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What timbers can be used?

Selecting the right timber for your windows, doors, staircases and mouldings is essential. Every timber species offers unique characteristics; including colour, grain, strength and durability which all impact its suitability for different joinery applications.

Timber falls into two main categories: Softwood and Hardwood.

Softwoods come from coniferous trees, which are typically evergreen and produce cones and needle like leaves. Common examples include pine and spruce. These timbers are generally lighter and easier to work with; ideal for certain internal joinery and structural uses.

Hardwoods are sourced from deciduous trees, which shed their leaves seasonally. These species such as oak, ash and walnut are typically denser, more durable and prized for their rich grain and long-term performance, making them perfect for feature joinery and high-traffic areas.

Whether you’re restoring a heritage property or commissioning bespoke joinery for a new build, Derwen Joinery offers expert advice on using the best timber species for your project’s needs. All our materials are sustainably sourced, supporting both quality workmanship and environmental responsibility.

Softwood

Cedar

Cedar is a lightweight, aromatic softwood known for its rich color, fine texture, and natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insects. Its pleasant scent and attractive grain make it a distinctive and premium timber.

Douglas Fir

Douglas Fir is a strong, stable softwood valued for its straight grain, warm reddish-brown tones, and excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It offers good dimensional stability and a clean, even appearance.

Larch

Larch is a dense and robust softwood with a distinctive golden-brown color and pronounced grain pattern. It is naturally durable and resistant to the effects of weather and aging over time.

Redwood

Redwood is an attractive and versatile softwood with a pale yellow to red-brown hue and fine, straight grain. It has good stability, a smooth texture, and accepts finishes well.

Hardwood

Ash

Ash is a pale, light-colored hardwood with a prominent grain and excellent strength-to-flexibility ratio. It has a smooth texture and a clean, contemporary appearance.

Beech

Beech is a dense, fine-grained hardwood with a uniform pale cream to pinkish-brown color. It has a smooth surface and is known for its stability and consistency.

Iroko

Iroko is a durable African hardwood featuring golden to medium brown tones that darken over time. It has an interlocked grain and natural resistance to environmental changes.

Maple

Maple is a light, creamy-colored hardwood with a fine, even texture and gentle grain pattern. It is known for its smooth finish and clean, elegant look.

Oak

Oak is a robust hardwood recognized for its distinctive grain, natural character, and warm light to medium brown tones. It offers strength, durability, and a timeless aesthetic.

Sapele

Sapele is a dense, reddish-brown hardwood with a rich color and striking interlocked grain, often displaying ribbon-like figuring. It darkens gracefully as it ages.

Walnut

Walnut is a premium hardwood with deep chocolate-brown tones and a rich, luxurious grain. It has a smooth texture and naturally elegant appearance.

Modified Timber

Accoya

Accoya is a high-performance modified wood known for its exceptional stability, durability, and resistance to moisture. It has a pale, consistent appearance and maintains its form even in challenging environments.

Abodo

Abodo is a thermally modified timber with a warm natural tone and enhanced stability. It offers improved durability, reduced movement, and a clean, uniform grain appearance.

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