What Is PAR Timber? Our Comprehensive Guide

If you’re searching for wood with a smooth, professional finish, PAR timber could be the right choice for you. Our team of experts have answered your most important questions about PAR timber.

What is PAR Timber?

PAR timber stands for "planed all round," meaning the wood is planed on all sides to achieve a smooth, uniform finish. This process involves sanding the wood down to remove rough surfaces, creating a sleek and consistent appearance. PAR timber can be made from both hardwood and softwood, provided that it has undergone the planing process on all sides.

Traditionally, planing was done by hand, requiring considerable skill and effort. However, modern advancements have introduced specialised machinery that makes achieving this smooth finish quicker and easier. This ensures that PAR timber meets high standards of quality and appearance, making it a popular choice for various DIY projects and professional carpentry.

What Are the Benefits of PAR Timber?

PAR timber’s smooth, uniform finish is more aesthetically pleasing than rough-sawn timber, giving projects a professional and polished look. This refined appearance makes PAR timber ideal for visible applications such as furniture, shelving, and interior woodwork. The smooth surface of PAR timber is also safer to handle as you’re less likely to get splinters and other minor injuries like you would with rough wood.

What is PAR Timber Used For?

PAR timber is perfect for visible building projects such as flooring, decking, furniture, cabinetry, and more. As it has been planed to be visually appealing and safely smoothed, it is a great wood choice for projects where you want a refined finish.

Is PAR Timber Treated?

PAR timber can be purchased either untreated or treated, but it most commonly comes pressure-treated. Pressure-treated PAR timber undergoes a process where preservatives are infused into the wood under high pressure, significantly enhancing its durability and resistance to decay, insects, and moisture. This treated wood is often referred to as tanalised timber, and is particularly beneficial for exterior applications such as decking, fencing, and garden furniture, as the treatment helps to ensure a long-lasting finish and better performance in varying weather conditions.

What Sizes Does PAR Timber Come In?

PAR timber comes in a wide variety of sizes to suit your exact needs. At Covers Builders Merchants, we stock a very large variety of dimensions, with our most popular being:

• 25 x 150mm 
• 25 x 200mm 
• 25 x 225mm
• 38 x 125mm 
• 38 x 150mm
• 50 x 150mm 
• 50 x 175mm 
• 75 x 75mm 

PAR vs Rough Sawn Timber

Rough sawn timber is wood that's been cut to size but left with a raw, unfinished surface. Its coarse texture and potential splinters make it less suitable for exposed or finished applications. However, it's perfect for structural projects where the timber won't be seen, like internal framing or support beams. Because it undergoes minimal processing, rough sawn timber is more affordable, making it a cost-effective choice for foundational and concealed construction needs.

So if your project needs smooth, high-quality timber that will be on show, PAR timber is the best option for you. However, if appearance isn't crucial, rough sawn timber offers a sturdy and budget-friendly option​.

What Types of PAR Timber Are There?

PAR can be crafted from both softwoods and hardwoods, offering versatility for various projects. Common types include hardwoods like oak and ash, known for their durability and beautiful grain, and softwoods like pine and redwood, which are easier to work with and more budget-friendly. This versatility allows you to choose the best wood type for your specific needs, whether it's for furniture, flooring, or decorative projects.

While PAR timber means “planed all round”, you can also get PSE “paned single edge” and PBS “planed both sides”. These other types of planed wood are most commonly used in flooring, but are suitable for other projects where only certain faces are visible.

Find Top-Quality PAR Timber For Your Next DIY Project

No matter the type of timber you need for your next DIY project, we have an extensive selection of high-quality timber available for you to explore.

With over 175 years of industry experience, you can rely on Covers Builders Merchants to supply you with the best products and customer service. Visit your nearest Covers depot to experience the difference shopping at a family-run business makes.

FAQ

What is the difference between PAR and PSE timber?

PAR timber is planed on all four sides, providing a smooth, uniform finish. PSE timber is planed on two adjacent sides, while the other sides remain rough. This makes PAR timber ideal for visible projects, while PSE is a more cost-effective option for structural projects.

What is the difference between CLS and PAR timber?

CLS timber stands for “Canadian Lumber Standard” and is typically used in structural projects such as framing, studwork, and carcassing. CLS timber is made from kiln-dried softwood and is planed to have rounded edges. PAR timber, on the other hand, is planed on all sides but is not specifically made from softwood and does not have CLS’s characteristic rounded edges.

Can you use PAR timber outside?

PAR timber can be used externally as long as it is appropriately treated. Treatment protects the wood from moisture, decay, and insects, ensuring it can withstand outdoor environments. Pressure-treated or tanalised PAR timber is ideal for decking, fencing, and other outdoor projects.

How should PAR timber be finished?

PAR timber can be finished with staining, varnishing, or painting, making it a highly versatile wood choice for a wide range of DIY projects. These finishes protect the wood and allow for customisation, ensuring a professional and polished look.