Hardwood Boards
Solid Hardwood Boards, Cut To Your Size
Hardwood is the choice when the board has to take weight, take wear, or simply look like a proper piece of timber. It is denser than softwood, holds a finish better and lasts longer, which is why it is what people reach for when they are building something they intend to keep.
What we stock
- Oak boards - solid hardwood oak, strong and attractive. The default choice for shelving, worktops and garden projects.
- Waney edge boards - one or both edges left natural, complete with the original curve of the tree. Also sold as live edge. Nothing else gives you that character.
- Kiln dried boards - dried under controlled conditions so the moisture is out before you build with them. Far less prone to moving once fitted.
Hardwood or softwood?
Hardwood is denser and heavier. It resists dents and wear, holds screws better and lasts longer outdoors. Choose it for worktops, heavy shelving, benches and anything structural or high-traffic.
Softwood is lighter, cheaper and easier to cut. Fine for framing, quick projects and anywhere the board is not carrying much or being knocked about.
The honest rule: if it is going to be leaned on, sat on, walked on or looked at closely, buy hardwood.
What people build with these
- Kitchen and utility worktops
- Heavy duty shelving that will not sag
- Garden benches and outdoor tables
- Feature walls and cladding
- Mantelpieces and floating shelves
- Bespoke furniture
Waney edge - worth knowing before you order
A waney edge board keeps the natural edge of the tree, bark line and all. That means no two boards are identical and the width varies along the length. That is the whole point of them, but it does mean you should order with a little margin rather than to the exact millimetre.
If you need consistent, square-edged boards, choose our standard oak boards instead.
Cut to size before it leaves the yard
We crosscut boards to your measurements at £3.60 per cut including VAT. Add your sizes to the order notes at checkout and we will email a separate invoice for the cutting. It saves you hiring a saw and gives you square, accurate cuts.
Finishing and care
- Indoors - oil, wax or varnish. Hardwood takes a finish beautifully and the grain comes alive.
- Outdoors - use an exterior treatment and re-coat every year or two, or let it silver naturally.
- Let it acclimatise - bring boards inside for a week before fitting so they settle to the humidity of the room.
Delivery and collection
We deliver up to 175 miles from our yards at Dunstable (LU6 3QL) and Brigg (DN20 0BN), unloaded by hand. Larger orders go nationwide on a hiab or artic. We confirm your ETA the day before.
Collection from Dunstable is welcome within opening hours - call ahead on 07498617279 so it is ready. Brigg is by appointment.
Not sure which board suits your project? Call 07498617279 or email info@davidstimber.co.uk and we will talk it through.