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When you're working on a construction or DIY project, choosing the right timber can make all the difference to the strength, durability, and overall finish of the build. One of the most versatile and widely used types is carcassing timber. It's a term you'll often hear in the trade, but if you're new to it, you might be wondering exactly what it means and how it's used. Let's take a closer look.

What is Carcassing Timber?

Carcassing timber refers to structural-grade softwood that's used in construction, where the timber will be hidden from view once the build is complete. It's graded for strength rather than appearance, so while it may have knots, colour variations, and other natural markings, it's perfectly suited to the jobs it's designed for.

Typically, carcassing timber is made from softwoods such as spruce, pine,

When it comes to enhancing your garden or carrying out landscaping projects, wooden sleepers are a popular and versatile material. They're commonly used for retaining walls, raised beds, borders, steps, and even garden furniture. But with a variety of wooden sleepers available on the market, knowing which type is right for your needs can be confusing. This guide breaks down the main types of wooden sleepers, softwood, hardwood, and treated options to help you make an informed choice.

Softwood Sleepers

Softwood sleepers, typically made from pine or spruce, are among the most commonly used and cost-effective options. They are generally pressure-treated with preservatives to improve their resistance to rot and insect attack. This makes them ideal for most garden projects, including raised beds, borders, and decorative edging.

Timber cladding brings warmth, character, and a timeless finish to our homes. It's a natural choice for those of us who value aesthetics as much as function. However, like all things natural, timber needs care to stay in top condition. In this guide, we'll share our best advice for timber cladding maintenance, with hands-on tips you can use yourself, even if you're new to home improvements.

Why Timber Cladding Needs a Little TLC

Wood is a living, breathing material. That's part of its appeal, but it also means it's vulnerable to the elements. Sun, rain, frost and even air pollution can all take their toll. Without regular upkeep, cladding can fade, warp, crack or suffer from mould and rot. That's why it's important to stay on top of maintenance. It helps protect the timber, extend its life, and keep our homes looking great.

Step 1: Inspect Regularly

We recommend giving your timber cladding a once-over

Summer is a time when your garden really comes alive, and it's the perfect opportunity to tackle those important jobs that will keep your outdoor space looking fantastic all season long. After a cold winter and wet spring, many garden features need some attention to get them back to their best. At Mill Timber Direct, we know how much difference proper garden maintenance can make to a home. We stock everything you need for garden projects, from basic repair materials to complete makeover supplies. Here are the key jobs we recommend prioritising this summer to make the most of your outdoor space.

Getting Your Fence Back to Its Best

Your garden fence probably shows the most obvious signs of winter damage, which makes it a great place to start your summer garden refresh. Many fences just need a really good clean to look much better. You can use a pressure

Working out how much timber cladding you need for your project is actually quite simple. With the right formula and a bit of planning, you'll avoid running short or wasting money on excess materials.

The Simple Cladding Calculation Method

To figure out how many linear metres of cladding you need, you just need to know two things:

The total area you want to cover (in square metres)

The coverage per board of your chosen profile (in metres)

Then, you will need to use this formula: Total area (m²) ÷ Coverage per board (m) = Linear metres needed

Let's take a look at an example for a 72m² project comparing

A dull, drab garden may be a feature of the winter months, but as spring approaches, it's time to start sprucing up your outdoor space. There are plenty of creative ways that you can give your garden the makeover it deserves without breaking the bank or completely overhauling its current design. From upgrading shabby fencing to adding fun features, we'll share how you can get started on creating your dream garden.

Get Planning

Start by really scrutinising your space. Take a look at your current layout, the borders, paths, shrubs, plants and boundary fencing. Cast your eye over your pots, benches, paving slabs and patio area, and measure up those areas you'd like to improve.

Feature Fencing

Fixing up your fencing

Timber remains one of the most versatile and timeless materials for a variety of home improvement projects. Whether you're upgrading your living space, adding unique character to your interiors, or enhancing your home's overall practicality and value, timber offers endless possibilities.

Its natural beauty, impressive durability, and sustainability make it an excellent choice for countless applications. As a trusted and reliable supplier, we take pride in providing high-quality timber products to help bring your creative ideas to life.

Here are three inspiring ways to use timber for impactful and stylish home improvements in 2025.

1. Transform Your Garden with Timber Decking

A timber deck

When selecting timber for your project, understanding timber grading is vital. Timber grading provides a clear standard for the quality and strength of wood, ensuring that you get the right material for the job. Let's explore what timber grading means, the different types of grades, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Why Is Timber Grading Important?

Timber grading allows us to classify wood based on its strength, durability, and appearance. Whether building a sturdy framework or crafting bespoke furniture, knowing the grade helps us choose timber that matches structural and aesthetic requirements. Grading also ensures safety by aligning timber strength with intended applications, particularly in construction where load-bearing capacities are crucial.

Grading is typically divided into two main categories:

Your outdoor space should be an oasis of calm and quiet. Yet noisy neighbours and incessant road noise often disturb your comfort. If the hustle of modern city life adversely affects your well-being, it could be worth considering acoustic fence panels.

Noise pollution is a silent health threat, disrupting our sleep and causing hearing loss. Acoustic fencing is engineered to absorb or reflect sound and act as a physical barrier against noise pollution. In addition, sound insulation creates a quieter and healthier environment, which benefits everyone.

If an acoustic fence could be the answer to your problems, we've taken a closer look at why you should upgrade your basic fence panels.

What's So Different About Acoustic Fencing?

High-quality acoustic fencing is an effective tool in the battle against noise pollution from roads, railways, heat pumps and busy venues. Put simply, acoustic panels either reflect sound away or absorb it, providing

When starting a DIY project or professional construction task, selecting the right type of screw is absolutely essential. Screws are not a one-size-fits-all. They are specifically designed to cater to various materials and applications. In this guide, we will focus on four primary types of screws: masonry screws, wood screws, drywall screws, and decking screws. Each of these has unique features and purposes, ensuring your projects are secure and durable.

Masonry Screws

Masonry screws are specifically designed for use in hard materials such as brick, concrete, and stone. The threads are sharp and closely spaced to grip the masonry securely.

When to Use Masonry Screws - Masonry screws are ideal for attaching items like brackets, shelving, and fixtures to concrete or brick walls. They require a pilot hole, which must be drilled with a masonry bit to match the diameter of the screw. When