B And Q Timber

Everything You Need to Know Before Your Next DIY Project

As a homeowner and avid DIYer, I’ve come to rely on B&Q as my go-to source for quality timber and wood products for all my projects around the house and garden. Whether I’m building shelving for the pantry, putting up fence panels in the backyard, or constructing raised garden beds, having a good selection of timber and knowing the best practices for choosing and using it is essential.

After numerous trips to rifle through the B&Q timber aisles and test out various types of woods over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what’s available and how to pick the right materials for each job. So if you’re wondering where to find the timber, what’s on offer, and how to use it, look no further! Here is my comprehensive guide to buying timber at B&Q.

Where to Find the Timber at B&Q

The first step is knowing where to go in the store to find the timber section. At most B&Q locations, the timber will be located towards the back of the store, normally in its own aisle. Some larger B&Q stores may have multiple timber aisles.

I usually head straight to the back-left corner of my local store to start browsing the timber offerings. This is where they keep all the seasoned softwoods and hardwoods, boards and sheets, treated timber, cladding, beams, and more.

B&Q also has a dedicated outdoor timbers section along the back wall, where you can find wood ideal for decking, fencing, landscaping, and exterior construction. This includes timbers like pressure treated pine and heavy-duty C24 graded timbers.

Finally, don’t forget to check the DIY and flooring aisles for other wood products like plywood, MDF boards, engineered wood, laminate flooring boards, and timber veneers. B&Q really does have a diverse timber selection suitable for any home project!

The Timber Varieties Available at B&Q

Once you’ve found the timber section, it’s time to get familiar with the types of woods and board materials sold at B&Q. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect to find:

• Softwoods: This includes pine, spruce and whitewood timbers which are inexpensive, lightweight and ideal for construction, fencing and rough carpentry jobs. They’re easy to cut, drill and shape.
• Hardwoods: Oak, maple and ash timber for furniture making, cabinetry, flooring and finishes. More expensive but give a premium look.
• Manufactured Boards: Plywood, chipboard, MDF and OSB sheets in various sizes for construction, doors, shelving, flooring etc.
• Treated Timber: Tanalised timber, decking boards and outdoor woods treated for rot/pest resistance.
• Cladding & Exterior: Shiplap and featheredge boards, textured finishes, exterior battens.
• Sheet Materials: Veneered plywood, laminate sheets, veneers, hardboard.
• Beams & Posts: For structural support. Available in softwood and hardwood.

So at B&Q you really can find timber for every purpose, from interior DIY to outdoor building. And their online timber shop allows you to order any specialist sizes not in store.

How Much Does Timber Cost at B&Q?

As you would expect, timber prices at B&Q vary depending on the type of wood, size, treatment and intended use. Here is an overview of typical price ranges:

• Basic Pine/Whitewood: Starts from £8 for a 1.2m length. Around £20-30 for a 2.4m length.
• Standard C16 Structural Pine: £15-25 for a 1.2m length. From £30-50 for a 2.4m length.
• Premium C24 Structural Pine: £25-40 for a 1.2m length. £50-70 for 2.4m lengths.
• Treated Decking Boards: Start around £2 each but wider boards cost £10+. Packs of 5-15 boards range £30-100.
• Fence Panels: From £12 for 1.8m panels up to £85 for 2.4 x 1.8m panels. Gravel boards from £8.
• Plywood Sheets: Start around £10 for 8x4ft general purpose sheets. Marine plywood from £30. Oak veneers from £50.
• Timber Cladding: Shiplap from £8 per m. Featheredge from £30 per m. Hardwoods cladding from £60 per m.
• Oak & Hardwoods: £100 per m+ for premium wood. Beams from £70 each.

So you can spend anywhere from £5 for basic whitewood up to £500+ for large oak beams and board packs. But general construction timber, boards and panels tend to be very affordable. Just watch out for any ‘premium’ woods which bump up the prices.

Treated Timber Options at B&Q

One key consideration when buying timber for any outdoor project or damp areas is getting pre-treated woods that will resist rot, fungal decay and insect attack. Thankfully, B&Q offers plenty of treated timber options suitable for fences, decking, landscaping and exterior construction.

Here are some of the common treatment types and terms you’ll see:

• Tanalised: Uses pressure injection with Tanalith preservative chemicals. For fence posts, sheds, decking etc.
• Treated Pine: Pre-treated softwood for exterior use. Different levels of treatment.
• Treated Gluelam: Laminated softwood beams treated for outdoor structural use.
• Enzo: Advanced Tanalith treatment for severe outdoor exposure/wet situations.
• Wolmanized: Outdoor wood treated with fungicides and insecticides. For structural use.
• Green Treated: Preservative treatment with a green tint. General exterior/outdoor use.
• Brown Treated: Term for CCA preservative giving a brown color.

So always check for these labels when choosing timber for any outdoor or damp environments. It will save you money and hassle in the long run compared to using regular untreated indoor timber.

Finding Hardwoods at B&Q

While most of the timber sold at B&Q is standard softwood for construction and carpentry, you can also find select hardwood boards and beams which are great for higher-end finishes and furniture.

Here are the main hardwood options available:

• European Oak: The classic hardwood for furniture, flooring, cladding, beams etc. Sold as planks, boards and in sheet materials.
• Sapele: A rich red-toned African hardwood used for cabinetry, cladding and decking. More affordable option.
• Iroko: Durable African hardwood sold for outdoor furniture, decking, fencing, doors. Yellow/amber tones when treated.
• Maple: Pale hardwood traditionally used in furniture, kitchens, flooring and interior finishes. Sold as boards.
• Ash: A light but strong choice for structural use as beams, cladding and outdoor furniture.

While the range is not huge, you can still find quality hardwood boards at B&Q suitable for small home furnishing projects, provided you don’t mind paying a bit more compared to standard softwood. I suggest checking both the timber aisles and the outdoor sections for any hardwood offerings.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Timber at B&Q

As customer awareness grows around responsible sourcing and forestry sustainability, stores like B&Q are increasing their ethically-produced timber options which are kinder on the environment:

• FSC Certified Wood: Timber from Forest Stewardship Council approved suppliers. Ensures sustainable forestry practices.
• PEFC Approved: Alternative sustainable forestry certification. Also ensures responsible sourcing.
• Reclaimed Wood: Timber reclaimed from old buildings, factories etc and given a new lease of life.
• Whitewood: Farmed pine and spruce timbers rather than unsustainable tropical hardwoods.

So if you are environmentally-conscious, look out for these logos and terms when choosing timber. B&Q are quite good at stocking sustainable woods, even for treated decking and hardwoods. You may pay a small premium but it encourages better forestry.

The Range of Timber Sizes at B&Q

B&Q really do try to cater for all DIY project needs when it comes to timber sizes and dimensions.

For your standard boards and planks, typical sizes are:

• 18mm, 25mm, 38mm and 50mm thicknesses
• 75mm, 100mm, 125mm, 150mm widths
• 1.2m, 1.8m, 2.4m, 2.7m, 3.0m, 3.6m lengths

For fencing, poles and outdoor projects, they stock:

• 75-200mm diameter round posts
• 75mm square posts
• 1.5m-2.4m post lengths
• 1.2m-1.8m lap panels and picket fencing

Sheet sizes tend to be:

• 2400mm x 1200mm (8x4ft)
• 2700mm x 1200mm
• 3000mm x 1200mm
• 3600mm x 1200mm

Plus lots of trim/edging boards, architraves, skirting and cladding boards in various sizes. The range really does allow you to find the right timber dimensions for all those essential DIY tasks around the home and garden.

Using B&Q Timber for Decking & Fencing

Two of the most popular timber projects for homeowners involve building new garden decking or putting up fence panels – both jobs where buying the right woods from B&Q can make all the difference.

For decking, you’ll want to head to the back exterior timber bays and look for:

• Pressure treated pine boards specifically designed for decking use. These are pre-treated for longevity outside and come in a variety of lengths and widths. I prefer wider 150-200mm boards personally.
• Hardwoods like Iroko are more expensive but give an exotic, tropical look for deck boards. Make sure they are treated.
• Bamboo decking is also available for a sustainable deck surface and gives fantastic grip underfoot when wet.

For fencing, also check the exterior timber sections for:

• Treated overlap and featheredge panels in 1.8-2.4m sizes. The different treatment levels indicate longevity.
• Gravel boards, both plastic and timber, to stop soil build up. Size to your panel width.
• Pre-treated pine posts and brackets to erect the panels. Get 100-125mm diameter posts for stability.

Choosing the right B&Q timbers will give you a long-lasting, stable deck or fence that survives the British weather. Don’t skimp on treatments and timbers graded for outdoor use.

Buying Timber Boards at B&Q

If you need general boards for carpentry, construction or home projects, the interior timber aisles at B&Q are where you want to shop. Here you’ll find:

• Pine boards in multiple lengths/widths for shelving, boxing in pipes and general DIY. Go for wider boards where possible for increased strength. I normally buy seasoned C16 graded boards.
• Spruce battens if you just need thin timber strips for framework, edging or slats. The 1″ x 2″ sizes are quite useful.
• White wood boards if you need cheap, easy to cut timber for practice or mock-ups. Use a wood preserver if any outdoor use.
• Hardwood boards of oak, maple or sapele when you want a premium finish. Check widths – 150mm+ gives best results.

When estimating quantities, remember that wider boards will give you greater coverage. And for structural parts like shelving, always choose strong, seasoned timbers over basic whitewood or chipboard. It lasts much longer with no sagging.

The Benefits of Buying Timber Sheets at B&Q

For large flat timber surfaces, whether it’s sheathing a wall, building cabinets or creating a sub-floor, you’ll want to consider the sheet materials that B&Q sells alongside regular planks and boards:

Plywood Sheets – My top pick for strength, versatility and easy working. Go for 12mm or 18mm. Use veneered ply for nice finishes. Avoid chipboard which swells and delaminates.

OSB Sheets – Cheaper alternative to plywood. Look for moisture-resistant versions for bathrooms/kitchens. Can be used structurally.

MDF Sheets – Smooth, uniform material that’s perfect for painted cabinetry and furniture projects. Look for exterior MDF if any damp contact.

Hardboard – High density board, thin at 3-6mm. Excellent for cabinet backs, door fillers and wall panelling.

Laminate Sheets – Pre-laminated chipboard with plastic coating. Great for shelving, door panels, desk surfaces. Wipe clean.

Choosing the right sheet timber really depends on the application. My overall top pick would be B&Q’s own premium plywood which gives great results for almost any DIY job.

Getting Timber Cut to Size at B&Q

One extremely useful service offered at B&Q stores is the ability to get your timber cut to size. This saves time and effort trying to trim boards accurately yourself.

Simply take your chosen timber to the cutting station – normally located in the middle timber aisle. Explain the sizes you need and they can trim the wood down for you, normally free of charge.

I’d definitely advise getting long lengths of timber cut down if:

• You need precise sizing to fit a space.
• Shorter boards will make the wood easier to transport.
• You lack the tools/confidence to cut accurately yourself.

It also means you can buy in bulk and get the timber split to different sizes rather than buying multiple packs. Just check they offer the cutting service before you buy!

Cladding Projects Using B&Q Timber

If you need wood to re-clad exterior walls, build screening or make garden structures, B&Q has a lot of timber cladding options beyond just standard planks.

Some of my top picks include:

• Shiplap Boards – Interlocking design for easy coverage. Available in pine, spruce and hardwoods.
• Featheredge Boards – Rustic, overlapping effect. Needs battens underneath. Pine and cedar options.
• Hollow Cladding – Embossed lines give a grooved shading effect.
• Waney Edge Boards – Rustic, undulating natural edge. For garden buildings.
• Black Charred Timber – Burnt wood effect cladding. Dramatic look.
• Loglap Panels – Wide overlapping waves design. Quicker than boards.

Whatever style you want, visiting the cladding section ensures you get timber suited to outdoor use which will last. And mixing different finishes like featheredge and shiplap together works really well.

The Best Timber for Beams & Structural Use

For any big structural project like building a house extension, workshop or replacing interior load-bearing walls, you want the strongest timber possible from B&Q.

Here are my top tips for choosing structural beams and posts:

• Softwood Grades – C16 is good but C24 is stronger if budgets allow. Ideal for important lintels, joists, rafters. Get 145mm+ widths.
• Glulam Beams – Made by glueing layers of softwood together. Very strong. For long spans without support.
• Hardwoods – Oak is exceptional. Maple and ash also have excellent tensile strength. Go for large 150x200mm sections.
• Maximise Dimensions – Wider and deeper beams are exponentially stronger. 200x245mm is a common size.
• Check Treatment – Use treated outdoor timber for carports, walkways etc. Otherwise choose untreated.
• Have Timber Cut – Get precise lengths for easy joining. 4-5m is good for manageability.

Never scrimp on timber for critical structural elements. Paying extra for quality materials like C24 graded glulam can prevent major issues down the line.

How to Treat & Preserve Your Timber

Unless you’ve bought specially treated exterior woods, most timber from B&Q will need additional protection when in use:

Paint/Varnish – Easiest option. Use exterior wood paints and yacht varnishes for outdoor use. Requires regular recoating every 1-2 years.

Wood Preserver – Apply clear Tanalith or Ronseal solutions by brush or dipping to absorb into the grain. Protects against rot and insects. Reapply every 2-3 years.

Wood Stain – Coloured stains nourish timber whilst also giving a fresh colour tone. Available in many shades. Recoat regularly.

Oil Treatment – Oils like Danish oil penetrate deep into wood pores to nourish the fibres. Best on cladding and furniture. Requires less maintenance than paints or varnishes.

Heat Treatment – Can be used on exterior Oak timbers to enhance weather resistance. Kiln drying darkens the colour too.

Always read the labels to check application guidelines. And do a test patch on bare timber before committing to any treatment, as the colours may vary slightly.

Using Plywood for Flooring and Walls

One of the most adaptable sheet materials to buy from B&Q is plywood. Because it has cross-layered construction, it’s immensely strong and can be used to make:

Plywood Floors – An affordable alternative to solid wood or laminate flooring. Use 12mm sheets and fix tightly together with flooring adhesive. Veneered ply gives a nice surface finish.

Wall Panelling – Adds character to any room. Get 6mm or 9mm sheets and fix with panel pins. Use tongue and groove cladding ply for easy joining.

Room Dividers – Lightweight dividing walls. Especially good for rental properties. Fix 6mm sheets to battens.

Stair Casing – A solid staircase surface that you can directly glue carpet to. Alternatively add hardwood edging strips.

Plywood Kitchens – For a Scandinavian look. Combine with simple cabinet doors and MDF panels.

With the right varnish, paint or oil, plywood can give a beautiful, long-lasting finish. It’s much easier for DIY than traditional plastering or tongue and groove walls. You can even use it outside thanks to exterior/marine grades.

Can Unused Timber be Returned to B&Q?

After finishing a woodworking project, you may have lengths of timber left over. But can these offcuts actually be returned to B&Q for a refund?

The answer is yes, provided certain conditions are met:

• The timber is unused and in the original condition bought.
• You have the receipt showing the wood was purchased at B&Q.
• The timber is a standard stocked size and length.
• At least 85% of the original length remains.

This allows you to get a refund for surplus timber that cannot be used. Keep your receipts and try to avoid making any cuttings or modifications until afterwards.

The returns desk can check the timber and issue a credit note accordingly. For safety reasons, B&Q do not directly re-sell customer used timber. Just make sure it meets the criteria to avoid disappointment.

Organising Timber Delivery From B&Q

For really big DIY projects, you may need to buy large quantities of timber which are impractical to transport in a car.

The good news is that B&Q offer a home delivery service for your wood purchases.

Delivery charges depend on how much you spend but start from around £20. You can get free delivery for orders over £500.

I’d definitely recommend home delivery if buying:

• Lots of sheet materials like 18mm plywood or cladding panels.
• Long lengths over 3m which won’t fit in vehicles – e.g roof joists.
• Heavy glulam beams, oak lengths or construction packs.
• Big packs of decking boards, fencing, posts etc. A must for rear access or if no vehicle access onsite.

Just remember to check timber delivery options online before purchasing anything you can’t collect yourself. It avoids wasted journeys.

Which Timber Products are Most Popular at B&Q?

After many trips to browse the wonderfully tempting timber aisles at B&Q, I’ve noticed which products seem to fly off the shelves fastest thanks to their versatility and value for money:

• Pine Battens – So useful for edgings, frames and finishing touches.
• Whitewood Shelving – Cheap and easy to install bookshelves and storage.
• OSB Board – The first budget sheet material to sell out. Used everywhere.
• C16 Graded Pine – The mid-range softwood for general projects.
• Fence Panels – Ever popular for quick garden screening and boundaries.
• Decking Boards – Classic summer DIY project.
• Timber Cladding – To instantly improve exterior walls.
• Wood Preserver – To protect any timber investments.
• MDF Board – The smooth finish looks great once painted.

So if you’re looking for versatile, good value woods, stick to the B&Q basics above and you can’t really go wrong for your projects!

Final Thoughts

I hope this detailed guide gives you all the timber tips and tricks you need before shopping at B&Q. Their vast range ensures you’ll find the right wood for every job, whether it’s building bookcases, putting up cladding, erecting a new shed or starting any aspirational woodworking project.

Just take your time browsing the timber offering in store and online. Always get outdoor/treated woods if needs be. Don’t be afraid to invest in quality materials for important structural work. And make use of the brilliant cutting service for custom lengths.

With the right B&Q timber purchased, you’re ready to unleash your inner carpenter and create something wonderful! Let me know how you get on, and feel free to share any other top timber tips in the comments.

Happy DIYing!