factors to keep in mind that can make the decision much easier. Start by considering exposure. Outdoor projects require treated or weather-resistant materials, while interior work opens up more options in terms of finish, appearance, and material type, depending on whether the material will be visible or hidden.
Next, think about structural demand. If the material is supporting weight or forming part of a frame, strength and grading should come first. If it’s decorative or non-structural, finish and appearance become more important. You should also consider how the material will be finished. Picking smooth, paint-ready surfaces like MDF can reduce preparation time, while rougher structural timber may need planing or sanding depending on the final look. It’s also worth factoring in budget, as material choice often comes down to balancing cost with performance and finish.
Those are some of the essentials covered! Of course, when it comes to our range of timber, that’s just the beginning. From eased-edge options and sleepers to scant and CLS timber, we’ve got everything you need under one roof. Whether you’re a builder working on a large-scale development or a homeowner tackling a garden upgrade, you can depend on our premium timber and sheet materials to keep your project running smoothly from start to finish. If you’re planning your next build and need help choosing the right supplies, simply give us a call on 01942 727 314 and our team will be happy to help.
