Stock forms

All designers need to know the that timber and man-made boards are available in. If stock sizes are known, then designs can be manufactured more economically to reduce waste.

Once timber has been cut at a sawmill, it is referred to as , with uses including garden fence posts and some building work. Timber that is sold at DIY shops or from a timber merchant can often be bought with smooth, edges.

If planed timber is bought, the price will be higher because of the care taken to process the length of wood. PSE is a term used to indicate that the timber has a . This means that one edge will be planed smooth. PAR is a term used to indicate that the timber is , meaning that both the edges and sides have been planed. Planed timber is used for interior work where the timber is likely to be seen.

Hardwood and softwood are normally sold in lengths called:

regular sections
sheets

Regular sections and sheets refer to the proportional dimensions of the timber, whereas moulding refers to a decorative pattern that has been cut using a . Moulded timber can be used for skirting boards and dado rails. Dowels have a round that is available in different .

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Regular sections
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Moulding used for skirting board
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Dowel

Manufactured boards are usually sold in standard sized sheets of 2,440 mm × 1,220 mm. However, these are often too large for customers to transport, so part sheets can be sold, such as 1,220 mm × 6,10mm (half the size).