PSE (Planed Square Edge) / PAR (Planed All Round) Softwood Timber is high-grade pine or spruce that has been planed smooth on all four sides, creating precise dimensions with crisp, square edges. While premium stock is frequently imported from slow-growing Scandinavian forests for its tight grain, PAR timber is also sourced from the Baltic region, North America, and domestic growers.

It is primarily used for:

• Internal Joinery & Woodworking: Constructing visible interior woodwork such as door frames, window surrounds, dado rails, skirting boards, and window sills.

• Furniture & Cabinet Building: Crafting tables, bookcases, shelving units, bed frames, and fitted wardrobes where a clean, splinter-free finish is essential.

• Decorative Trim & Mouldings: Creating wall panelling (such as board and batten or shiplap accent walls), decorative boxing, and neat framing for internal features.

• General Internal DIY Projects: Building internal partitions, workbench tops, storage racks, and framing where the wood remains visible and needs to be painted, stained, or varnished.

Available for collection from our Rugby branch or local delivery using our own fleet.

Timber products are typically delivered in one of our vans or pickup trucks. Delivery is kerbside and the final offloading position is always subject to safe access and the driver’s discretion.

Please tell us before delivery about:

• Narrow roads or restricted entrances
• Parked vehicles or limited turning space
• Overhead cables, trees or other obstructions
• Soft, sloping or unsuitable ground
• Any other access concerns

Enter your postcode on the product page to check your delivery area. We’ll confirm the delivery date after your order is placed.

How does PSE/PAR timber differ from rough-sawn timber?

Rough-sawn timber is cut straight from the log, leaving a rough, splintery surface with visible saw marks—ideal for hidden framing (joists, studs) or outdoor fencing. PSE/PAR timber is machined smooth, splinter-free, and dimensionally uniform, making it ideal for visible interior joinery, furniture, and paint or stain finishes.

Can PSE/PAR softwood timber be used outdoors?

Untreated PSE/PAR softwood is intended for internal use only. If used outdoors (e.g., for exterior trim, pergolas, or garden structures), it must be pressure-treated (tanalised) with preservatives or regularly treated with exterior-grade wood preservative, primer, and topcoat paint to prevent rotting and moisture expansion.

Do I need to sand PSE/PAR timber before painting or staining?

While PAR timber comes smooth off the machine, a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper (180–240 grit) is recommended. This removes any minor mill marks or raised wood fibers, providing the ideal key for knotting solution, wood primer, or stain to adhere evenly.

How should I store PSE timber long-term so it doesn't bow?

Always store timber flat and fully supported off the floor in a dry, covered indoor area. Never lean long PAR boards vertically against a wall, as gravity and uneven air flow will cause the timber to sag and bow permanently.