The Ultimate Guide to Timber Types
Choose the Right Wood and Fixings for Every Job
Choosing the right timber – and the right fixings to go with it – can make or break a project. Whether you’re building a deck, framing out a wall, or putting up fencing, getting your materials right saves time, money, and call-backs. Here’s a straight-talking guide to the timber types and fixings we supply, and how to use them properly on site.
Why Softwood is All You Need
Softwood timber (from species like pine and spruce) is the backbone of the building trade. It’s affordable, strong, versatile, and – when pressure-treated – highly durable outdoors. We stock a full range of construction-grade softwood to cover everything from structural builds to decorative finish work.
Why Softwood is All You Need
Softwood timber (from species like pine and spruce) is the backbone of the building trade. It’s affordable, strong, versatile, and – when pressure-treated – highly durable outdoors. At Canvey Supply, we stock a full range of construction-grade softwood to cover everything from structural builds to decorative finish work.
➡️ We only stock high-quality C24 timber – no low-grade alternatives.
Our Most Popular Timber Types & Uses
Treated Carcassing Timber (C24): Pressure-treated structural timber, strength-graded to C24 (Construction Grade 24). Ideal for decking frames, joists, sheds, and structural work.
CLS Timber (Canadian Lumber Standard): Kiln-dried with smooth edges – used for internal stud walls and framing.
PSE Timber (Planed Square Edge): Smooth, square-edged timber. Perfect for boxing-in, trims, and decorative joinery.
MDF Sheets (Medium Density Fibreboard): Dense, smooth sheet ideal for panelling, furniture, and shelving.
Marine Plywood: Moisture-resistant ply for bathrooms, kitchens, and external cladding.
Timber Fixings – Get It Right First Time
Joist Hangers: Steel brackets to connect joists to beams or walls – essential for decking and flooring.
Jiffy Hangers: Lightweight joist hangers for timber-to-timber fixings – ideal for roof trimmers and floors.
Timber Screws: Corrosion-resistant, high-grip screws in various lengths for general timber work.
Coach Screws & Bolts: Heavy-duty fixings for frames, sheds, and large timber sections.
Angle Brackets & Restraint Straps: Add lateral strength to structural timber connections.
Galvanised Nails: Outdoor-rated nails – ring shank types provide maximum holding power.
Decking Screws: Weatherproof screws designed to resist corrosion and countersink neatly.
➡️ All fixings are in stock at Canvey Supply, matched to our timber range.
Timber by Project – What to Use and Why
| Project | Timber | Fixings You’ll Need |
|---|---|---|
| Decking Frame | C24-treated carcassing timber | Joist hangers, timber screws, bolts |
| Stud Wall | CLS timber | Screws or nails, angle brackets |
| Garden Fence | Treated posts/rails | Exterior screws, post mix, nails |
| Roof Joists | C24-treated timber | Jiffy hangers, restraint straps, bolts |
| Shed Base | C24 joists | Coach screws, joist hangers |
| Shelving/Boxing | PSE or MDF | Screws, wall plugs, optional brackets |
Grading & Treatment – Know What You’re Buying
C24 (Construction Grade 24): Structural timber graded for strength – straighter, stronger, fewer knots than lower grades.
CLS (Canadian Lumber Standard): Smooth, regular timber ideal for internal framing.
PSE (Planed Square Edge): Smoothed timber for decorative/internal use.
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard): Man-made board, ideal for paint finishes and precise cuts.
Treated Timber (Tanalised): Preserved against rot, insects, and moisture – suitable for outdoor use.
Kiln-Dried Timber: Dried for stability – less shrinkage, better finish.
➡️ Always seal cut ends of treated timber with end-grain preservative.
Trade Tips for Working with Timber
Buy 10–15% extra to allow for cuts, defects, and mistakes.
Store timber flat, off the ground, and protected from moisture.
Acclimatise internal timbers like CLS and PSE for 48 hrs before installation.
Pre-drill larger fixings to avoid splitting.
Why Buy from Canvey Supply?
We stock what tradespeople actually need: C24 timber, CLS studwork, PSE trim, MDF, and the fixings to match. Everything’s in one place with fast delivery and experienced staff who know the job.
👉 Call your local Canvey Supply branch or visit us – we’ll get you sorted, fast.
