Feel like an idiot buying Timber at timber yards

mgnlloyd · 2007-10-05T01:43:21+00:00

Ok, so I am an inexperienced DIYer but at least im enthusiastic aboutthe possibilities.I want to build a computer desk and some alcove shelving. I needseveral sheets of plywood but i really dont have a bloody clue what imtalking about. I really think if the whole industry was moreaccessible to dumbasses like me im sure it would be bigger. Secondproblem, and a big one - the ply wont fit in my car, obviously, so adelivery needs to be arranged but will anyone deliver a small quantityof timber to me economically ?... i doubt it.I need some 18mm ply thats furniture grade for the desk andshelves( 3-4 sheets) and maybe some 1 inch by 2 inch battons for theshelving design i found online. It would be great if it was possibleto buy this stuff online but i can only find and have heard they are expensive.I have a list of timber merchants near me from Is it a good idea to ring a few of these and bumble my way through aquote request?.. what kind of ply is best for me and what's a goodprice?Thanks for any help.

Oct 05, 2007 30 Replies

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Andy Hall 18 years ago

Both material types on that site have the real wood as a veneer.

WBP is mainly used for construction purposes (typical of the stuff sold in DIY store) although the ones here not.

The description should tell you. Normally the work "effect", "melamine" or "foil" is used.

There should be a balancing veneer generally. Also the availability of different thicknesses gives a clue. For example 6mm for a cabinet back where you would have the good side facing forwards and the hidden rear side being a cheaper veneer,

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Rob Hamadi 18 years ago

Try Goodwoods on Junction Road, near Archway. They're a family owned firm, very friendly and (at least last year) will cut to size accurately and free of charge. IIRC delivery is cheap / free depending on spend.

In fact, now that I come to mention them, they're one of the few things I miss since moving out to the sticks.

-- Rob

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Si 18 years ago

In message , Andy Hall writes

fumes are strong though so needs lots of ventilation while drying

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Stuart Noble 18 years ago

I thought the Danes were a green lot

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Andy Hall 18 years ago

Yer kidding. They have (or used to have) power stations burning oily fish industrially. The windmills are just a front.

Besides... what's the use of so called green products if they don't work?

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Stuart Noble 18 years ago

Oil finishes is probably the one area where solvents don't do much. The oil on its own is a good consistency and doesn't really need thinning for most applications.

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Huge 18 years ago

You may well ask.

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Andy Hall 18 years ago

Possibly. I just don't like most water based products for wood finishing.

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Stuart Noble 18 years ago

Nor do I. Usually dull and cloudy compared to the solvent equivalent, and you can forget sharp colours

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Andy Hall 18 years ago

Sort of like CFL bulbs really.

All of which goes to prove that the environmental lobby is all about clouded vision and muddled thinking.

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Stuart Noble 18 years ago

That is almost the definition of any lobby

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