With DIY projects gaining more popularity again this summer, it’s essential to understand the options available for your next project. With so many softwood and hardwood timber species options out there, and a variety of finishes available, it's no wonder so many customers ask about the benefits of planed timber for their DIY projects.
What does Planed All Round (PAR) mean?
Planed All Round (PAR) timber is wood that has all four faces along the length planed, and ready for use. In simpler terms, the edges are machined so that the piece of timber is smooth on all faces. The main benefit of ordering timber species with a PAR finish, is that you get the wood cut to size, already planed, resulting in no extra work other than to fit the timber in place for your next project.
PAR Timber vs Rough Sawn
If the project the timber is required for is going to be seen by others and on display, then planed wood is a good option, as rough edges don’t look great and can also lead to nasty splinters.
We find that most DIYers will prefer to use PAR timber because it is safer to work with and work can be started right away as there’s no need for the wood to be planed manually. It also gives a more aesthetically pleasing finish to your timber. From the lovely characteristics of Iroko timber, to the light shade of Western Red Cedar, most species are well suited to a planed finish.
Although, if you are an experienced woodworker, you may still prefer to work with rough sawn timber. This can be a better choice for certain projects, as it allows you to cut, adapt and finish your timber to suit your style. We supply our timber PAR as standard and recommend ordering a slightly larger size for final finishing if you are an experienced woodworker.
Nominal Sawn Size
Nominal size is the term used for sawn timber, prior to it being machined wood. For example, 25x50mm nominal sawn would finish as machined timber at approx. 20x45mm. As a rule of thumb, you should remember to allow for a variance of 5mm off each dimension between sawing and machining. Therefore, it is important to be aware that the sizes entered when ordering will be the sizes that we machine the timber to.
In summary, planed timber offers a great option for DIY projects, as it has been machined down until it’s smooth, with its high-quality finish visible from every angle. Please note, our timber is supplied PAR unless stated otherwise when ordering. Disclaimer: Although our timber will be planed on all 4 faces, some light sanding may be required prior to applying any finishing coat.
To find out more about our wide range of high quality timber species, both hardwood and softwood, visit our shop where you can browse the timber you need for your next project! And don’t forget, if ordering planed wood, the size you order, will be the size your wood is machined to.
