47 Princes Hwy, Albion Park Rail, NSW 2527

Mon - Fri 7:30 am - 4:00 pm | Sat - Sun Closed

Get some friendly advice

CALL 02 4257 1188


Blog Layout

What is Dressed Timber?

Sawmill Trading Company • May 11, 2023

Are you planning to use timber supplies Wollongong for your home or business? You'll be glad to know that the area has some of the best selection in Australia. But before anything else, you need to identify first which type of timber is best suited for your project. In this blog, we'll take a look at the two different types of timber and their advantages and disadvantages, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your supplies.


What is the difference between dressed timber and rough timber?

Rough sawn timber or rough timber is a type of lumber that has not undergone any planing or smoothing process. It retains its natural rough texture with visible features such as bark, knots, and uneven edges. Compared to dressed timber, sawn timber is generally less expensive because it is least finished. It is frequently employed in construction activities like building frames or in landscaping projects.


On the other hand, dressed timber is a type of timber that has already been planed and smoothed to meet custom specifications and obtain a consistent finish. It is often used in applications where smooth finish and precise specifications are required such as furniture, floors, and paneling.

timber

Do you need to sand dressed timber?

Most edges of a dressed timber are already smooth because they have already been finished. However, depending on where it will be used, some timbers may still need to be sanded.


Either you want them sanded on just one side or on one side and one edge, you can classify them easily as indicated in their labels.


  • D1S Timber - Dressed one side Timber
  • D1S, D1E Timber - Dressed on one side and one edge Timber
  • DAR Timber - Dressed All Round Timber


How do you dress a piece of timber?

Dressing a timber is done in the same way as any other wood project. The process starts by harvesting the dressed treated pine from a sustainable timber plantation and then brought to a processing facility where it is cut, treated, and finished.


Of all the timber finishes, products made from dressed timber are the most skillfully and thoroughly made as the timber is precisely dressed to produce an incredibly smooth, highly polished, and dressed surface.


What is the difference between treated pine and dressed pine?

Treated Pine is a type of timber that has been infused with a chemical solution, providing it with long-lasting protection against decay, insects, and other types of deterioration. This exceptional durability makes treated pine an excellent choice for various applications such as pergolas, decks, posts, and poles.


Dressed pine is a type of timber that has been machined to create an incredibly smooth and highly polished surface. This finish gives the wood an attractive and elegant look, which is best used in furniture, joinery, cabinetry, or any other application where a high-end finish is demanded.


Is dressed pine suitable for outdoors?

Dressed Australian treated pine or also referred sometimes as dried laser pine is a type of timber that is treated using safe components.


Dried laser pine is typically machined to achieve a finish that is smoother than sawn timber, but more textured than dressed timber. It is best suited for outdoor applications such as decks, fences, pergolas, retaining walls, and building projects.



What is dressed timber for?

Dressed timber is primarily used in a variety of applications that are related to furniture making, home renovations, feature walls, and other DIY projects.


It can also be used in flooring applications, lining walls and ceilings, making doors, window frames and other joinery items. The benefit of using dressed timber over rough-sawn timber is that it requires less finishing work to make it look great. With a smooth finish, a timber dressed product will have an attractive appearance without much effort.

cutting a piece of timber

What does dressed all round timber mean?

Dressed all round timber or DAR timber refers to a type of wood that has been thoroughly planed and polished to achieve an extremely smooth surface. The process involves dressing all sides of the timber by removing any rough or uneven surfaces and creating straight edges. Once finished, the DAR timber is ready for use in construction, furniture, or other applications where appearance matters.


What are the advantages of dressed timber?

Unlike rough-sawn timber that may require additional sanding and finishing work, dressed timber is ready to use. Not only will its smooth timber finishes enhance the appearance of any project but you can assure that it is more durable in resisting moisture than rough sawn timber.

a woodworker sanding timber furniture

Conclusion

Rough sawn timber is a great choice for commercial and domestic applications such as decks, cladding, posts, and beams due to its rough texture that makes it able to bear large amounts of weight. But for projects that require smooth surface and finish, dressed hardwood is definitely the better option. Dressed timber undergoes planing and sanding to smoothen out its grain, making it suitable for furniture and internal applications. Whether it's for framework, flooring, or wall panelling, dressed hardwood provides a polished finish that gives any project a stylish look like no other.

  • READ MORE

    We sincerely hope you enjoy reading this blog post!

    If you have a question about our timber products and services, we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to send us a message or give us a call.


    Get in Touch 

    Call Us 02 4257 1188

We sincerely hope you enjoy reading this blog post!

If you have a question about our timber products and services, we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to send us a message or give us a call.

Share by: